Angel’S Blade

By Jasmine X

After Angels sacrifice their lives to save a dying earth, the need for Hunters becomes more evident than ever. When Kai Santerre receives the Hunters mark on her sixteenth birthday, she is eager and ready. But now that the Demons, Werewolves, and Vampires have come out of hiding, her mother is less than enthusiastic about Kais new role.

After she intensively trains for over two years, Kai earns a reputation as one of the best Hunters in the world who is well known among both humans and creatures of the night for her abilities. But when she receives orders to report to the Cardinal League in Chicago, Kai is confronted with a familiar face and a mystery. Helped by an Asteri Blade, her cocky partner, and the support of her fellow Hunters, it is now up to Kai to connect all the pieces of an ancient puzzle to ensure a future she was once certain she could never have.

Angels Blade shares the compelling tale of a young hunters journey as she attempts to solve a mystery amid a world rampant with dark creatures determined to stop her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Jan 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781480840805

Jasmine X

Jasmine X grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, with a wild imagination that encouraged a love of fantasy worlds and the creatures that inhabit them. She operates a forklift by day and surrenders to her mind at night. Angel’s Blade is her first book.

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Copyright © 2016, 2017 Jasmine X.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Archway Publishing

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www.archwaypublishing.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4808-4078-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-4079-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-4080-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016921024

Archway Publishing rev. date: 1/4/2017

Contents

Introduction: Change

Chapter 1 The Beginning

Chapter 2 The Cardinal League and a Mystery

Chapter 3 Digging up Demons

Chapter 4 A Night in Purgatory

Chapter 5 Voices from the Past to Miss Kai Santerre of the year 2204

Chapter 6 A Demon’s Warning and A Hopeless Visit

Chapter 7 The Angel’s Blade

Chapter 8 Where a Lone Tree Stands Apart from the Rest

Chapter 9 A Deal with the Devil

Chapter 10 It’s all Fun and Games until Someone gets Possessed

Chapter 11 If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it.

Chapter 12 It’s Over, The End?

Epilogue: Once you think it’s over, it’s not really.

For Grandpa Mayville and Cousin Sydney, and all the others we’ve lost along the way. You had strength till the end now rest as you well deserve. Though you could not win your fights, we will fight like Hell to win ours.

Love, X.

He who lets fear rule him, has fear for a master.

~Sherrilyn Kenyon

Introduction

Change

D eath comes to us in the most curious of ways. But then again, life itself is curious. Isn’t it? We never really know for sure how we come to be, or why. What is our purpose? And who was first? Did the Gods come first then get bored and decide to create men? And where did the Gods come from? Who created them?….

Life….

It’s full of these questions, these mysteries. None of which will ever have a true answer. There is only theory after theory, which each man will choose of which they believe. We can never hope to find the truth. Fact is, we are afraid to learn the truth. So we make up those theories so we can be more comfortable with the World we live in. A defense mechanism, instincts, call it what you will. It’s the way of things.

And that will never change.

Because mankind as a whole are cowards and we will always be afraid of change. But when the change comes to everyone in the world at the exact same moment, what then? Thankfully for the rest of the world, there were some who did not let that fear engulf them. They embraced it and helped usher in a new age.

After many years of the same fear, the human race was forced to evolve as long ago the world was faced with a dying planet. Measures were taken to save what was left as the world went completely gas and smoke emissions free. These threats were not taken seriously years before by many but in hopes to save what remained the American government initiated the movement and together with the U.N. helped organize others to provide their people with the necessities to sustain life. But during the process, things went critical as the Super Volcano of Yellowstone National Park, Mt. Vesuvius, Krakatoa, Mt. St. Helens, and dozens of other volcanoes previously thought dormant shook the earth and filled the sky with their eruptions of plumes of smoke and ash.

Just when things seemed darkest and the ash and lava made their way towards most of the Earth’s population; a true miracle of Heaven occurred. Hawthorne Santerre saw it himself; the skies lit up, blinding all for a moment. The grounds stilled and when everyone looked back up, they saw figures of what appeared to be humans hovering in the sky. But they were not humans, they were Angels. And they saved the people as all hope seemed lost.

