Chapter 251: Famous Last Words
"I think they got the message," I said, feeling my heart warm at his display of protectiveness. Yet, I couldn’t help but worry― how would Blaise’s display of powers affect the pack? What if news got out about his capabilities?
Damon had wanted to keep his powers a secret from hunters and vampires so he could have a trump card in an emergency, and now, because he wanted to stand up for me, Blaise had accidentally shown his hand.
Guilt began to form in my gut. But Blaise tilted my chin up with his fingers so I could stare into his eyes. At that moment, his gray orbs reminded me of the storm clouds that would gather every monsoon season, but they were full of warmth and love.
"Whatever you’re thinking about, stop it," Blaise said. His words were firm, but his tone was nothing but tender as he tried to reassure me.
"I can make my own decisions, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for it. This is not your fault― it’s the fault of our disrespectful pack members."
I nodded, but there was still a niggling sense of unease that refused to leave.
"So you have magic," Darach said faintly. He looked like he had a million questions to ask, but he took one look at our expressions and sighed. "I’m not going to get an explanation for this, am I?"
"Nope," Blaise smiled. "And you should keep quiet about this."
"Who would I even tell," Darach retorted glumly, shaking his head. "Some people have all the luck... what’s next? While you’re at it, can you fly too?"
"Don’t know, never tried," Blaise said blithely.
"Darach, you should go," I said quickly. The congregating protestors were long gone, but I had no doubt that all sorts of nasty rumors were spreading back at the packhouses the longer we spent talking outside.
Darach popped out of the protective circle and gave me a dubious look. His forehead wrinkled.
"Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?" Darach asked pleadingly. "Your pack doesn’t seem to welcome you. I know from personal experience how quickly things can turn ugly."
"I still have people who want me here. Don’t worry about me! I’ll be fine." I shot Darach with a confident smile. "Keep me updated on your travel progress."
Darach nodded reluctantly before he finally turned away.
A few similar-looking cars drove over, stopping right in front of us. Members of Kaine’s team filed into the vehicles while some stayed behind, waiting for Darach to enter. Right after he did, they shut the door, taking their positions in the rest of the empty seats.
The window rolled down and Darach’s head popped out, tears beading in his eyes as he gazed upon me. His lips parted and closed, unable to find words to aid him.
"Come on, you can’t be such a crybaby," I chided him gently.
"I’m not," Darach squawked out, his voice watery. "I’ll just miss you. And Nicole and Blaise." He added as an afterthought, and Blaise snorted.
"No Damon?" he asked cheekily.
"Damon can go fuck himself," Darach said instinctively, and I couldn’t suppress the smile that threatened to bloom on my face. Blaise cackled out loud.
"If there’s anything I can help you with, just let me know!" Darach added.
"You’re more likely to ask us for help," Blaise retorted playfully.
Darach rolled his eyes, as the driver in front gave an impatient huff, wordlessly asking him to hurry up since they were losing daylight.
"Thank you for all your help, Harper. May we meet again!" Darach said tearfully.
With one last lingering glance, Kaine’s team took off for the borders, with the car that Darach was in nestled protectively in the center.
Blaise and I both waved him goodbye, even if he couldn’t see it.
"I’m a bit sad to see him go. I can’t believe he grew on me," Blaise said wistfully. "It’s as though he’s my second brother, only younger."
"Don’t let Damon hear you say that. He might get jealous again."
We shared a glance and started laughing at the thought of Damon’s ire. But whatever joy I felt slowly vanished as we made our way back to the packhouse.
The once noisy packhouse immediately fell silent when we entered. I felt plenty of hostile gazes shot in my direction.
Blaise immediately took my hand, and we walked together to our rooms in complete silence. I kept my head up high despite the dirty looks, only relaxing when we finally arrived at our room and locked the door.
"I guess your stunt with the lightning really got around," I said, trying to smile as I slumped on the bed.
"As it should," Blaise said, his eyes darkening at the thought.
His hands balled into fists, and I could feel his unrest and anger swirl within me, a devastating cocktail of negativity.
"I cannot believe they would have the nerve to insult you in this manner. As my mate, you outrank practically everyone except for Damon and I," he said through gritted teeth. "Have they lost their senses? I should have them flogged for this!"
In the time that I had known him, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this upset. I could even hear his teeth grinding in rage.
"Let’s not go that far," I said hastily, pulling on his hand so that we could cuddle on the bed. I did not want to think about Kyle when I could have Blaise in my arms. And hopefully, that would calm him down and cheer him up.
Blaise got the hint, and plopped down on the bed next to me, a sullen expression on his face.
"You know we can’t afford to do that now, with the vampires and hunters waiting for a chance to destroy us," I chided him gently. "We can’t show any weakness. This would be a glaring weakness for our enemies to exploit."
"You’re more important," Blaise said stubbornly. He was speaking as my mate, and not as Fangborne’s beta. If he couldn’t remember his role in the pack, I guessed I would have to be the one to remind him.
"Now you’re being ridiculous," I said, bopping his nose. Blaise’s eyes crossed adorably, and I let out a giggle. "And you don’t have to worry about me. I’ve endured way worse than a few nasty comments. Kyle and his cronies won’t be able to do anything to me."
Famous last words.
