A Second Chance At The Choosing

Talle

amed at me to retaliate, to use the self-defense I'd rigorously practiced to put him on his back. But I couldn't. A public brawl wou

er of a triumphant smile on her lips before it was rep

gret?-crossed his face. He'd exposed his true nature in a room full of the city's mo

nor... it hu

ation gone. He wrapped a protective arm around her, gl

im. They saw a problem, a messy drama unfolding at a corporate event. "She must have really provoked him

s already sh

Connor commanded, hi

cutives, echoed the sentiment. "Yeah, Tal

for his mistakes, for his moods, for his cruelty. I had apologized for existing too loudly, for breathing

m

nounce our engagement, and this whole ugly incident will be forgotten. I'll give you everything you coul

cker of fear. I held his gaze, letting him see the

clear, resonant trumpet blast cut through th

d Barrett's right-hand man, the Herald of the company. His eyes scanned the room and landed on me, widening slightly as he too

d to absorb the light around him. His hair was as dark as his brother's, but there was no warmth in his face, only sharp angles and

eone breathed, their voic

He moved with a silent, predatory grace, his ga

eyes dropped to my face, and for a fraction of a second, his cold composure crac

low rumble, devoid of emotion, yet it carri

ting Connor after my death, his face a mask of cold fury, and then Connor's swift, utter rui

but it was my lie to tell. I would not give Connor the sat

interrupted, stepping forward to rec

but Brannon silenced him with a single, sharp g

ony must proceed," he said, his voice softenin

thout a glance at Connor, I walked past him, my head

ard Connor mutter to Jana as I passed. "Sh

ce would be