When they came down to meet the people, Hawthorne could see their skin was covered in incredible markings foreign to his understanding. The Heavenly specters spoke telepathically to all who gathered and told them of the prophecy of the world covered in ash. The decision had been made to let the humans suffer for their idiocy of destroying their own plant. But there was an uprising amongst the angels that forced the ruling to be reversed.

After the Angels explained this, they revealed something even more incredible. In the act of saving the Earth, the Angels would be sacrificed. But before their deaths, they passed on the skills and knowledge of adapting to survive to the human race through their blood. By passing on their blood, they passed on their markings so every human born into the next generation was born with markings unique to themselves. Over the years each person gains more. These markings tell where each person is from and speak to everyone differently. They tell you who you are and where you are going. And only the one who bears them can read them. But the markings are not some ancient Angelic language. They are shapes and images swirled together in such complex designs. In earlier times, they would have been named tattoos. Now days, tattoos have become obsolete with markings appearing unpredictably.

When it comes to your eighteenth birthday, you receive one very special marking; this marking is not as unique as all the rest. It appears in the hollow at the base of your neck and it matches only one other person on Earth; your soul mate. The only problem is Kai Santerre didn’t get her mark. And not a single person alive can tell her what that means because there is not a single person alive who has never gotten their soul mate marking. But in her line of work, it’s not such a bad thing, it’s been known to make many widows and widowers. Kai Santerre is a Hunter; one of the many that embrace the fear that makes the rest of the world live in a lie.

After the Angels were gone Demons, Vampires, and Werewolves came out of hiding. The need for Hunters became strong since the world had been united after the Angels’ sacrifice, armies had also become obsolete. A new generation was created with a new marking. With this came the knowledge on how to forge and wield the necessary weapons that could eliminate these dangerous creatures. And upon Kai’s sixteenth birthday, she received the Hunter’s mark and was eager and ready. Her mother on the other hand was less enthusiastic…

Chapter 1

The Beginning

K ai woke up with a start. At the time she thought it was because this was the first day of school and she had slept through her alarm. But when she looked down at her forearm, swirling across her smooth skin was the almost bow like shape of the Hunter’s Mark. As she studied it more, she saw the various weapons that created the elegant design. A bow and arrow were the basis of the design with a spear and blade crossing them.

Jumping out of bed, Kai ran into the kitchen, skidding to a stop right in front of the table.

Ralentissez Kai. Where’s the fire? Anthony Santerre asked of his daughter.

I got it! I got the Hunter’s mark! Kai jumped up and down and shoved her left arm in Anthony’s and Leda’s faces.

Anthony grabbed his youngest child’s wrist to study the mark, Well, look at that. He glanced at Leda who had an expression of horror on her face. Honey, why don’t you get ready for school? he suggested to Kai.

No, you’re not gonna come up with a plan to talk me out of this Mum! This is what I want, you know that! I’ve been chosen. It’s in my blood. The first time she told her family about wanting to be a Hunter, Leda told her to stop saying silly things while Anthony got her a fake sword for her next birthday.

Aller Kai. Anthony said, trying to spare his wife and daughter another argument about the matter. His French accent was especially thick as he cautioned his daughter with his gaze.

But Daddy!

Aller. The matter of the moment was finalized in Anthony’s eyes.

Ugh! Kai let out a sigh and turned almost running into her older brother Rhys.

What’s your problem? he asked, glancing from his parents to his little sister. She held up her arm and he looked at it then laughed, Like you’ll survive the first day of training.

Rhys! Leda and Anthony said together.

Thanks a lot brother. She huffed and went back to her room, slamming the door. Two years ago when he turned sixteen, Rhys got a mark that told him to be a musician which he had hoped for and their parents were more than willing to accept it. After all, your life isn’t at risk when you stand on a stage every night screaming into a microphone.

As a parent, Anthony always tried to support his children. He knew the world was full of risk and danger, but he also knew he raised his children properly so they could handle anything that came their way. But for Leda, she was always worried no matter what she and Anthony did to prepare their children for life.

