Page 91 of Killaney Blood

"It's done. It's fine. Just, from girl to girl, if you're not in it because you care for him, then get the fuck out, you know? Because whether all this was because of you or not, if my brother's life is on the line, and I can't make it go away, then I need to be damn sure it's for a good reason," she says and sits down on the edge of the bed. "Now, you saved him, so obviously there's something here. Romeo and Juliet type love, who knows? But it's something. And he's adamant about you, so, just be cool. If you're not in it, leave, okay?"

I nod, again unsure what to say. Like Callum, there's some truth to the things they say. And it's fair, which makes it impossible to deflect.

"I'm not trying to come at you sideways," she adds. "I get it. We've all done shit to survive. But Declan, he's not just my brother. He's my twin. I feel his pain. If he's falling for you and it ends bad? That's on me too."

I look at her and say, "I may not know exactly what all this is, but I can tell you with 100 percent certainty, I'm not trying to hurt him. I don't want that. Not ever."

"Good," she nods and smiles. "Sorry to have met you under these circumstances, with things as they are. Who knows though, maybe one day we can meet at a bar or restaurant, somethingmore fun, with less blood and fewer people passing out." She laughs to herself and stands.

"Anyway, my brother wants to see you, and I'm sure you'd like to see him. Can you walk?" Keira asks.

I push myself up, testing my strength. My head spins briefly, but the sensation passes. "Yeah, I think so."

"Okay," she says, stepping aside. "Let's go."

I swing my legs over the side of the bed, noticing for the first time that I'm wearing pajamas that definitely aren't mine. Someone changed me while I was unconscious. The thought should bother me more than it does.

"Did you?" I gesture at the clothes.

"Nina did," Keira says. "She thought you'd be more comfortable." She pauses, then adds, "Your clothes were covered in his blood."

The image flashes through my mind. Declan on the table, blood pooling beneath him, his skin gray and cold. My stomach lurches, and my face must show it, because Keira steps closer again.

"Hey. You okay?"

I nod, swallowing hard. "Just a lot going on."

She studies me for a moment, then extends her hand. "Come on. I'm sure he's driving everyone crazy asking about you."

I take her hand, surprised by the warmth of her grip, and let her pull me to my feet. My legs are unsteady at first, but they hold.

"For what it's worth," she says as we walk toward the door, "I first told him not to go after you, just to leave you alone."

I glance at her, confused. "Why?"

She shrugs. "Because I thought you might be trouble. But now I'm thinking maybe I was wrong." A small smile curves her lips. "Anyone who'd give their own blood to save my brother can't be all bad, right?"

I don't know how to respond to that. To the unexpected warmth in her voice, the tentative olive branch being extended.

"Don't get me wrong," she continues, "if you hurt him, I'll make sure no one ever finds your body." She says it with the same casual tone, but I don't doubt she means every word. "But for now, let's get you to my brother before he tears his stitches trying to find you himself."

29

LYRA

Keira's hand remains firmly around mine as we walk through the sprawling mansion. My legs still feel wobbly, and I'm grateful for her support, though I'd never admit it.

"They moved him," Nina calls out to us, and we stop and turn to face her.

"What? He didn't like laying on a table?" Keira says and winks at Nina.

She smiles and stops right in front of me and looks at me. "I'm so happy you're awake, dear. We were worried," she says, glancing between Keira and me. "Mr. Killaney is in the east wing guest suite. The one with the balcony."

Keira nods. "Thanks, Nina. We'll take it from here."

Nina hesitates and rubs my arm. "Do you need anything else? Some food, perhaps?"

The mention of food makes my stomach turn. "No, thank you. I'm fine for now."