"Actually, I can, snowflake." Gabby tsked as her eyes scanned him up and down before landing back on me. "Of course, the most attractive man here would be mated to Serafina's spawn."
"Hey, my mate is sexy too." Ella pointed at Louis.
The woman didn't even bother noting her presence. "They said it would be worth it for me to stay back."
"They? Who do you mean?" She seemed fixated on me, so maybe I'd have better luck. I needed Mason to get out of my damn way so I could get some answers.
"Do you think I'm dumb enough to tell you that?" She giggled loudly and looked almost crazed. "Of course you do. I bet you're just like her."
"Like who?" I had a feeling it had to do with Mom.
"The same red hair, the inflated ego, how you expect me to tell you all my deep dark secrets." She pulled at the ends of her hair. "All so superficial, but yet he fell for it."
"They were fated mates. They didn't have a choice." Maybe if I pushed her, she'd start rambling, not thinking through what to say.
Be careful. Mason linked with me and edged even more in front, his back brushing my chest. She's making me nervous.
"You see, Corey was mine." She shook her head and spat at the ground. "I don't understand what he saw in you and not me."
"Holy shit." Louis stood behind me, but even he took a step closer as if she might attack me at any second. "She's merging you with your mother."
These two meatheads were getting on my damn nerves. "This has nothing to do with you and me." If I played the part, would that help? "These people could hurt innocents."
"They don't give a shit about hurting anyone but you." She stumbled toward me and sneered. "Of course it's you. Everything revolves around you. They said I could end it."
You need to leave. Mason's shoulders were tense, and his breathing grew faster.
When I didn’t move, his jaw ticked. Now.
Like hell I would. I wouldn’t leave him alone; we fought together now. No.
“See, you aren’t even grateful for your mate, who is trying to protect you. That’s why I have to do it.” An ear-piercing scream filled my ears as Gabby pulled a knife from her pants. Her eyes found mine behind Mason.
"Watch out." Mona cried.
"No." Mason roared as he ran toward Gabby. When he got close to her, she bent and grabbed his arm, throwing him over her body.
“Mason.” My eyes stayed locked on him. Just when I was about to run toward him, all hell broke loose.
Mona rushed to get to me, but Ella was in her way, and Gabby was fast. Mason landed on his back, immediately jumping to his feet. The closest people to me were Louis and Ella.
Gabby’s eyes locked onto mine, and her aim was clear, the knife targeting my heart. I had no time to move out of the way.
Moments before the blade could hit my chest, Louis jumped in front of me. He took the knife in his upper arm and tackled her to the ground.
"Louis!" Ella cried as she rushed past me.
Mason leaned over and put Gabby into a headlock, causing her eyes to roll back in her head.
Whoever it was that gave her that damn knife, not only did they free Richard and Debra, but they had conspired in an attempt on my life. Yet, how do you fight a faceless enemy that you know nothing about?
Chapter Three
"That wasn't meant for him." Gabby took a ragged breath as she came to and growled. "Why did he do that? Why do people always protect her?"
"You stupid bitch!" Ella screamed the words and reared back, punching her square in the nose. "If he dies, you'll be next."
With the way she was acting, I wouldn't be surprised if she killed Gabby now. "Ella, he needs you." I bent over and frowned. "How bad does it hurt?" The prince had risked his life for mine, which meant more than he’d ever realize.
"Ah ... you know," Louis grunted as he glanced at the dagger that was still protruding from his arm. "Just fucking horrible."
"Cuff her." I flicked my eyes up at my three loyal guards. "Take her into another cell. We'll deal with her after we help him."
Mason leaned over the woman's face and bared his teeth. "We aren't done with you. You tried to kill my mate. You’ll be rotting in hell soon if I have anything to do with it."
"Aren’t you something?" She rubbed her finger along his chest and grinned. "We could have fun together."
In a flash, Mason took hold of her fingers and bent them backward, causing her to whimper.
Oh, dear God. I couldn't take much more. "Get her the hell out of here, now."
The woman guard handed Tommy the cuffs, and he took a step in Gabby's direction.
"No, please don't." She tried to stand but stumbled backward, attempting to get away. "She deserved it. Really, she did."
At first, I'd tried to humor her, but now she was getting on my nerves. "I haven't done a damn thing to you. This was our first time ever meeting. If you really did love my dad, why would you want to hurt me, his daughter?"
"That just makes it worse." She wrinkled her nose and jerked, trying to break free from Tommy's hold. "I hope they kill you."
"Take her out," Mason yelled the words, his breathing rapid.
We need her for answers. I understood he was upset, but we couldn't do anything rash.
That’s the only reason she's still breathing. Mason stared Gabby down as Tommy pushed her out of the room.
"We need to get the dagger out of Louis." The longer we left it in his arm, the more he would bleed. "I don't know what the hell to do."
"It's not a critical wound." Mona bent down to examine the injury. "Kassie, can you call Gracie? She should be able to handle this."
"On it." Kassie pulled out her phone and stepped into the hallway to make the call.
"The phone works down here?" I was surprised, considering we were surrounded by concrete.
"Connected to Wi-Fi calling." Mona reached for the black handle of the knife. "I'm going to pull this out to stop the bleeding."
"Whoa." Ella grabbed Mona's arm. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
"Promise." Mona smiled at her. "Mason, I may need your help since Tommy and Kassie are busy."
"What's up?" He leaned over, wincing as he took in the wound.
"First off, pretty boy," Mona snorted, "you might get some blood on those nice slacks if you aren't careful."
"Okay." He nodded and lifted an arm over his head, stretching it out. "Damn, she threw me over her body. I'm going to be sore tomorrow."
"Stop whining and get down here to help." Mona shook her head as she adjusted her grip on the knife once again.
"Do you need my help?" I hated being worthless, and Louis had saved my life. If it hadn't been for him, she would've hit her mark.
You’ve done enough. Mason’s tone was low and angry.
What the hell does that mean? He was acting like this was my damn fault.
"Not from you." Mona tilted her head in my direction. "That dress doesn't look like it's very comfortable."