With the excitement of her birthday sucked right out of Kai, she showered and got ready for the new school year. When the world changed, the start date of school changed as well. Each new school year now began in mid-January, ran through April and took summer break between first semester and second. Then second semester began in July and ran through mid-November. Students had December and the beginning of January off and then they were back in school for a new year. On the first day of sophomore year, each student received his or her schedule based on his or her Career mark.

After showering, Kai took the time to straighten her hair. She then meticulously pulled on her black, tight leggings with cutouts on the sides, a red top with her black leather jacket and black combat boots. As Kai reached for her backpack and cell, she stopped, having caught sight of the family photo on her desk. She sighed. Her brother had headphones on and an eyebrow arched at the camera as her mother stood beside him with her arm around him and a smile on her gentle face. On the other side of Leda was Kai, a small smile that didn’t show her teeth. Her hands were shoved in the pockets of her tight jeans while her dad smiled brightly beside her with his arm stretched across her to Leda’s shoulder, squishing Kai between her parents in the process.

Anthony and Rhys were like bookends as the tallest in the family. Though Rhys’s hair was dyed black, it was naturally the same as Kai’s; his gray eyes seemed more haunting with his dark hair, and of course he had his lip and nose pierced. He got his eyes from their mom as well as the golden color to their hair. And Leda looked so small compared to Anthony who stood at six foot three while Leda was only five foot eight. Kai supposed her eye color came in part from Anthony, who had gray green eyes that paled next to his auburn hair.

They were happy in the photo, not to say they weren’t happy now but Leda’s worrying always took its toll on someone. Kai sighed again and went back to the kitchen with her things.

Happy birthday sweetie, Leda said in a sweet voice.

Kai sat down at her place to eat. Oh, are we starting the morning over?

Kai, her father said as he put a hand on her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. Happy birthday, I’m very happy for you and your Career mark.

Thanks, Kai said to no one in particular.

Kai, Leda sat down across from her daughter. I am not happy with the career you have been marked with, but it is not my decision. It is yours and I hope that you will be careful-

Mum, I will. I’m not stupid. Mother and daughter exchanged a look.

Well good. Have a great day at school dear. She stood and kissed the top of Kai’s head then left for work with Anthony.

"Are you ready yet Hunter?" Rhys joked.

Wow, you are so hilarious. Putting her dishes in the sink, she followed her brother out to the car.

When the siblings got to school, Rhys ruffled his sister’s hair then said, Don’t die.

Don’t make your classmates ears bleed again.

Oh, knife to the heart. You’re already doing a shitty job. You missed your target.

Really? Cause you look like a dog from here! Kai shouted after him as he laughed and joined his friends.

Kai!

She turned and saw her best friends Kayden and Evie walking toward her. Kai smiled as she made her way over to hug them.

Happy birthday Santerre, Kayden said with a smile before kissing his friends forehead.

Evie gave her a second hug then squealed, Happy sixteenth!

Thanks guys!

The friends exchanged a look before Kayden said, I’ll show you mine if you ladies show me yours. He winked at the girls.

Kai laughed, You guys got yours?

This morning, Evie said as she smiled. Sometimes if it was so absolute, people got their Career marks at the start of the school year regardless of if their birthday had arrived yet.

The future hunter held up her arm, still covered by the leather sleeve and the others did the same. The friends exchanged glances. Kai smiled up at Kayden’s deeply focused face. As tall as her brother and with the looks and build of a soldier, he hardly looked anything other than serious. Kai then smiled at Evie’s gentle oval face with her chocolate eyes and high cheekbones. She was truly a natural beauty with her sand colored skin. No matter what happened, these two would always mean the world to Kai.

One… two…three! they counted together then pulled back their sleeves.

Dude! Kayden and Kai said together before high-fiving. All right, we’re both gonna be fucking badass hunters! he shouted.

What about me? Evie frowned.

Kai hugged her, You’re gonna be a badass actress.

She smiled, Thank you very much.

The friends laughed. Come on, Kai said, We don’t want to be late.

Oh no, we can’t have that! Kayden joked before turning to walk into school. So how’d your mother take it? he asked as the trio walked down the hall and around the corner to their lockers.

Sighing Kai answered, She didn’t say anything at first so my dad told me to leave the room then when I came back she was ready to react. She doesn’t like it but she knows how to keep quiet about it.

