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It’s true; Parker had sided with me when I’d tried to bargain for my release. Everything he’s said tonight has made all of his actions seem justified, noble even. He’s making it impossible to hate him. It’s really annoying.
Henry’s eyes grow wide, as if he’s only just considering the possibility that he was making me suffer. Parker’s confession shocks him. He’s stunned that Parker believed he was hurting me. Pompous jackass.
Parker turns his plea to Madison. “Henry’s intent was neither malicious nor selfish.”
When I snort, Parker cringes a little, and Henry glares at me. I glare right back. Henry was being a selfish bastard, and he knows it.
“Henry’s right,” Parker says, clearing his throat to break the hostility between Henry and me. “Nora’s case is unique. It was difficult to know what the right answer was. I believe Henry did his best. I wanted to help them both, but I couldn’t betray my sire, and I wanted Nora’s safety and well-being, too. I wasn’t sure what to do.”
He meets my gaze then, and his deep azure eyes pierce mine. When he silently begs for understanding and forgiveness, my heart softens against my will. I actually kind of feel bad for him, as sick as that is. Not that I’m suffering from Stockholm Syndrome or anything. But Parker seems caught between his own morals and his loyalty to his sire.
It’s crazy, because Parker doesn’t seem like the type of man scared to speak up for himself or defy someone if he feels it necessary. The way he defers to Henry doesn’t make sense. The sire bond must be stronger than I thought. And I was so close to being stuck with one myself. I shudder. I’m so glad Nick Gorgeous brought me to the Agency.
Our stare is broken when Director West once again takes over the conversation. “Very well,” she says. “Parker, if you truly believe Henry’s intents were honorable…”
“I do.”
I scoff, but everyone ignores me.
“And technically the girl is human, sotechnicallyno underworld laws were broken…”
I fold my arms over my chest and grit my teeth, but I manage to refrain from calling out bullshit.
“Henry, consider this a warning. I would advise you to make better choices in the future. Perhaps listen to the council of your advisors more often.” Her eyes flick to Parker, and she smiles.
“A slap on the wrist?” I nearly jump to my feet. “That’s it? Are you kidding me?”
Ren flashes me a smile from across the table. His eyes are sparkling as if he’s amused by my temper. “A warning from the Agency is serious business, honey. It’ll put him in check. Don’t worry.”
I have my doubts about that, but there’s no point in arguing.
“What about Nora?” Terrance demands, earning the room’s full attention. He meets my gaze, then narrows his eyes on Director West. “She knows about our world, and she has her own gifts. She probably has underworlder blood in her somewhere. She should be able to interact freely within our world and learn what she needs to keep herself safe. She should be considered one of us and protected by our laws so that amisunderstandinglike this won’t happen again. Are we allowed to help her even though she’s human?”
Director West gives me a long, searching look, then slowly nods to Terrance. “That is probably the best thing to do in this case. Yes, you may bring her into the fold.” Her eyes turn to me, and she smiles a sincere smile. “Welcome to the underworld, Miss Jacobs. You are free to go.”
