Page 54

“Sovereign Sanctum could fix that for you. They could take you, give you a new identity and a new life.”

I couldn’t believe I allowed the suggestion to fall from my mouth.

But it would be for the best.

Elena getting a fresh start away from this place. A new beginning. A chance at a normal life. The kind none of us could ever give her.

It’s what Sovereign Sanctum did. They took the women and children they rescued and gave them new identities.

While Crimson Crows destroyed the underbellies.

A breath jolted out of Elena, bowing her back like I’d punched her.

When she swung her attention toward me, hurt blanketed her face. Intensity fired from her spirit and battered at mine.

“Do you really think I’d leave my family behind? This place and the people I love? Do you really think my commitment isn’t every bit as solid as yours?”

I glanced away, guilt and greed vying for dominance. “It would be for the best.”

Couldn’t stomach the thought of it, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t the truth.

Disbelief streamed from her on a huff.

“Really? Running away from who we are would be for the best? Is that what you want? You want me out of your hair after you just made the promise that you would never leave me?”

Her words started to rush.

Accusations seeded in every one of them.

I cleared the space between us in a second flat. So fast it made both our heads spin.

She whirled fully around, and I had her back pinned to the counter next to the stove. Towering over her as she turned her chin up toward me.

Silas had always thought her soft. So vulnerable that he was terrified of her making decisions for herself.

I knew better.

There was a lioness underneath all that sweetness. The sweetness was real, yeah. But she was made of layers and complexity.

Fucking smart and driven and creative.

Sensitive but not close to weak.

“I didn’t say that’s what I wanted.” The words raked off my tongue. “I said it would be for the best.”

“You think it’s best for me to be estranged from my family? From Meems and Kai and Brinley? From Silas and Brody? From you?” Her brow pinched as she wheezed the last.

“You’d do much better far away from me.” I growled it.

Hazel eyes flashed all over my face.

Searching.

Reading me the way that only she could.

“And why’s that, Trevan Niles?” It was nothing but a dare.

“Because then you wouldn’t have me to stop you from finding your joy.”