Freak Show (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #7)(80)

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help when you ran into trouble,” he said. “Kale knew you were in trouble, but without a location I couldn’t jump to you.”

My gaze lingered on Kale who had turned his back on me as he continued to clean up. “No worries. Shya sent Falon, who was a total ass**le like usual, but he helped. I’m here now, so it’s all good.”

“Is it?” Willow questioned, his gold-flecked green eyes intense upon me. “Then why are you back early?”

He walked along beside me as I perused the perimeter, surveying the extent of the damage. I gave him the quick version, aware that Kale’s keen ears heard my every word. I wasn’t ready to share with anyone what had happened with Jenner.

“You’re taking over Las Vegas?” Concern glimmered in Willow’s eyes. “Might I suggest you wait until Shya’s been dealt with?”

“That’s the plan. Vegas is a f**king mess of vampire chaos. I’m not prepared to handle that right now. Someone else will be taking care of it until Arys and I can get back there.”

As Willow and I talked, Kale kept working in silence. I wondered what he was thinking. My curiosity was dying to know why Willow was here with him, but I didn’t dare ask just yet. Kale was trying to keep something from me, and after the trip I’d just had, I was ok with that.

As I walked through the mess that had been a fully functioning nightclub just days before, I put together a mental list. Jenner’s club had intimidated me. It had also made mine look like a sleazy joint compared to his high-class style. I wanted to renovate.

I pulled out my phone and began to take notes. The old booths lining the exterior walls had to go. They were hard and uncomfortable. More furniture was needed and new light fixtures. The current ones were ugly and ancient.

Willow returned to help Kale as I made my way to the back. He was committed to keeping the vampire’s secret. Whatever had gone on here, they felt the need to keep it from me. Had it been anyone else, I would have been pissed, but I trusted Willow implicitly.

The back hall was lined with rooms where vampires and willing victims came to play. It was adequate but shady, not much better than a low budget hotel. That was going to change.

I went to the last door at the end of the hall, the one room that was forbidden to all but me. It had been the suite Harley stayed in when he’d come to town. The same room I killed him in. Now it was mine. And as much as I wanted to deny it, I might actually need to make use of it one day. So it might as well be nice. I stood in the doorway, scrutinizing everything from the cheap bedding to the less than impressive en suite bathroom. It was about as good as the one at Linden’s warehouse. Unacceptable.

I felt Kale’s honey sweet energy draw closer, so it came as no surprise when from right behind me he said, “I’m sorry about the mess. Everything goes to shit when the queen is away.”

A chill stole over me. I turned to face him, knowing better than to allow him at my back. “Seriously? What’s with everyone and the f**king royalty references lately?”

Kale shrugged and leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. “I guess you’re the only one still in denial about it.”

“Apparently so.” With a raised brow I gave him a critical once over. He was unpredictable, and sadly, I couldn’t trust him anymore, not since his promise to force my hand, to make me stake him.

My phone rang, startling me as it blasted a Weird Al Yankovic song. Damn you, Arys. That vampire thought he was so funny. One of these days, I was going to bust him messing with my ringtone, and then he’d be sorry.

“Alexa, you’re home!” My best friend Kylarai gushed excitedly in my ear. “I’ve been dying to share my news with you. Is this a bad time?”

I glanced at Kale who likely could hear every word she said. He wore a bored expression.

“Not at all. What’s up? You sound like you’re going to explode. Must be good news.” I tensed, waiting for her to tell me something amazing, because I sure could use some good news.

“You’re not going to believe this. I could just pee my pants with glee.” Her giggle brought a smile to my face. She took a deep, audible breath and said in a rush, “I’m engaged!” It was better than good news. It was fantastic.

“Aw, congratulations. Nobody deserves it more than you. He’s such a great guy.” My words were sincere. I couldn’t be happier for her.

After many failed relationships, including a previous marriage, Kylarai had connected immediately with Coby. Having survived my attack on him several months ago, he’d come into our pack as a wary but gentle soul. They hadn’t been together long, but they were a perfect match.

“You don’t think we’re rushing it, do you?” Ky asked uncertainly. “I know it’s only been a couple of months, but it feels right, you know? And I really want to have an autumn wedding.”

“Autumn? It’s practically the end of summer. That doesn’t give you much time to plan.”

“I know. That’s why I need your help. The engagement party is next weekend. I figured you’d be back by then.”

My heart jumped for her. It gave me hope, seeing how my attack on Coby had led to their engagement. Maybe good could come from bad after all.

“I don’t think it’s too fast if you believe in your heart that he’s the one,” I said, my voice catching. The weight of Kale’s stare was suddenly too much to take. “Anything you need, just let me know. I’m here to help.”