A Mate for York(36)

“Cass…” York said from behind her, his deep voice washed over her, making her feel so much worse. He had really hurt her. There was no way to stop the feelings of betrayal that coursed through her. At least he wasn’t allowed anywhere near her again. She just had to make it out of this room.

Don’t cry, Cassidy.

“I’m going now.” Her voice came out sounding hard and cold. She didn’t even look Brant’s way, just turned for the door and began to move.

A warm, calloused hand closed on her wrist. It was a touch she knew all too well. For just a second she allowed his heat to seep into her skin and then she yanked her arm free and fled from the room, sure to slam the door behind her. Cassidy broke out into an all out run, praying that York would not be permitted to follow her. The tears began to flow even before she made it to her suite.

It must have been all the old memories of Sean, of how badly he had hurt her. This whole ordeal had brought things to the surface that were best left buried. She wished she had never met York, that she had never come here in the first place and if she had any other choice she would leave. As it stood, she was sorely tempted to do just that regardless of consequences.





Chapter 9




Room B loomed ahead.

It was one minute before ten. Cassidy didn’t want to linger around, she’d timed this perfectly.

The vampire head of security, his name was Gideon, stood to the left of the door. He nodded in greeting and gave her a small smile. His eyes filled with what looked a lot like sympathy mixed with what she could only describe as pity.

Looking away, she held on tighter to her purse strap, she really didn’t need this. Not after she’d only just managed to pull herself together. Her eyes were a bit bloodshot and a tad puffy, but mascara and concealer could work wonders. She’d even put a bit of blush and lipstick on to try and appear fresh and upbeat.

“You did good in there earlier,” he said as she approached.

When she looked back up, the pity had been replaced with a genuine smile.

“Thanks…I guess.”

“No, really.” His face turned more serious. “There are very few people that have ever dared to stand up to Brant. Aside from his mate and one other female, you are the only human that’s ever done it. You deserve to still be here.” He looked around them, speaking softly. “York pulled a serious dick move. I’ve never known him to act in such a way. I know that he really wants a family. I just can’t believe he would treat you so badly in order to reach that end. It’s not on you though and I want you to know that. I plan on having a talk with him about it.” He took a step closer to her, again looking around to make sure that no one was listening in. “I know how emotional human females are when it comes to sex. The only consolation I can give you is that he doesn’t realize how bad this has made you feel and if he does, he doesn’t fully understand why. I don’t believe he intended to hurt you.”

“I’m not hurt,” she blurted. “I hardly know him.” She tried to play it down.

“I could scent how hurt you were. I can still scent it on you even though it is underlying.”

Fuckity fuck.

That meant that they all had smelled it on her. She’d prayed that she had looked and seemed more together than what she actually was, not thinking for a minute that her blasted scent had given her away. Vampires sucked!

“I felt used. Like an idiot. I’m fine now. Thanks, I appreciate it.” Maybe they weren’t all so bad.

Gideon nodded. “I will keep a close eye on you. Just shout if you need anything. Do you still remember the safe word?”

Cassidy nodded. “As if I could forget.” Just thinking of it made her heart squeeze and her eyes feel watery. It made her think of last night, reminded her of York. The big, fat jerk. If she ever saw his face again it would be too soon. “Can we maybe use another word?”

Gideon looked confused for a second, and then he shrugged. “Sure, what did you have in mind?”

“Um…noodles…maybe.” Pumpkin. She’d never been overly fond of vegetables.

Gideon broke out into a smile. He nodded once. “Noodles it is then. I’ll just brief the guards as well as the ladies in the comms room and we’re all set.”

“Thanks again.” She did feel a little bit better.

“Anytime.” Gideon pulled out a two way radio. “Be safe in there and don’t forget the new safe word.”

“I won’t.” She said as she continued towards the door.

“Comms room B, Comms room B come in…” There was a clicking noise and the sound of static before a woman’s voice crackled over the system.