veins in his arms looked a moment away from bursting.
Chase seemed shocked, or traumatized, one of the two. He finally snapped out of wherever he had gone and glared at Kellen. “You fucking killed them?”
Kellen shook his head as he looked down at the men on the floor. “No, they are sleeping,” he waved out, “have a look for yourself.”
Chase rushed over to Mike, flipped him over and placed his fingers on his neck to check for a pulse. A moment later, he stood. The rage still burned in his eyes, but at least he looked a little more controlled now.
I understood why Kellen had done it. Yes, Chase and I had to talk, and I was actually glad it’d been forced upon me. I doubted I would’ve known what to do otherwise. But I never mind-warped my team, ever!
My glare was quick and steadied on Kellen. “I do not use mind control unless I have to, Kellen.
Do not ever do that again, do you understand me?”
Kellen’s brows furrowed, clearly displeased with me. “You have denied your abilities too long, Hadley.” He shook his head in a disgusted manner. “What a waste.”
I’d stood up to this man many times before and his angry face still did nothing except piss me off more. “Promise me you won’t do that again.”
Kellen studied me intently. Irritation ran through those dark eyes of his. The annoyance said that he realized just how mortal I’d become. Maybe it was the first time he grasped how much I had changed. I could tell by the unhappiness on his face, he didn’t approve of the woman I’d become in this regard. I never doubted he would. He was a vampire, loved it and lived it. Conforming to mortal rules was definitely beneath him, but this wasn’t his life, it was mine.
That determination must have showed on my face because he eventually sighed and inclined his head in acknowledgement.
Resolved, I glanced back at Chase who stood, the glare on his face even worse now.
Just as I knew Kellen, I knew Chase equally so. He was loyal, honest, everything that were qualities of a person good. I doubted he’d forgive me from keeping such secrets from him, but it didn’t mean I wasn’t going to try. If I was going to lose him, which I suspected, I needed to do it with a clear conscience. I needed to know that at least I tried to explain my actions.
I sucked in a deep breath before I steadied myself. “Chase…”
Chase raised a hand to stop me and my mouth shut promptly. “Do not say a fucking word to me.” Fury radiated in his tone and his voice dropped a whole octave.
Okay, so I expected this reaction. But it didn’t mean this wasn’t painful to watch.
Chase was a closed off type of guy. So serious, he only let a few people into his personal space. I had now become one of the people he kept out. Pain coursed through my heart.
“Please just listen to what I have to say,” I pleaded, desperate for him to hear me out.
“I just want to explain myself.”
Chase took a deep breath through his nose. His jaw clenched tightly. “You don’t deserve to be heard.”
Kellen snorted. “Say that again, bloke, and I’ll stuff that pretty head of yours up your arse.”
Chase’s body vibrated with anger.
I stepped in between them, not wanting a fight to break out. This wasn’t about them fighting, but about making my peace. My bottom lip quivered, but I forced myself to stay strong. I would not fall to pieces here. I was in the wrong and deserved his wrath. I owed him that.
“Okay, I deserve that.” I acknowledged his feelings in hopes that it would calm him.
“You have a right to hate me.”
“Damn right I do.” Chase tore his gaze from Kellen and focused on me. “You’re fucking married and never said a word about it.” He raised his hand and pointed at Kellen. “This bugger comes in, kisses you and you go all mushy in his arms. Then, you return with him and reek of sex. I see the blush of your cheeks that only comes after you’ve fucked. So, tell me, Hadley.” His voice was so cold. “Why should I listen to one word that comes out of your mouth?”
I glanced at Kellen who simply looked annoyed by the conversation. He wouldn’t ever understand. He’d just mind-warp Chase and leave it at that. That wasn’t an option for me. My relationship