Katie's Hope

Speechless, Katie couldn't help thinking Gio was as shallow as her sister. That didn't stop her from being angry at the man who would dump her sister off to deal with the hell she'd gone through.

"Leave this be, Katie." Kris's voice came from the doorway behind her. "Gio, go. Your service is eternally appreciated."

Gio bowed and got into the Hummer. The door closed, and the long vehicle pulled away. Katie faced Kris with a glare.

"What the hell are you doing, Kris?" she demanded. "Isn't it enough that I'm here?"

"I expected your sister to be as rough around the edges as you are," he said. "I'm glad she's not, and she seems to understand trading personal happiness for a social status. She's an Ancient's mate, Katie, like you. How there were two of you born into one family, I don't know."

"You can't make her stay."

"From what Gio says, she'll wantto stay, and I doubt she'd consider mating with someone like me abhorrent."

"If you'll remember, I didn't choose which Ancient to become my mate. What if she chooses one of your brothers?" she challenged.

"We'll know soon who she chooses," he said. His gaze went to her throat. "Two Ancients' mates in the same family. Maybe you are more like Rhyn than I gave you credit for. Both of you are blemishes on your family."

He walked back into the castle, leaving her with burning cheeks. She looked up at the glowing clouds, from which snow had begun to fall again. Tears stung her cheeks. As she thought of Toby, she wondered how much of what Kris said was true. He wouldn't have been hurt if not for her, and Hannah may not have been dragged into the Immortal world if she hadn't hit the radar of Kris.

She wiped her face, determined not to abandon her sister as Gio had. She walked the short distance into the house and down the hallway, stopping when she reached the doorway. Kris wore a rare, charming smile as he sat across from Hannah, talking. Hannah's face glowed as she gazed at Kris's handsome features. Kris caught Katie's gaze and shook his head ever so slightly, warning her against coming in.

She watched for a long moment and then left, defeated and frustrated. She returned to her chamber, where Lankha still worked his magic on an unconscious Toby under Ully's watchful gaze.

The sight of Toby's blood made her feel sick, and her own blood loss made her dizzy. It was her fault he was hurt. She was an awful foster mom. Maybe Gabriel taking her to Death would make the lives of those around her easier.