Page 89 of The Vampire’s Temptation

Fantastic.

Rowan shook his head. “You would protect a Cheld?”

She could tell the brothers were on the verge of attacking each other, the tension between them obvious to her and likely the gathering crowd. Alessandra should probably say something, but the shock of nearly being killed just now began to set in.

“I told you to go—”

“After lying to my face, brother. How could you . . .”

It was as if he didn’t have the words to describe how appalled he was, and as they both looked up at her, Alessandra suddenly felt dirty. As if she’d done something wrong.

“Leave it, Rowan.”

The whispers became hard to ignore, so when both men finally noticed they were the center of attention for more than a half dozen spectators, they began to back away. Kenton first, followed by his brother. But even though it no longer appeared they would attempt to pummel each other on her sidewalk, neither seemed inclined to completely capitulate.

“Go,” Kenton growled. “Leave Stone Haven to me.”

She didn’t think Rowan would answer, but he did.

“You chose the wrong side, Kenton.” With that, he turned and walked away. Past the onlookers, he opened his mouth and hissed at them. They gasped and jumped back as he disappeared down the street.

When Kenton turned toward her, opening his mouth as if to say something, Alessandra finally did what her stubborn ass should have done in the first place. She pivoted on her heel, turning away from him, and promptly tossed open her door and walked inside. He called her name, twice, but she slammed the door on him, shouting, “You are not invited inside,” and sank to the floor. Lifting her hands, she sat there and watched them tremble. The calm she’d felt earlier had completely abandoned her.

She was utterly and completely alone.