CHAPTER 101

  Raleigh broke off when the doorbell rang, a sharp, jaunty tune that echoed throughout the entire palace.

  I glanced down the hallway, then back at my mate's pale face. I cupped her cheek, brushing my thumb against her swollen lip.

  She smiled, shaking. "I-I'm okay...just still trying to get used to the fact that I watched a murder right before my eyes, and I was powerless against it..."

  I kissed the corner of her mouth. "You had no choice. It's perfectly fine to be shaken up right now."

  The doorbell sounded like it was getting spammed by now, and with a shared chuckle, I left Raleigh in the kitchen to get the door, wondering along the way if I should have her and Cindy see a therapist for their trauma.

  "Dude, how long does it take you to open a door?" Was the first thing Conner berated me for when I yanked the golden latch open.

  Cindy smiled awkwardly at me, apologizing for Conner's behavior through her sparkling, yet dull eyes.