Ginevra"I thought you said he died!" Astrid squeals, her gaze darting back to Sinclair. He's locked in deep conversation with Ethan and Naomi while we wait for the portal behind the castle to be prepared for use. Sinclair had whisked me out of the hall, only to return and demand from Queen Zephyr and Rune, Where's the damn portal in this place?Rune had responded with a grunt, but Queen Zephyr had been far more obliging, telling him it was behind the castle, but needed some time to be prepared."Turns out Alaric's a horrible liar," I mutter, glancing towards my father. He's conversing with King Fenrir, making requests to have Sinclair detained for what he did. But King Fenrir has other things to worry about. Like a son whose sudden appearance just made his life complicated. Like the council now questioning whether Sinclair's claim is valid and there's talk of a duel to determine the rightful heir. Like Queen Zephyr's silent rage. Like the disbelief and hurt shimmering in Ru

GinIt was supposed to be one drink. With Dane. I asked him out on a date. It was nothing grand. Just a phone call and, "Wanna hang?"Dane had declined, respectfully.But I'd gone anyway, all dressed up. Did I have anything in mind? No. I'd been holed up in my room for days, bawling and eating ice-cream.I wanted to feel good again. Wanted. Needed. I wanted one drink and perhaps, to flirt with a guy who didn't have a pregnant fiancée. The last couple of days of my life have been nasty and filled with tears and pain.I thought I'd try to make it different."I just want to talk," I had told Dane when he'd sighted me and started to retreat into the private booth.But all I could talk about was Sinclair. At some point, I'd started sobbing, and Dane had been very sweet. I really shouldn't have taken the glass from Naomi's tray. Or another. One glass became six, and in my defense...it was the most delicious thing I'd tasted.That too and whatever she had put into it that made me feel

The wind lifts my hair as I stare over the balcony, watching the water flow back and forth, crashing against the rocks that obscure its path.I think of Ray. I think of my father. I think a little of Alaric. I think of Dane and Naomi and the man I'd seen beside Sam. Dane had mentioned in the passing that Tim had been found, but I'd been too tipsy to care.My door swings open and I tilt my head to the side, watching Sinclair walk in. I don't move from the railing when he shuts the door behind him, eyes searching the room for me.I stroll into the room slowly, eyeing him sceptically. He seems...off.His anger seems to have waned and his face is a cool, smooth mask, giving nothing away. He seems relaxed as he dumps four large shopping bags on the bed, each filled to the brim with clothes and shoes."What's the occasion?" I ask, walking around the edge of the bed, sideling up to him. He edges on step back, peering down at me. "

Sinclair returns in the next minute, slamming the door hard and walking over the grab me. "You say one more fucked up line about Dane and I will throw you off a cliff." "Just try," I retort, glaring back at him. His gaze flickers to mine briefly, a mixture of exasperation and something deeper in his eyes. "You vex me, Ginevra." "Likewise," I tell him as he cradles me with one arm, pulling open the car door. Begrudgingly, I mutter, "Thank you." His only response is a low growl in his throat, a sound that sends shivers down my spine. He lowers me gently into the backseat, and my fingers brush against his coat on the hangar. "Ms. Williams?" Sinclair inquires once he's settled in the driver's seat, and I gaze at the back of his head while tugging on his coat. "No," I reply, unwilling to go to Ray's just yet. Another day at Sinclair's might provide a chance to sort things out between us, to mend whatever bad air this is. I should like to try. I had bu

Frightened, yet alive. And he hasn't even touched me yet. Sex hasn't been an enticing word for me in a damn long time. With Rune, and then...Alaric. The first had been an experience I had initiated, created. The second had been forced on me.That isn't why I'm frightened though. I know Sinclair would never hurt me. It is what comes after sex with Sinclair that frightens me. Will he stop being obsessed with me? Will he dump me and move on to the next?I hate that I doubt everything. That I second guess everything. But then, I've been through enough to give my trust freely to anyone. I've been through enough to really let myself believe that I could have a happy ending.It seems far-fetched. One good thing happens, it gets overshadowed by a ton of bad things. Damn, my life is full of so much drama, I can barely catch a break. I try to tell my story, but it would seem the one with the pen doesn't like me much. "Come," Sinclair orders, turning away from me. "Sit."And I