“Oh, really.” Becca’s eyes flicked pointedly toward the great hall. “But you both came from there.”
“What is your point?” Cole demanded.
The lethal tone of his voice would dissuade most, but Becca was used to getting her way and rarely deterred from it. She smiled as her almond-shaped eyes narrowed on Lexi. Ciphers coiled around Becca’s hands and wrists before vanishing beneath the sleeves of her tunic.
“No point, just an observation. The council wouldn’t like it if our conversation was overheard by—” She paused as her gaze raked disdainfully over Lexi. “—a vampire? Witch? Whatisyour newest play toy, Cole?”
Cole tried to pull her away from Becca, but Lexi refused to budge. She wasn’t as powerful as this woman, but she wouldn’t back down from the bitch either.
“My name is Lexi,” she said.
Some of Becca’s amused derision vanished. “I never asked your fucking name.”
Lexi didn’t see Cole move before he was standing over Becca. She backed away from him until her foot connected with the wall and she couldn’t go any further. Cole towered over her as he rested a hand on the wall beside her head.
“I’d watch what you say.”
The hair on Lexi’s nape rose at Cole’s warning. For the first time, Becca didn’t look smug as a glimmer of unease crossed her striking features.
“Before you speak again, think carefully, Becca. Do you understand?” he demanded.
A muscle in Becca’s jaw twitched; she managed a small nod before Cole stepped away and clasped Lexi’s hand. Becca looked like her head might explode, but she wisely chose not to say anything more.
“Get out of my home,” Cole said.
Becca lifted her chin. “You don’t want me as an enemy.”
“You’ve got that wrong, Becca.Youdon’t wantmeas an enemy. Now, get out.”
She hesitated before giving Lexi another scathing glare. Then she turned and sauntered away as if the encounter never happened. Cole didn’t relax until the door closed behind her.
“Are you okay?” he demanded of her.
“I’m fine,” she assured him. “But I don’t think she likes me very much.”
“She doesn’t matter.”
“She doesn’t agree.”
“I don’t care.”
He didn’t say anything more, and Lexi forced herself not to look back as she walked with him down the hall.
Chapter Fourteen
Lexi stoodat the window of Cole’s bedroom and stared down at the Gloaming. The overcast sky had given way to a clear one. The dark fae realm was beautiful in the glow of the four moons illuminating the rolling hills and residences. It reminded her of the hobbit’s Shire.
Though the occupants of these residences were far taller than a hobbit, many of the fae built their homes into the verdant hills. Or at least they were in this area of the Gloaming. Just like the earth, things could be far different in another section of this realm.
Not many dark fae moved about at this time of night, but those who did glided like spirits across the land. Horses also roamed those hills. The animals foraged on grass as they moved freely amid the homes.
Behind her, the door creaked open, and she turned as Cole returned from seeing Brokk. Dressed in black, loose-fitting pants and the tunic of the fae, he was so handsome it made her heart ache.
And he might not be here for much longer.
“Cole.”
His name was a mere whisper she hadn’t realized was going to leave her lips until it did. The smile slid from his face, and he glided across the floor to her.
