Page 48 of King’s Kismet

As I shoved through the front entrance, I sent a quick, and very vague, explanation to Simon. And then I melded into the shadows, shoving straight to Vaughn Winter in a dizzying rush.

I stayed out of sight, refusing to show myself unless necessary. And I wouldn’t if the fae royalty could defuse the situation with his diplomatic skills.

But I could taste violence in the air. Feel it tickling across my skin in a feather-light touch.

“Vaughn,” the weirdo from earlier stated, like he wasn’t expecting the fae to show up.

I had to hand it to Vaughn, though. If that greasy slimeball was leaning against my classic car like he owned it, I wouldn’t even consider having a decent conversation with him. I’d just remove his fingers.

Then his tongue.

Then his—

“Taylor,” Vaughn sarcastically replied as he edged closer.

The street lamps reflected in his frigid blue eyes, anger making his nostrils flare. But otherwise, he appeared calm.

We were dealing with a human… And I supposed the prince wanted to keep his identity hidden.

“What do you want?” Vaughn asked, letting his agitation leak into his tone.

“Oh, nothing much,” the Caplin asshat sang, dragging his finger over the fender of the bright white corvette. “I was just wondering what you were doing with Sloane.”

“Ms. King,” the fae corrected, then took a deep breath. “And I are none of your business.”

Ahh… He did notice how stupid he’d been tonight. There wasn’t much to tell Taylor Caplin, since nothing fucking happened. But Vaughn was right. Nothing was his business, and we were keeping it that way.

“I see.” Taylor curled his lip up in distaste. “So there’s nothing going on between you two.”

He nodded, pouting his lips at Vaughn like he was choosing his words carefully. “It sure seemed like you were gone for an awfully long time, but nothing happened. What a pity. A fine woman like that needs someone who can seal the deal, if you know what I mean.”

I wanted to take back all the times I’d called the fae prince an idiot tonight. He’d just been bumped down to the number two position.

And unfortunately for Taylor… He’d met me on a really rough night.

I was tired. Hangry. Sick of hearing all the pervy shit guys said when they thought no one was listening.

I wasn’t the only one either. The fae’s eyes had darkened. His jaw ticked as he stretched his muscles, ready to attack.

But I had promised Lo I wouldn’t let him do anything stupid…

Me and my fucking mouth.

I wanted to watch him beat this guy within an inch of his life before I stepped in.

Godsdamnit.

I shifted just as Vaughn growled, a deep, reverberating sound that thrilled my inner predator. A guttural whinny spilled from my chest as I stepped out of the shadows and kicked Taylor in the chest with my hind legs.

As far as equine shifters went, I was the fucking stallion that rivaled them all. Alicorns could kiss my fiery ass. I didn’t need wings to know my worth.

Taylor Caplin slammed into the light post, denting the metal a little and knocking loose the plastic cover over the bulbs.

Vaughn stared at me with wide-eyed curiosity until the idiot on the ground moaned in pain. I observed him for only a moment, just to make sure he wouldn’t attack me when I turned my back to him.

Thick, sooty smoke swirled around me as I shifted back to my human form. I was down to my dress pants and piercing. I’d even ditched my watch before I’d jumped through the shadows to watch this spectacle unfold.

What I wasn’t expecting was the anger that coursed through me as Taylor Caplin continued to moan.