like this. There're no rules around human emotions and instincts. If Hank dying by your hand makes you feel relieved, then that's pretty damn understandable. He tried to kill you twice and would have tried again if he'd been released. Maybe he would have succeeded next time."
A ripple of dread ran through me, and I tucked my face against Steele's neck. My arms were around his waist, and the sensation of his hard body encased in my satin robe was doing all sorts of confusing things to my head.
"I thought I had three of the best watching my back," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Steele's embrace tightened. "You do. But not even the best are infallible."
I knew what he was referring to. He was constantly beating himself up over my getting stabbed at the Laughing Clown. Hell, they all did, if I was being fair.
"Halloween night wasn't your fault," I told him, pulling away from his hug far enough to meet his eyes. "I was running away. You can't exactly keep me safe when I'm doing everything possible to get away from you."
His brow furrowed. "Is that what you're doing now too?"
I bit my lip, my stomach in a mess of knots. "No."
Tension drained out of Steele's rigid frame as the line between his eyes softened, and somehow that obvious relief reassured me I was making the right move.
"I'm not running away from you guys this time," I elaborated. "I just needed some time and space to get perspective and let my heart mend somewhat. The simple fact remains that someone has put a hit out on me, right?"
Steele nodded, confirming what I'd deduced from the Hank situation.
"Right, well, that's not going to just go away because I moved out. And there's still my stalker... even though he's been scary quiet recently. I'm nowhere near equipped enough to keep myself alive without help, and I'm smart enough to recognize that." I cleared my throat, collecting my thoughts.
"He hasn't been quiet," Steele informed me. "The Reapers must be running interference on your mail here, so he's been dropping it off at the house."
I grimaced, remembering Archer's comment about Bree being threatened. "Do I even want to know what he's sent?"
Steele shook his head. "I wouldn't." His embrace was looser, but his arms were still draped around my waist like he couldn't not touch me. Something I was all too comfortable with. "Why are you still here, MK? The Reapers only want to use you."
I shifted back slightly, running a hand through my hair. "They're doing a pretty good job of keeping me safe so far, aren't they? No stalker mail. No attacks when I've been here alone." I tilted my head to the side, giving him a considering look. "Besides, what are they gaining from helping me?"
Obviously something. I wasn't a total moron. I just wanted Steele to confirm my suspicions.
He gave a dry laugh. "Protection."
My brows shot up. "I thought you were going to say money."
Steele shook his head. "I'm sure Zane wouldn't turn down money too, but no. The spineless prick was getting paranoid Archer was going to make a move against the Reapers. He's been searching for leverage since the day we made our move and carved a piece out of his kingdom, and now he has it. You."
I shook my head, not understanding. "How does me being here keep him safe? Aren't the Reapers supposed to be scary motherfuckers?"
He grinned. "They are. But there's always someone scarier, and in this case it's us. So long as you're here, under the Reaper's protection, then they're safe."
I took a moment to let that information sink in. It lined up with what Kody'd told me about how they’d bought their freedom from the Reapers with the blood of the Tri-State Timberwolves. Zane must be seething about his little brother holding a position of power over him, so in return, he "helped" me out and I gave him exactly what he wanted. Leverage.
"Always someone scarier, huh?" I muttered, running a hand over my tired face. "So, who's scarier than you three? Or do I want to know?"
Steele gave a short laugh. "That's easy. There's only one person scarier than Archer in this part of the world, but I don't think you'll ever have to worry about them."
I squinted at him. "Let me guess. Hades?"
He gave me a nod of confirmation. "I'll introduce you sometime when everything is less... volatile. You two would probably get along great."