Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Safe. Alexandra was safe and she had been avenged.
That was all that mattered.
39
LEXI
The sunlight outside the Halls of Justice was blinding after the dim, incense-heavy interior. Lexi blinked hard, her eyes stinging, and lifted a hand to shield her face. The outer courtyard was wide and paved with pale purple stone, smoothed by countless feet. Great carved pillars lined either side, etched with curling glyphs that seemed to shimmer faintly in the sun.
A fountain splashed at the center of the square, the water dark and mineral-rich, sending up a cool mist. But the smell of it couldn’t mask the other scents crowding her senses—sweat, dust, and the metallic tang of blood.
Behind them, voices from the courtroom spilled out in a low, furious roar, echoing through the open doors like the distant rumble of a storm.
Lexi took a shaky breath. Her legs trembled, though not from fear this time. Adrenaline still pumped hot through her veins.
I did it. I actually did it! I didn’t just stand there like a scared little mouse. I spoke up—I told them what was done to me. And people listened.
The thought filled her with pride. For once, she hadn’t been helpless—hadn’t just endured whatever fate threw at her. She’d fought back and it felt wonderful.
A sudden laugh escaped her—breathless and a little wild. Before she could stop herself, she turned to Brandt.
He stood like a sentinel in the sunlight, broad shoulders squared, his dark hair gleaming. His golden eyes were still fierce, scanning the crowd spilling from the hall, but when they flicked down to her, warmth softened them.
“Are you all right, Alexandra?” he rumbled.
“I’m more than all right!”
Overcome, Lexi flung her arms around his neck, rising on her toes to press her lips to his. He bent easily to her, kissing her back. His mouth was firm and steady—grounding her even when the whole world still felt like it was tilting.
“Thank you,” she whispered against him, her voice shaking. “Thank you for helping me get justice.”
He drew back just enough to look at her, one big hand sliding down to cradle her waist.
“I was so proud of you in there,” he rumbled, his voice low and rough, his eyes searching hers. “You stood in your truth and didn’t back down. I know it was hard, but you did it.”
Her throat tightened.
He’s proud of me!
It meant so much. She was really beginning to feel for him and she honestly thought the big Kindred felt the same for her.
But she couldn’t take all the credit.
“I spoke up but you helped me,” she said, her words tumbling out. “You made it happen—you gathered the crowd and got rid of the Magistrate. Think of all the women who won’t have to go through what I did because of that!”
His hand slid up, fingers threading through her hair, cupping her head gently. His golden gaze burned into hers, fierce and intent.
“All Kindred revere women. But I did it for you, little Lexi. You’re the one who matters to me.”
Her heart seemed to flutter at the endearment. She loved when he called her “little Lexi” and the way he was looking at her made her blush.
The words rushed out before she could stop them.
“Oh, Brandt…I love you!”
The world seemed to hold its breath. The spray of the fountain, the roar of the crowd behind them, the hot sunlight on her bare skin—it all faded as she stared up at him, waiting.
She expected joy—excitement. Maybe he’d sweep her into his arms, kiss her hard, and whisper the words back.
Instead, his eyes widened. Shock flared there—followed by something darker. Was it…guilt?
Her stomach plummeted.
Why guilt? Why does he look like I just accused him instead of confessing my heart? What’s going on here?
Her arms fell from around his neck. She stood flat on her feet again, suddenly felling small, her cheeks hot with shame.
I shouldn’t have said it. I ruined it—I ruined everything. He doesn’t feel the same way.
She only had to look at his face to tell that.
Brandt’s jaw was clenched, his lips pressed tightly together. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came. And then his gaze slid away, not meeting hers.
The rejection stung more than the pain she’d endured in the stocks. What was going on here? He’d been so close—so loving just a moment ago. What had changed?
Before she could demand an answer, movement cut through the haze of uncertainty.
“Dr. Brandt! Alexandra!”
Dr. TOo-loo and T’linga came running across the courtyard, their faces pale, their eyes wide. The doctor’s hands twisted together anxiously as he turned his head toward the noise still spilling from the hall.
“I hate to say this,” he puffed, his voice pitched high, “but it would be better if you left the planet at once. The Magistrate’s removal has unleashed unrest—more than I have ever seen. The crowd is too volatile, my friends—I fear for your safety. I don’t want either of you hurt.”