Page 36 of Serpent & Saviors

“Look at me.” His voice was low, steady, but firm. A command, not a request.

It took effort to lift my gaze, but when I did, the storm inside me quieted. The compassion staring back was one thing, but it was the pride that did me in.

“I’m so fucking proud of you,” he said. “We need to get back to the hotel. It’s time to make a plan.”

The panic that had gripped me slowly ebbed, each breath coming a little easier. From the side, Eleanor exhaled softly, her face a portrait of relief. An old, familiar emotion bloomed inside me.

Hope. My long-lost friend. This time I wasn’t going to let go of her.

As I coached the beauty before me through a panic attack, I was acting on autopilot. The professional in me knew what I needed to do—assist her in getting her breathing under control. But inside, I rejoiced that she finally agreed to allow us in, to accept our help.

The boulder that sat in the middle of my chest from day one lifted, and as I breathed with her, my body responded in kind. Looking into her eyes, so full of trust, I swore nothing would stand in the way of seeing her free.

A profound sense of euphoria replaced the previous anxiety I’d felt at seeing her in distress. Excusing myself, I went about arranging for my grandmother’s driver to take us back to the hotel.

Internally, I was torn: afraid that introducing her to the crew all at once might overwhelm her. It was crucial for me to get some basic information from her first. I sent a group text.

COUNSELOR:

We’ve had a breakthrough. She won’t leave without her son, though. I’m going to question her tonight about routines and determine the best course of action.

TORTURER:

About fucking time. Isabella’s in rare form.

REAPER:

Grab Pasha. Let him sit in. He’s familiar with her, and we may need his help in executing things.

I loved how Alek knew without having to be told that we needed to take it slow.

BLADE:

Had faith in you this entire time. Well done, Brother, now get your ass home.

DANCER:

Headed back to the hotel now. Meet you there.

CROW:

Matty is looking into her mother’s overdose as we speak. Might hold off mentioning it unless she clams up.

MARCUS:

I’m on standby. Just say the word.

I marveled at their individual responses, my heart lurching at the realization that I wanted them to like her beyond this moment. My immediate next thought was, what would Kinsley and Isabella think? Would they welcome her?

In my heart, I knew Kinsley would without missing a beat. It was simply who she was inside. Isabella had taken some coaxing with Kinsley, but in the end had come around. She’d be the hardest sell in the house.

Something inside me had shifted underneath the piano with Victoria. I nervously ran a hand through my hair. My phone buzzed. An incoming message outside the group one. It was from Ivan.

BLADE:

Marcus said you had ‘the look.’

COUNSELOR: