Page 144 of The Immortal’s Mark

Adir slides his hands into his pockets, casual again, and says, “Now, why would I wish to harm my future father-in-law?”

35

DARCIE

I stare at the Immortal, certain I misheard him.

“Your what?”

“My father-in-law,” Adir repeats, and a pleased, secretive smile creeps over his mouth.

The implication should be obvious, but my brain skids, refusing to catch.

“We aren’t together,” I blurt because I don’t know what else to say.

“Of course not, but I am determined to ensure your powers will not be available to the alliance. And there is only one way to do that.”

My mind races, tripping over itself. I flick my gaze from Adir, who is so confident and maddeningly calm, to Bella.

But she looks as baffled as I feel.

Enough.

“What are you talking about?” My voice sharpens.

“It would be best to show you.” Adir pivots and strides toward the metal door. “Come.”

I balk, suspicion gripping my chest. “You’re letting me leave?”

He glances over his shoulder. “You were never intended to be in here. Come. Let me take you to the main house.”

Then he continues like my compliance is a foregone conclusion.

I don’t move. “I won’t leave Gregory here.”

Adir stops in the doorway.

His posture becomes rigid. With eerie slowness, he turns back and pins me with his glare.

“Either you follow my requests,” he says evenly, “or your friend will no longer be in a state that warrants you to worry.”

A cold wave of fear rolls through me.

My eyes drop to Gregory. He’s still unconscious, but he’s breathing, proof that he is alive.

I don’t know if Adir will follow through on his threat, but I’m not willing to risk finding out.

“Alright.” I lift my gaze. “But promise you won’t hurt him. If I go along with what you want, you leave Gregory alone.”

Adir bends at the hips into a low bow. “You have my word.”

He disappears through the doorway.

Without a word, Bella follows, her skirt swishing softly against the floor as she trails after him.

Every instinct I have screams not to do this.

But I don’t see another choice.