Oh, so about as well as mine? he laughed.

Yeah, did you get a ‘Be careful’? Kai looked up at her oldest friend.

He nodded, Oh yeah.

What did Rhys have to say? Evie asked.

Kai looked at her with disgust, Seriously? You’re still not over that?

I don’t like you’re brother!

Kay and Kai laughed then Kai said, He doesn’t think I’ll make it past the first day.

How kind of him, Kay scoffed.

I know, the girl sighed as she opened her locker, throwing her wallet and cell inside. Phones were absolutely forbidden in class once you had your Career mark.

Santerre. Mills. Kayden and Kai turned at the sound of their Counselors voice. He motioned the pair over and said, Follow me. Saying goodbye to Evie, they followed after until he stopped at his office door then motioned them ahead. They sat across from him and he smiled, How were your breaks?

Fine, the future Hunters both answered.

Excellent. He shuffled some papers around his desk then looked back at them. Well, let’s see them. The kids pulled up their sleeves once more and he smiled, Exactly what the two of you wanted. Congratulations.

Thanks Mr. Larock, the kids said together.

He turned to his computer and pressed a couple buttons. The printer spit out two sheets of paper and he handed them to Kayden and Kai. Here are your schedules. Enjoy your first day as Hunters-in-training.

Thanks. They grabbed the schedules and headed out the door.

A few minutes later, all the Hunters-to-be were thrown into their first class. It was simply a disclaimer of the dangers of being a hunter. After that was out of the way, lessons on learning about the creatures they would be up against began.

Not long after the world changed, a détente was struck with the various covens and packs of Vampires and Werewolves. There is a string of clubs across the world called Purgatory where those peaceful beings interact with each other and Hunters. While Humans befriend Vampires and Werewolves these clubs are strictly for the dark and magical creatures of the night and those who maintain the peace. Though the peace remains amongst the majority, there are still those who believe they are more powerful than the Humans and Hunters. Those that don’t agree with the comingling of species; they are the ones hunted.

But Demons are different. They’re more powerful than anything and don’t typically make friends with anyone. They are the primary focus. Demon venom is lethal; if you don’t get to a healer almost immediately after infection you don’t have a chance of surviving. Angel blood had given hunters many things, but invincibility is not one of them. People live and they still die as the fates see fit.

After lunch, the class of hunters were tested for strength and endurance and separated into different training groups. Kai was shocked when she was placed into the strongest group with Kayden. They learned to handle and create their own weapons. Weapons unlike any other, forged from a special type of ore found and handled by Hunters only. It is said to be of the stars themselves and they are called Asteri Blades.

One week into class the hunters-to-be were given the opportunity to try and forge their first blade. Kai and Kayden sat at the back of class watching the instructional video before they were to actually begin working with Asteri and Ciel materials. Kai was utterly bored and on the verge of sleep when her friend shuffled uneasily next to her. She turned to Kayden with a frown. He was leaning forward with his gaze intent on the video.

Kai leaned towards him to be sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her. Are you sweating? she whispered in disbelief.

What? Kayden turned to her as he wiped his hand across his forehead. Yeah, I’m freaking out! He whispered back aggressively before turning his gaze back to the video.

Why? It’s not that hard.

Kayden groaned softly, Says the girl who’s already at the top of the class one week in.

Kai shrugged at this, You’re like second.

Kayden scoffed and then whimpered as the video ended. Alright class, let’s move to the armory and get started, Chappy, the instructor called out. He was a young intelligent hunter from America who loved to fight but also loved to teach. Kai thought he was pretty cool and funny, he made class interesting. But after the video she frowned as the class groaned at his words. It seems Kayden wasn’t the only nervous one.

The class walked down to the deepest part of the school to the armory. After Chappy opened the vaulted door, he let the class file in. Kai, he said as she passed.

Yeah Chappy?

He glanced at the nervous group of students, Why don’t you go last? You’re the only one who doesn’t appear to be nervous. His whispered suggestion ended with him giving her a funny expression and a shrug.

Kai laughed and nodded, Sure thing.

