Special guest in New Orleans

Special guest in New Orleans
Hawke’s hand was at my lower back as we walked to the car. I completely ignored Raina.

I climbed into the back seat after Hawke opened and he followed right after me. 

Raina joined him and slammed the door a little harder than necessary on her side. He was sitting between us and I could see her knuckles tightening until her fingers turned white. 

Baran narrowed his eyes at her before he shook his head and took the front seat. 

The driver, whom I noticed was an elderly man-vampire, didn't even act like he could feel the tension in the air.

The ride to the airstrip was silent, but the pressure in the car was thick. 

I didn’t know what to think. I preferred not to at this moment because I didn't want Hawke prying into my thoughts. 

His hand grabbed my thighs all of a sudden, and my breath caught in my throat. 

He gave me that sexy half smirk and his sharp fingernails dug into my skin with just enough force to sting. 

He was completely unfazed by Raina’s watchful glare. It was as if she didn't exist to him.

I wanted to tell him to stop but I loved the combination of pain and pleasure I was feeling from his brutal actions. 

I kept a straight face, pretending his actions weren't turning me on.

The realization that I might be a masochist caused my emotions to tangle in a mess until we reached the private jet that was rumored to be reserved for the Nömad Family and the Overlords.

The crew was already waiting. The steps were down and engines hummed softly.

Everything was ready. But I wasn't. 

My heart was racing under my chest from the pressure of the unknown. I didn't know what to expect when I got to Vale’s Estate, but the worst that could happen was if he marked me. 

I desperately hoped I wouldn't get marked by him as soon as possible. Otherwise, I would lose the fight before it even started.

How would I be able to resist him when I couldn't tell what I wanted from what Syndra was pushing me to do?

Raina and Baran stepped out first. Hawke followed and assisted me out. 

Baran moved up the stairs and I quickly moved too. Hawke was right behind me. Raina stayed at the bottom of the steps a second staring at Hawke’s hulk back before she finally climbed aboard.

I think she has a crush on you.

I said it directly in my mind after Hawke and I sat side by side. 

My stomach twisted as he responded. Will it piss you off if I tell you we used to fuck?

The words felt like a hot slap. 

I was so pissed I acted like I hadn’t heard him. I kept my gaze fixed ahead until he reached out and grabbed my hands, jerking me.

His voice slipped into my mind again, urgent. Nyx, it was casual. I only used her to get close to Vale. We ended things a few days before the night I came for you. I was in New Orleans because Vale had taken Eloise and she didn’t think it was necessary to tell me beforehand.

I let out a breath after his quick summary. “Wow,” I said softly. “So… she’s basically your freshly dumped ex? And you just let her watch while you screwed me?”

I didn’t say it in my mind. I didn’t lower my voice either. I wanted her to hear. But unfortunately, Baran got to hear too. 

When he replied to me, his voice wasn't low. “She knows there was never anything real between us. Don’t let her get in your head.”

Behind us, Raina scoffed. Her voice was harsh and bitter. “You’re such a fucking bastard, you know that?”

“I think Leyla would agree too.” Baran said, “And I hated that she still can't get over him. None of them ever did.” He threw at me before turning to Hawke. “It’s pathetic to see another fragile and beautiful woman fall for you, really.”

Leyla Nömad? He used to fuck Leyla?!

I was so stunned, I couldn't blink.  

No matter how much he spoke into my mind or tried to draw my focus, I refused to respond. I gave him nothing.

Even as we reached New Orleans, and whatever waited for us ahead, I didn't speak to him. I wasn't angry precisely. 

I just felt hollow.

We landed in New Orleans. 

I said a prayer that I shouldn’t lose myself to whatever was inside my blood.

The cabin dimmed slightly and the overhead lights hummed low as the jet settled into cruising altitude.

Without warning, the intercom crackled to life.

“Nyx.”

Vale’s voice came out, smooth, ancient, and deep. “I hope you enjoy your ride. Like I told you before, you are not coming to my estate as a prisoner this time. You are a special guest.” 

He said each word low and teasing like he had all the time in the world. 

Hawke stiffened beside me as he continued. 

“When you arrive, you’ll be escorted to the main residence, and you will live on the top floor. I want you to be close enough to me for selfish reasons. Hawke is a potential prisoner, Raina will lead him somewhere close to his sister.”

Everyone froze.

I gulped, forcing out the words at the tip of my tongue. “I want to stay with Hawke. I don't feel safe alone.”

“You won’t be alone.” 

I caught Hawke’s hand curling into a fist but he didn't say a word. His expression barely showed any of the outrage I could notice. 

“Baran, make sure she’s settled in, comfortably.” 

Before I could open my mouth to refuse his order, the line went dead.

I blinked. Twice. I couldn't believe I hadn't reached his estate yet and he had already separated me and the only person I feel safe around. 

Hawke snatched my wrist and pulled me to a corner when we got down from the jet. 

“Nyx, are you upset with me?” He looked a little bit perturbed as he stared at me.

“No, just... caught off guard,” I said quietly, glancing up just in time to see Baran approaching us.

Two black, heavily tinted cars were parked nearby, waiting. Raina was already seated in one of them. Of course, she was eager to ride with him alone.

I tried not to let my thoughts wander, tried not to picture them talking, arguing, or anything else on the drive. 

You don't have anything to be wrong about. I’m completely yours.

Hawke’s voice echoed in my head before he grabbed my face and gave me a quick kiss that left my body tingling for more. 

Then he left to join Raina.

My eyes stung as I watched him leave. I bite my lips hard. More out of frustration than anything else. I wasn’t going to cry. Not here. Not in front of Baran.

His brooding, haunting voice broke through the silence regardless. “Don’t fall apart yet,” he said, as if he were warning me that this was just the beginning of my despair.

There was a little smirk on his lips. His gaze drifted to my body and he gawked at it. His expression showed he had an understanding why his older brother wanted me for himself.

I pulled the short dress instinctively, swallowing down the tight knot in my throat, but the uncertainty in my heart seized my feet.

I noticed his eyes were dark and hungry, and I forced myself to move back in caution.

He stepped closer, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. “You might have fire in you,” he said, his voice low as he sniffed hard as he got closer. “But you’ve never really been in the flames. You’re like a fish—never realizing how much she needs the water… until she gets taken out of the pond and placed on the cedar plank.”