"Kris sent a message for her," the death dealer said, withdrawing a folded sheet of paper from his pocket.
Rhyn reached for it, but Gabriel pulled it away.
"Only for her. If he's apologizing, let him do so in peace."
Rhyn wanted to destroy the letter. Instead, he watched Gabriel cross the room and leave it on the pillow beside Katie. Rhyn's gaze fell to her again.
What drew him and others to his mate? It was her curse. He had to protect her while keeping her from those who could help. He had to protect her from Sasha and the Dark One; he had to protect her from Kris and his people.
I think I love you.
The woman was crazy, and yet, a part of him liked that about her. She'd proven herself to him in a way no immortal ever had.
He couldn't not believe her to be his match!
Gabriel was right --he had to figure it out before he lost his mate.
The assassin left him in peace, and he stayed awake the rest of the night, watching over her. He braced himself for more syrupy love sentiments when she awoke but was relieved when she gave him a warning look and disappeared into the bathroom, the letter clutched in one hand.
He stripped off his clothing and changed into what Gabriel told him was normal for this place: jeans and a sweater. And steel-toed boots that would go right through any bad guys who got in his way.
She emerged still pale, her gaze troubled. Her skin was scrubbed clean, her dark hair wet. He saw no sign of the letter.
"Hannah won't approve of you being here," she told him.
"Who's Hannah?"
"My sister."
"You have a sister?"
"You know, we mortals have real lives, too, or do you immortals assume we're all just sitting around waiting to have our lives intruded upon by the likes of you?" she snapped. She whirled and marched to a closet, wrenching it open.
Despite her ordeals, she still had her spark. He wasn't sure if he liked that or not about her. She reached for a scarf, and he growled. Her hand dropped, though she didn't acknowledge him otherwise. He took in her shape. She wasn't beautiful, but she was pretty enough with a body she plainly took care of.
"Don't you have somewhere to be?" she demanded.
"Someone's gotta keep you outta trouble," he replied.
"Like you've bothered to do that yet!"
"It's a new day."