Ghost Thorns (Ghost Perfume, Book 3)

The Alistairs admitted the truth. Their fifth is Rose, both silver and gold-called, though her existence must remain a secret from those who'd imprison her or condemn the Alistairs for their change of heart. With Rose operating from the shadows, they fight for both sides: to free the priests and protect the living and the dead from the hunger of the worms.

*** (Excerpt, Alexander's POV) ***

Rose laughed. "She wasn't cruel, just bossy. She kept telling me to find privacy and not to tell anyone that she was contacting me."

"Why?" Gabriel asked.

"She didn't say. Please don't ever tell her I told you."

"The priests make secrecy their policy in everything," I said. "What would you have done if I wasn't here?"

Would you have kept her a secret from us, Rose?

Her warm fingers ran over the nape of my neck. "I'd have been even more upset that you weren't here."

Too cute.

She was going to be the death of me. Eyes that begged me to come closer while she put her hand on my chest, warning me off. Climbing on top of me, but keeping the blanket between us. And for the first time in my life I wanted something bad enough that I was afraid to push for it.

"Don't worry that we'll step between you and Beatrice," I said. "Build trust with her however you see fit."

She gave me a sweet smile.

When was Gabriel going to get off the damn call? I'd had Rose to myself for all of two seconds before the world interrupted.

"Tell her sometime that you hate us," Gabriel suggested. "If you want to build trust with her."

Rose promptly frowned. "I'd rather not."

"One day, spit on Gabriel in her presence," I piled on. "She'll kiss your cheek."

"Did she always hate you like this? Why?"

"Some feelings don't have a good cause. Nothing but one tribe against another," Gabriel said.