I allow Gabriella to lead me into the club’s back alley. I focus on the feeling of her hand in mine to calm myself down, but every time I do, I see her wrapped up in that human’s arms. It makes me want to open the Earth and watch this entire club and everyone in it sink into oblivion. He might be gay, but the hurt and rage I felt seeing them in each other’s arms… it was like walking in on Apaki all over again. I hate this. I feel so stupid and weak, no better than a human.
Then there’s Gabriella.
I saw the fear in her eyes. Under the haze of my rage, that look in those glacial mint eyes broke me inside. I don’t want her to fear me or ever feel unsafe around me. Perhaps I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions, but can I truly be blamed?
Once we’re alone in the alley, I wrap my arms aroun
