Page 172 of Rattle the Cage

“No,” I shook my head, reaching for the door handle. “I’m coming with you.”

84

BLADE

My body lit on fire. I wouldn’t let my Trinket in that crowd. Not after the last time they tried to take her from me.

“No. Veto.” I hissed.

Shaking her head, Tess straightened her back. “Nope, you can’t veto this. Lola’s my friend. Rubin is after me.”

“That’s exactly the problem.” I growled back.

I hated speaking to her like this. But I couldn’t stomach having my Tess anywhere near something so dangerous.

Of course she was strong, capable. She’d kick ass if she needed to.

That didn’t make the risk worth it.

Nash and Cyrus exchanged a look.

“No way you two are fine with this.” I whipped my head around to stare at them.

Nash’s gray eyes met mine. “She has a right to be there.”

Throwing her hands up, Tess sighed. “Thank you.” She reached for my hand, rubbing the back of it with her thumb. I’ll be careful. I promise.”

Even Cyrus was quiet.

Clenching my jaw, I looked at her. “Nothing?”

But Cyrus shrugged. “I know better than to tell this woman what to do.”

Fair enough.

The last time Cyrus tried to control Tess, we all lost her. We all knew the best we could do was protect her — to be the demons that haunted her every movement. To be the shadows that snatched her enemies into the abyss.

With a grin, Tess’s face lit up. “Truth is, even if you try to keep me here, I’m going to find a way into that crowd whether you like it or not”

Stubborn toy.

Reaching for Tess’s hood, I pulled it over her head and tucked the blonde strands into the covering. “Keep your head down. We’ll be right behind you.”

Once she was covered up, Cyrus nodded.

We weren’t wearing masks today. Everyone who saw us now would know we were here.

As we headed toward the crowd, I heard Cyrus hiss at Tess. “Stay near me. Everyone else will fan out.”

Appearing from behind the Cadillac, we all began to fan out. We could pretend not to know each other but the truth was, everyone in Valemont would see our pierced and tattooed bodies and know we belonged together.

Nash moved to the left, edging into the crowd, while I headed straight ahead. Banking right, Cyrus and Tess started at the periphery of the audience.

I liked it better that way.

In the center, they could get penned if anyone recognized Tess. But at the edges, there was a better chance that my Trinket could get away — that Nash and I could reach her if need be.

As I slipped between the shoulders of the gathered followers, I heard a voice over the speakers.