Page 111 of Killaney Fire

I'll get ready and head over.

Also, Callum wants us out of sight, but I'm not letting my twin go into this alone. No offense.

So me and my men will be outside as support. The moment anything goes sideways, fucking call me and I'm there.

I type back:

Understood. Hopefully I don't need you.

Declan doesn't respond, just likes the message.

I set my phone down, get dressed and just as I'm putting on my cufflinks, my phone rings again.

Nicolae.

I let it go to voicemail.

I swipe up and open my last text from him.

Secure alliance, Octavian. Let her lead you right to them.

My jaw clenches.

Nicolae doesn't care, and this is the first time it bothers me.

To him, Keira's just another piece on the board. A means to an end.

But to me…

I delete the message.

Fuck Nicolae.

Fuck the alliance.

Fuck the plan.

If anyone tries to take her tonight, or ever, I'll kill them where they stand.

I pocket my phone and make my way outside. Keira's still asleep, so at least she's resting and not going crazy like I am.

I start my car and put the hotel in my GPS. I pull out of the driveway and look at Keira's house in my rearview mirror.

She's mine now, whether she knows it or not. Whether I even have the right or not.

I will protect her, even if it destroys me in the process and burns every bridge in my life.

They'll have to kill me to reach her. And even then, I'd find a way back.

31

KEIRA

The Fairmont Mandarin Plaza is probably the most luxurious hotel in Boston. I swear the glass shines a little brighter here, like even the building knows its worth. Shadowharbor struck some kind of deal with the owners; this will be their permanent annual venue, or so my assistant told me this morning while I was still trying to process waking up alone.

No note. No explanation. Just cold sheets and the faint impression of where Octavian's body had been pressed against mine hours before.

I was going to rip into him. Had the whole speech prepared in my head, complete with hand gestures and that particular tone I use when I'm royally pissed off but trying to maintain some semblance of composure.