Page 159 of The Rust in Her Hair

"I want a mate I can mold into the perfect woman." Crispin’s eyes flash, growing more excited by the second. "I need someone young enough to teach. A pure omega from a traditional household."

Something cold and enormous rises up the back of my throat.

He isn't describing a woman. He's describing a thing he intends to break down to the studs and rebuild in a shape that suits him.

I think about Lyra and the way she always falls asleep in her nest with her hand curled under her chin. I think about her sweet laugh, and dry sense of humor. I think about every part of her that this fucker would have crushed had he had the chance.

"And I'll admit," Crispin goes on, "I was livid when I figured out that a house of degenerates were fucking her." His lip curls as he casts a glare at me. "I preferred Lyra before you got your hands on her. Fresh. Untouched." He sighs hard. "But, I’m willing to forgive her."

"Forgive her?" Adrian's voice comes out shredded. "You put your hands on her and you're standing here talking about forgiving her." His voice rises. "Are you fucking kidding me?"

I don’t bother to calm him down, because as stupid as it is, I’d love to see Adrian lose his head for once.

"Lower your voice," Crispin snarls, then he glares at me. "Keep your dog on a leash or get the fuck out."

"Okay," I say, then I take a step back and turn for the door.

It lands exactly the way I hoped it would. Crispin's face falls, expression shifting into shock. He quickly sets down his glass, then he moves, coming around the end of that long table fast.

"Don't." He steps in front of the door. "Don't be a fool, Cruz." He's breathing harder now, tugging his jacket straight, trying to find his footing again. "We both know why I asked you here." He glances over my shoulder at Adrian. "I still want Lyra, and we both know the only reason you drove across this city tonight is to find out exactly how much she's worth to me." He leans in, his voice dropping to a whisper, "I’m about to make you a very rich man."

My eyes drift past the asshole to the clock mounted on the far wall.

Almost time.

"I appreciate your offer," I say, preparing myself to drag this out for as long as I need to, "but I'd sooner hand you my own teeth one at a time, than let you anywhere near our omega. You piece of shit."

Crispin's smile falls, his mouth pulls tight, a snarl pulling at his mouth. But then his phone rings. He fishes his phone out of his pocket, still glaring right into my eyes.

"You will regret this," he whispers, before glancing at the screen. He frowns at a number he doesn't know, but he answers it anyway. "Maleth."

His face instantly changes.

The irritation slides off it and something greedy rises up underneath. Cold pours down the backs of my arms as I brace myself.

"Well." Crispin straightens his back, smiling at me and Adrian like he won the fucking lottery. "This is a surprise." He listens. "Say that again for me, Lyra. Hold on."

He takes the phone from his ear and holds it out between us. He taps the speaker, and he looks dead at me while he does it. Then his voice drops into that low, forced register, commanding my mate to speak again.

"Repeat yourself, Lyra. Now."

Her voice comes out of the little speaker soft and jerky from his command. "I…ush…C-can I see you?" She takes a breath. "Please."

Every muscle down my back locks at once. I dig my nails into my palms, and I hold them there. I keep my face empty, refusing to move a muscle.

"Where are you?" Crispin purrs and blood pounds in my ears.

"I’m at the library." She gives the address, saying it very slowly. "I'm here right now."

Next to me, Adrian shifts, but other than that the man is a fucking rock. Solid and calm.

"I’ll be there shortly, my love." Crispin's eyes stay locked on mine and shine. He is certain he has won the night with one phone call. "Be good and wait for me. I'm on my way."

He ends the call.

"Well, Nico." He slides the phone into his jacket and squares his cuffs, and he looks pleased down to his shoes. "It seems you have lost your omega and your payday in one evening."

I give him nothing. I grit my teeth and endure his sneer.