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My mouth widened, ready to defend myself, but I didn’t need a mirror to know the state I was in.Shehad taken a great toll on me, especially after seeing what I had done to. . .

“How is Mr. Amelle?” I couldn’t get the image out of my head. He was breathing, but just barely. The bleeding was too much, even for a half-human’s regenerative powers.

“He’s stable, Ms. Eli,” Sonia said, her tone certain.

A sigh of relief escaped my chest. “Did he receive sedatives, too?”

“He had no need. The intake of blood was enough to improve his health. He should be fine by tomorrow.” Sonia nodded and bowed, exiting before I could sneak another question. She had answered the most important one, and it was enough of a push to search for my phone.

As if on cue, it vibrated beneath the pillow.

I was quick to pick up, the end of the line soundless as I held my breath. Even if it was just a call, the fear that Lace would discover what I’d hidden from him for so long always resurfaced. Still, I wished there were things he didn’t butt into. I’d rather deal with the wrath of his brothers, even his dad, but never Lace’s disappointment.

Because although he was my boss, he was my best friend, and best friends knew better than to keep secrets.

“Katerina?” His tone was low. Steady. Almost cautious.

“Lace.” His name was a confession on my tongue, a regret that exposed itself. We hadn’t spoken since I left the CEG, but I didn’t have to tell him about what had happened. He was the boss. He knew everything that ever happened.

But I wasn’t speaking to my boss— but my best friend.

“Listen, it’s okay,” he said. His warmth brushed my ear through the phone. “You’re okay. You did what you had to do as a guardian.”

I wanted to deny it, the words itching to be released. But instead, I changed the topic. “The medication’s side effects are stronger this time around, Lace.”

“I was expecting that,” he said with a chuckle. “But it shouldn’t have been that big of a difference. Have you been feeding?”

Silence was my answer.

“Nina, did you even pack your normal intake?”

“You know, food’s the last thing on my mind.” It was true. If it hadn’t been for Lace reminding me to feed, I would go weeks with just human food. “I didn’t bring anything at all.”

I could make out his head shaking against the phone. “The Sephtis require a replacement period every few months. One is due soon, so be on the lookout for a new delivery and a surprise.”

“Lace, I can fend with human food, seriously. . .” I paused and suddenly took in his words. “What surprise?”

“Lorenzo has been approved to be an offensive guardian for the Sephtis. He’ll arrive in a few days.”

ChapterEight

ALEK SEPHTIS

The Ambrogios remained in our presence long after the commotion settled down. Christopher occupied that timeframe to secure their word that chatter of today’s occurrence wouldn’t escape these grounds.

A simple rumor from their lips held enough power to ignite a wildfire within our society. Fortunately, they obliged after hours of discourse—in exchange for a commodity that would come along later.

We remained in the gathering room after their departure. Another meeting was upon us.

Christopher and Noah remained in their seats, their gazes falling on us as the atmosphere matured to a dreadful hum.

Suddenly I withered within my body as the pieces from earlier came together. How it followed the scheme I had told Kaleb only two days ago. His implementation of it seemingly coincided with the Ambrogio’s visitation.

But there were no coincidences when it came to the newsmongers’ that were the sisters.

Prick,my tongue itched to spit.Bloody power-hungry prick.

“Kaleb.” Christopher’s tone rarely altered, but when it did, it was more alarming than Noah and Kaleb combined. It held a narrow twang that crept underneath one’s skin and made anyone cower. “Explain.”