Page 88 of Rafe

“Yeah, no. I’m good.” Skylar shot Rafe a side eye to kill. She lifted her glass into the air in a toast. “May Rafe be successful tomorrow so I can get the hell out of here.” Skylar sipped it, glaring at Dominique.

“She’s a fiery human, isn’t she?” Dominique brought her hands together in glee. “I like her.”

“Like me. Don’t like me. I’m outta here when this is done. I’ll appreciate my life back.” Skylar turned to Ilsbeth. “And you. Thanks for wrecking my dream job in L.A. by the way. Nice touch. I mean I just packed up my entire life for nothing.” Skylar waved to the butler and pointed to her wine glass.

“She’s absolutely delicious.” Dominique licked her lips.

“She’s mine. And you will not touch her,” Rafe growled.

Skylar rolled her eyes and shook her head, not responding.

“Typical. Dog with a bone. Remind me why I’m helping this mongrel?” Dominique shrugged.

“Because I asked you,” Greyson reminded her.

“Enough.” Ilsbeth clapped her hands and addressed the table. “She’s most definitely his human. She belongs to his vampire.”

“What?”

“It’s nothing,” Rafe replied. This wasn’t the time to discuss this with Skylar.

“No more secrets,” Ilsbeth demanded.

“You are in no position to demand anything from me, let alone from anyone else at this table. You are literally the queen of secrecy.” Rafe glanced to Skylar whose face had lost all expression. He registered her cold demeanor. “I’m sorry Skylar. I’m sorry for all of this.”

“You know what? I don’t mind at this point. Today was very much needed because the reality of all of this, sitting around contemplating how you’re going to jailbreak hell⁠—”

“It’s not technically hell,” Thorn interrupted.

“Humans,” Dominique mused under her breath.

“I’m not your human, Rafe. Ilsbeth, I appreciate your protection until this is settled. Greyson.” Skylar shoved up from the table, searching for the butler who ushered a maid carrying two bowls of soup. “Henri? Can you deliver this to my room?”

Ilsbeth nodded and he responded accordingly. “Of course, mademoiselle.”

“I’m sorry Rafe. I can’t pretend like it doesn’t bother me you were with someone else today. It does. We both know it doesn’t matter anyway. You’re a wolf. I’m happy for you. You deserve to be happy.”

Rafe stood but hesitated to reach for her, aching with guilt. “I’m sorry. This situation. The whole thing…it’s going to be over soon.” Rafe nodded to Henri who rushed to their side. “Please make sure she has everything she needs.”

“Of course, sir. I’ll see to it. Hazel, please continue the course.”

Skylar’s eyes welled with tears, her voice wavering. “Goodnight.”

Rafe’s control faltered as he reached for her, cupping her cheek with his hand, his thumb brushing a tear away. “It’s going to be okay.”

“Be safe.” Skylar turned from him, and disappeared through an archway, Henri following behind her.

Rafe sucked a silent breath and sat down, his focus on Dominique. “Do not touch her. I want Skylar safe and back doing whatever she wants to be doing like this never happened. Do you understand?”

Silence filled the room, and Rafe pounded his fist onto the table, the vibrations reverberating through the marble. “Do you understand?”

“Fine,” Dominique grumbled. “I never have any fun.”

“Darling, I don’t have any plans on touching the human.” Thorn sighed, his face lighting up as the maid set the soup in front of him. “I do love a good snapper. Oh, yes the sherry.”

“Are you done now?” Greyson asked. “As if I’d ever touch Skylar. Her mother wouldn’t be happy at all with me.”

Rafe turned his attention to Ilsbeth who remained quiet.