Page 27 of Sadistic

Not so different from mine.

She's standing by her car, Dalla beside her.

They're both in jeans and light leather jackets, but Revna wears the earrings I sent.

At least it’s not blistering hot out today.

The sapphires catch the dying light, marking her as mine even if she doesn't fully accept it yet.

I approach from behind, silent despite my size.

She's arguing with her sister about something—probably about going in, facing what waits inside.

"Welcome home, little wolf."

She spins, and there it is—that fire my mother saw in the photos.

But there's something else too.

Exhaustion. Grief.

The echo of goodbye still clinging to her.

My name sounds like a curse in her mouth. "Doran."

"You're wearing the earrings."

Her hand goes to her ear automatically. "You said?—"

"I know what I said." I step closer, noting how Dalla moves protectively between us. "Hello, Dalla."

"Asshole."

"Charming." I don't look away from Revna. "Ready for this?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"There's always a choice. You can walk in there as my future wife, united front, showing strength. Or you can walk in there as a sacrifice, letting everyone see you as weak." I offer my arm. "Which do you prefer?"

She stares at my arm like it's a snake.

Then, surprising me, she takes it.

"United front," she says quietly. "But we're talking after. Privately."

"Whatever you want."

Dalla snorts. "Right. Whatever she wants. That's rich."

"Dal, not now," Revna says.

The clubhouse door opens, and Njal storms out, drunk and angry. He sees us—her hand on my arm, the earrings, the clear message of possession—and his face twists.

"Revna—"

"Walk away," I say, voice carrying enough threat to penetrate his drunk haze.

"Fuck you!" Njal looks right at her, and fire shoots through my veins. "Rev, baby, please?—"