Gypsy Truths (All The Pretty Monsters #6)- Kristy Cunning Page 0,217

for centuries. They want a fight. They want a fight that has purpose and showcases their power. We’re monsters. We get that. If it’ll aide in finally laying to rest some of these tensions, then it may be the one good thing Idun did while she was out of the ground.”

She nods, still smiling tightly.

“If I was a freakishly strong beta, I’m sure I’d agree,” she says with some very notable ire.

Poor Shera.

She’d punch me for pitying her, so I keep my sympathy to myself.

“Regardless, I’ve turned over the reins to your new beta. Good luck with that. Call me when he fucks it all up, and I’ll see what I can do to sort it out for you,” Shera says to Arion, who grins at her.

“Thank you, Shera.”

Arion moves quickly, and Shera trembles, as he grabs her arm and flips it over in front of him. She relaxes when his claw shoots out, much to my confusion.

Seems now would be the time to tense.

His claw presses into her wrist, and a tiny trickle of blood begins to drip as he drags the sharp tip down her wrist for two or three inches. Then he makes another line that intersects with that one in a X formation.

Tears brim her eyes, but she clears her throat and keeps the waterworks at bay.

“I release you to Emily in good standing, good faith, and full honor. You’re a damn good beta, Shera,” Arion tells her.

She nods, even as her eyes water a little more.

“Damn right I am. You’re going to miss me, because your new head beta doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground. You’ll probably spend more time stabbing him with pencils than anything else,” she carries on, primly glancing around to deliberately avoid Arion’s gaze.

Arion’s grin stays fixed on his face, as he releases a long breath.

“They don’t remember why the trials were nixed. They haven’t seen how strong they’re not. For now, everyone’s full of themselves and ready for a fight. They’re looking to make a name for themselves in a time where war has been mostly obsolete,” Vance tells her. “Give it time. A few centuries, and they’ll be humbled by a few freakishly powerful betas. Then they’ll crave more merit than strength. Promise.”

“The more things change, the more they stay the same,” Emit says like he’s reassuring her.

Shera only nods again, visibly struggling to keep those persistent tears at bay. She gives me a look that says more than words could right now, which is good, because it seems like she’s talked all she’s going to be able to.

I give her a small smile. “You really are a damn good beta. Thank you for making Sanctuary possible. Hopefully, you’ll come back one day. Goodbyes seem irrelevant, since we’re going to be around for all eternity.”

“Says a weird freak girl who can’t die,” she fires back, losing some of the water in her eyes.

“Just avoid pointy wooden objects or losing your head, and you won’t die either,” I volley.

Her lips turn up in an almost appreciative smile, but she stows it and gives me a glare.

“Try not to turn my alpha into a joke in my absence. Also, try not to piss off any other all-powerful beings, unless you learn how to fight. And try to learn how to dance. Arion likes dancing, and he can’t be made a fool in front of the other vampires—”

“Seriously, Shera, you’re starting to sound like some of my human mothers would have if they’d been dealing with vampire stuff,” Arion butts in, staring at her with some mild horror.

“Sorry, boss,” Shera says, while swallowing back the rest of the words, while I refrain from smiling.

A horn blows, and Shera leans over to pick up her suitcase.

“Is that Talbot Lane?” Arion asks with some incredulity, drawing my attention to the driver of the car that’s idling at the curb.

Talbot smirks at us and gives us a little wave.

“H-he was already heading in that direction to look into some succubae disappearances. He’s just dropping me off,” Shera says very quickly.

Too quickly.

She spins on her heel and walks away like there’s a fire after her, but she’s still too proud to run.

Arion seems to buy it. Damien rolls his eyes. Vance and Emit have lost interest and are engaged in a conversation about a sword technique Vance is in the midst of creating.

A smile curves my lips when Vance absently reaches out, his fingers touching mine. Emit makes a seemingly unconscious move