Awesome, Chappy allowed her to enter first before he followed after. All right who wants to go first? he asked while rubbing his hands together. The room was filled with silence as everyone kept their eyes cast away from the instructor. Chappy nodded at his students, Sure sure. Kayden! Thanks for volunteering!

Kayden looked up with fright then at Kai. Just go, she nudged him forward.

Kay sighed and joined Chappy at the front of the room. So, Chappy turned to the fire closest to him to stoke the coals. Got your design? Kayden shakily handed Chappy the paper who took it while shaking his head, he turned to the computer to scan the shape. The large press slammed down onto the sheet of Asteri metal leaving Kayden’s rough blade remaining. You know what to do, Chappy nodded towards the unfinished blade lying on the table. Once hunters got the hang of making weapons they wouldn’t need the press and would be able to melt the metal and shape it themselves. The press was simply for beginners’ instruction.

Kayden made a face as he took it and began his work. The class watched as Chappy helped Kayden heat and pound the metal into shape. He then added the guards, the grip and the pommel before Chappy appraised his work. The instructor made a face as he held the blade in his hand. Well balanced, straight edge that could be smoother but overall not too bad. I think the hardest part will be making your sheath. He handed Kayden his blade, Good job.

The young hunter sighed as he took the blade back, Thanks.

Alright everyone, press your shape then get going, Chappy pointed to the machine then the various fires lite around the room.

As requested, Kai waited until most had already finished and were having their blades appraised by Chappy. Once you finished your blade you were allowed to go to the cafeteria to grab a snack so by the time Kai was finished, most of the class was gone. Kayden lingered to watch her, Why does this look so easy for you? It’s like you’re making crepes!

Kai laughed, I don’t know, I just get it. Kayden scoffed as she finished her blade. Chappy, Kai said turning to him.

He smiled as he took it. His face was calm as he studied it and finished by swinging it around in a swift motion, slicing a stool clean in half. The blade remained whole and without harm. He nodded in approval as he handed it back to Kai, One hundred percent perfection.

Thank you, Kai smiled.

Finish your sheath and we’ll all meet back in class. Chappy smiled as he pat Kai on the back and left the armory.

Kayden glared at his friend, I hate you.

Why? Kai frowned.

Too much perfection, Kayden slumped back into his stool. Kai laughed as she turned back to her sheath to complete her work.

That picture was essentially the story of Kai and Kayden’s class work throughout their studies. Kai doing something effortlessly while Kayden, followed by the rest of the class, took a couple tries more to achieve perfection.

While Kai excels in life work, her personal work seemed to be lacking as she woke up on her eighteenth birthday. She didn’t feel any different than she did the night before. She felt strange because she didn’t feel like she only had one more semester to go before her life would begin. The reality had not set in yet. She got out of bed thinking there was something she had forgotten to do. Something she needed to remember maybe?

Now in the bathroom, she turned to the mirror her eyes widening instantly. It wasn’t what she saw that spawned this reaction; rather it was what she didn’t see. And that was her Soul Mate marking.

Running her fingers over the hollow at the base of her neck, Kai Santerre couldn’t believe it. What the hell? Where is it? Still in disbelief, she stripped all her clothes off. Knowing she wouldn’t find any new marks anywhere else, she was still disappointed. Locking eyes with her reflection she whispered, What the hell is wrong with me?

It took Kai ten minutes to actually get in the shower and dressed for school. It then took her an additional ten minutes after that to find something to wear that would cover her neck. She finally found a sweater with a thick collar that doubles as a hood. She then threw on her leather jacket just to make sure the collar of the sweater was in the right place. Grabbing her things, she headed to the kitchen with her head down.

Happy Birthday kid, Anthony said when he saw his daughter.

Thanks Dad, Kai answered quietly as she sat down and began to eat.

Happy Birthday! Leda smiled when she entered the kitchen.

Thanks, Kai mumbled between shoveling food into her mouth.

Leda and Anthony exchanged a look and watched as their daughter finished her food rapidly, deposited the dishes in the sink, then grabbed her things and made for the door. Where’s the fire? Anthony asked.

Leda stepped in front of Kai, blocking her escape route. Kai sighed, What?

