Katie's Hope

"I see. I gave orders that everyone was to rendezvous elsewhere, but I am happy you're safe."

"I have something to show you," she said and took his hand, pulling him toward the guest rooms lining the small courtyard.

"Hannah, I must-- "

"It'll be quick."

He allowed her to pull him into her small room and close the door behind him. He waited while she rolled up her sleeve in excitement, then displayed the blood-red tattoo there. Inside an intricate pattern of Immortal writing was the word K R I S.His throat tightened at the sight of something he'd waited his whole life to see. No matter what lies Katie had been told, he couldn't believe what was said about Lilith. The evidence Lilith wasn't meant for him was clear.

Immortals only had one shot at their mates, and Andre had tried to warn him Lilith was not his intended. His dead-dead brother was right, or Hannah wouldn't bear Kris's name.

He caressed the tattoo with a thumb and smiled, feeling genuine happiness for the first time since Andre's death. Hannah's face glowed, and she threw her arms around him. He held her close and breathed in her scent.

"Katherine was gone before I could show her. She'll be so thrilled to welcome you to our family!" she exclaimed.

Kris knew the opposite to be true but said nothing, enjoying the moment of peace. There was a tap at the door. He pulled loose from her to answer it, not surprised to see another of the convent members there, probably to tell him the same thing the first did.

"Master Kris," the woman said, "we have your brother, Sasha, here. He's in a deep sleep, but his presence here is causing much unease among us."

"Hannah, I promise to come back soon. I must handle this," he said, turning back to give his mate a kiss on the cheek.

"You'll return today?" she asked hopefully. "Or can we go back to the castle?"

"I have to make sure the demons are gone before you come back," he said. "I will visit again soon, my Hannah."

She beamed another brilliant smile, and it took all his willpower to leave her to see one of his least favorite people. He rejoined the awaiting convent member in the courtyard outside Hannah's room and trailed her through the Sanctuary. A familiar shape in the dark corner of the cafeteria caught his attention as he passed, and he paused to raise a hand in greeting.