Marked By Pain (The Marked #2)(7)

“No, of course I’m not. I just don't understand why she would have done that. The instructions were clear, if a student got in the way, they were to knock them out, and leave them out of the way of harm. Are you sure it was her?”

“Does anyone else wander around in double leather and turn into a snake?” I ask incredulously.

“I need to talk to her about this.” He shifts uncomfortably on his feet. I don’t like it. He normally acts so confident, so sure of himself. It’s unnerving to see him unsettled.

“Whatever. Face it, you’re part of a group that condones torturing kids, and wants to cause chaos among our kind. These people are human haters! These are the kind of people who want to kill off the humans, or enslave them!” I shout.

“No, it's not like that at all, Miss Crowe. They just support segregation between the species, to keep the blood lines purer. They believe in keeping our society separate from theirs, but no longer in hiding.”

“Don't you mean you believe? You're a leader of this stupid group.” I lean back against the wall, as I watch his face for his reaction.

He looks around before answering, as if he doesn't want anyone to hear this. “I'm here for different reasons than most. I don't necessarily disagree with what they stand for, but I have more motivating reasons for being here.”

“And those are?” I ask, prompting him to continue. I need more of an answer than that.

“You're pushing your luck, Miss Crowe.”

“When do I not? I think you owe me an explanation; considering everything I deserve that at least,” I say, staring him down.

“I'm here for Verity, and because of the council.”

“What do you mean, because of the council?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.

“The council came for her when they found out she was a part of this, and our parents fought them while she escaped. They were killed, and branded traitors, just for protecting their own. All they wanted to do was save their daughter. But the council thinks they can do whatever they want,” he seethes.

“I didn't know about that,” I say softly, placing a hand on his arm. I’m not able to stop myself, seeing the pain on his face. He shrugs me off.

“I don't need your pity.”

“It wasn't pity,” I mutter, and then suddenly I'm pinned to the wall. His body is pressed up against mine, as his hands hold mine above my head. I freeze, barely remembering to breathe.

“What was it then?” he asks quietly.

“I was comforting you. Gods only know why after what you've done, but I hate seeing you in pain,” I whisper.

“I didn't want to hurt you,” he whispers back.

“Then why did you?” I ask, not able to cover the cracking in my voice.

“There are things you don't understand…things I can't explain yet.”

“That's just shit, and you know it,” I snap, closing my eyes to escape the intensity of his stare.

“I do. And I'm sorry, Miss Cro--Kenzie. I'm sorry, Kenzie,” he breathes. I feel his lips press over mine, and I know I shouldn't, but I kiss him back. I'm desperate for him to be closer as he releases my hands to rest his on my hips. I tangle my hands in his hair as I kiss him back furiously, letting out all of my emotions into it. The anger, the pain, everything. Sense slams into me, my eyes fly open and I call on my air mark, shoving him back and into the opposite wall.

“I'm sorry too. That shouldn't have happened,” I say, turning on my heel and walking back to my prison cell of a room. He calls after me, but I ignore him. Increasing my pace, I practically run away.

I can’t trust him, and I can’t trust myself around him right now.





Chapter 5





Mackenzie





“Down there,” Alaric says, pointing to the plain, grey door at the end of the corridor. It has two guards standing outside, guns clipped to their belts and serious expressions marring their faces. I don’t bother saying thank you to him or even looking his way, instead choosing to just walk forward, and wait for the guards to unlock the two locks on the door.

I’ve waited all morning for my father to come and get me, so I could see East. I tried not to replay the kiss with Mr Daniels over in my mind, or the story he told me about his parents. I understand why he’s angry with the council, but I have no idea whose side he’s truly on. His actions and words tell me two different stories.

“I will wait for you, we need to talk, Mackenzie,” Alaric says from behind me in a cold tone. I turn and give him a single nod wondering why he looks so happy. As much as I hate the man, my father, I’m thankful he’s letting me see East. The guard opens the door and I walk in, looking at the small bed, toilet, and sink in the otherwise empty, white-painted room. East is lying on the bed, a thin, scratchy-looking blanket covering him. He sits up slowly as the door is shut behind me. All the air leaves my body when East’s hazel eyes lock with mine.

“What the hell did they do?” I exclaim, looking at the range of blue and black bruises all over East’s face. His lip is cut, his hair is messy, and yet he still smiles at me like he doesn’t have a care in the world. The blanket falls to his lap as I stare in shock at the state he’s in. Why did they do this? Why didn’t they heal him?