Confessions of a Killer

24 revelations

Charlotte:

The immense mansion is extravagant, ancient in a way that chilled, the fine hairs on my body stand up as the three of us strolled through its seemingly archaic hallways. There hadn't been much time to examine the interior when we'd arrived, harried and apprehensive, the night before, my thoughts too focused on what we would encounter when Ariel was located.

I seize the time now, procrastinating with my dawdling to avoid the inevitable meeting with Jasper and his family, slowly examining the ornate surroundings. Maguire had foregone being alone with me to talk, stating that we have time, his grin lighting up the room as Damien and I had dressed. He'd remained outside, waiting for us to finish, only now taking us to the space where we'd once again meet the Alpha of this pack. I stumble, trepidation making my reluctant feet slow, eyes scanning our surroundings, continuing in my pursuit of more time before seeing the Jasshole and his mate.

Metal sconces decorate the old-fashioned wallpapered hallways, candles set inside, wicks blackened with use. Picture frames of people wearing what looks like armor framed each panel of wall space. The one closest to me looks like Malcolm but much older in art style and the man in the painting seemed more regal somehow.

"This is the Kincaid family. The entire hallway is pictured with families of the Alpha." Damien said quietly. At my surprised expression he conceded. "We have a similar room on our family estate in upper New York. All the Alphas of the Knight family going back to the dark ages. We weren't always called Knights though, only after King Arthur began his round table did we get the title 'Knight'." He winked at me. "We had a different surname before. Ours is a rich history."

My body tilted slightly towards my mate, every nerve aware of where he stood waiting patiently, speaking languidly as if we have all the time in the world to discuss the topics so new to me, yet alert, ready, as if a live wire connected us and occasionally detonated with an electrical charge. A shiver ripped through me as the memories of what we'd done together the night before and this morning washed over me in a heated tidal wave. I wondered distantly if he feels that same pull that I do, glancing at him through my dark lashes as I sashay closer, the borrowed clothes fitting my toned body like a glove, I got my answer.

His head canted to the side, amber eyes rolling my way as an amused grin slid onto his reddened kiss swollen lips. The darkening of his eyes, a tell as I bit my bottom lip seductively, the pulse of desire sped through our bond, replenishing my innate need for water as my mouth ran dry. I could practically taste the sweet mint of his kiss against my skin.

His smile faltered, eyes growing distant lost in memory before looking at me sadly. "I haven't been to la casa signorile, sorry," He amended, the sadness replaced with amusement as he regarded Maguire with a crooked grin. "'Pack house' in quite some time."

"Pack house?" I asked, heat leaching away as my heart surged, aching for him. The loss enveloping him, his family, broken by the sins of his brother and the sheer amount of unfairness of his situation has me reeling. I know through our bond that he misses his home. He shot me a look, eyes soft, a small lilt of his lips that told me everything. I blushed slightly, his inner voice reassuring me that he is okay. A small part of me shrinking back when he tells me that I'm his home now.

What the hell do I say to that? I know I'm messed up. That it takes time to get over things. I feel like a yo-yo. Being jerked around by the emotions filling me up and trying to spit me back out. The mastermind holding my string is a pro though, flinging me through the air expertly, twisting and turning my turbulent emotions in a moment's notice. I'm in control of my emotions now though, right? We got rid of any influence Killian had on me. Maguire's voice brought me out of my musings, Damien's watchful gaze snapping up the same time as mine.