Katie's Hope

She walked to the door and pulled it open for Hannah in her straw-colored pants and light pink sweater. Hannah no longer wore her engagement ring, and Katie wondered why she was so happy when she must know by now Gio wasn't coming back for her.

They entered the dining room, which was filled for brunch. Katie ignored the looks of those nearest her, and Hannah looked around, happy.

"Just need some soup to go," Katie told the host, who snapped his fingers at a servant. "And whatever you want, Hannah."

"Master Kris has ordered us to respect any wish you have, Miss Hannah. You'll find our chefs the best in the world," the host said, ignoring Katie to address her sister.

Hannah blushed, and Katie looked at her anew.

"You sleptwith him?" she asked. "That's quick even by your standards." "Not so loud," Hannah replied with an apologetic look at the host.

"Didn't you just get dumped by one Immortal?"

"Kris explained everything to me last night, Katherine." "Explained what? That he manipulated Gio and now you?"

Hannah looked again to the host, who pretended not to hear despite being less than two feet away. Furious, Katie left before she made more of a scene that would embarrass her sister. She was pacing the hall in front of the dining area when Hannah emerged a short time later carrying a large tote.

"I suppose he explained what he did to me, too," Katie snapped. "Or did he leave that part out?"

"He explained he's tried to do his best but doesn't always succeed, like anyone, Katherine," Hannah said. "You're making a big deal out of this. I'm an adult, and so is he."

"You're my sister. Don't you find it odd he was so quick to come on to you?" "He believes we're meant to be."

"And what do you believe?"

"I believe …" Hannah drifted off, looking around her. "I believe I could be very comfortable living here." She smiled. Katie watched her walk down the hall toward her chambers, stunned. Hannah saw nothing but the gilded world around her; she had no idea about the dark underside to the Immortal world.

Katie had hoped to make her sister a confidante but knew it was impossible so long as Kris's claws were wrapped securely around Hannah. Gabriel, Rhyn, Hannah. Those who might've been her friends were gone. Gabriel didn't have a choice, Rhyn she was trying to protect, but Hannah … the sense of betrayal within her made her feel ill again. Of all the Immortals and creatures in the world, she felt even closer to the outcast that was her mate.