Putting a finger under her daughter’s chin, she lifted her face so she could look at her, Why are you leaving so quickly? We thought you’d be excited to show us your new mark.

Yeah, Anthony joined them, Give us a look.

Mum no- Kai protested as her mother reached to move her sweater out of the way. But it was too late for her to stop her parents prying hands. When they saw nothing on their daughters’ neck, they gasped and took a step back. All manner of speech seeped out of them. Kai rearranged her collar then turned back to her parents, Before you ask, I don’t know what happened.

Mon Dieu, Leda finally managed.

Maman s’il vous plait. Don’t start. So I don’t have a Soul Mate. Kai shrugged, trying to move past her mother’s ‘the sky is falling I’m going to speak in French’ mode.

And you’re okay with this? Anthony asked.

Kai shrugged again, Sure.

Kai, Leda began.

Ça va Maman! Kai yelled in exasperation before walking away completely and speeding off in her car.

When Kai arrived at school she sat in her car for a moment, thinking, Fuck it. Kai usually never does this but she was done caring. She reached into the glove compartment and pulled out her lighter and a cigarette. She lit it and threw the lighter aside as she got out.

On her way towards the school, she had the misfortune of passing by one of the most obnoxious guys in her grade. Having a rough morning Kai? Maybe I can help.

Pushing him away roughly she said bitterly, Get out of my face Rex, and blew smoke in his face. Rex was a healer and always tried to ‘help’ Kai.

A couple of Rex’ friends laughed at the exchange. He glared at them then called after Kai, One day Santerre.

Keep dreaming twat! she called back.

What’s wrong? Evie asked, You don’t usually lower yourself to Rex’ level. Or smoke before school.

Finishing the cigarette, Kai blew out a last breath of smoke and put the butt out on the heel of her boot before pulling back the collar of her sweater to show her friend the lack of normalcy. Oh my god, you didn’t get-

I know, Kai acknowledged before her friend could say the words out loud.

Evie hugged her friend, I’m sorry. Do your parents know?

Yes, the Hunter sighed. Damn, Kai looked back at her car.

What? Evie asked.

Wish I brought another cigarette with.

Here, Kayden walked up and handed her one of his and lit it for her.

Thanks Love, Kai said in appreciation.

No problem, he looked at Evie’s disproval before looking back at Kai, What’s wrong anyway? You’re not usually one to indulge in the art of smoking on school grounds.

Kai tilted her head back and let out a long trail of smoke at the same time she pulled back her collar to show him. Rough. Kay stated.

Tell me about it, Kai said sarcastically.

After telling her friends what the parents Santerre said and finishing the cigarette Kay gave her, they went to class. Most of Kayden and Kai’s class knows the first day of school is Kai’s birthday so she was dreading gym time. She knew she couldn’t wear that sweater all day but still she had hope. Kai, you know the rules. Loose the sweater. Chappy motioned over to everyone’s gym bags.

She sighed and looked up at Kayden. Fuck ‘em, Kay said.

Turning away from the class, she took the sweater off and threw it towards her bag. Now standing in only compression shorts and a tank top, she turned back to the class. Oh, many of the other Hunters said. The ones who knew told the ones who didn’t.

Alright, stop staring and get to work. Chappy watched the class continue to stare then gave Kai a sympathetic look.

Kai rolled her eyes in frustration and looked up at Kayden again. Just because she doesn’t have a Soul Mate doesn’t mean she can’t still kick your asses, Kay threatened the others. They quickly turned away from her as Kai shook her head and the two friends laughed.

Word spread around the school and the town and pretty much the world. In one semester-her last semester, she became known as ‘the girl without a soul’ when she just wanted to be a great hunter and save people.

What the hell are you looking at? Rhys said to the waitress who had just taken his and Kai’s drink orders.

Kai looked up to find the waitress had her eyes trained on Kai’s neck. Kai made an annoyed face and waited for her response. Sorry? the waitress shook her head and looked at Rhys.

I asked you what the hell you are looking at. Don’t disrespect my sister like that. Take our damn order and go away. Rhys said aggressively.

Right, sorry. I’ll just give you a minute to look at the menu. She said softly and walked back to get