The poor bastard sounds devastated by that.
Henry roars. “You doubted me?”
Parker pulls himself together and answers with confidence. “I acted loyally, Sire. I never went against a single command. I tried to have faith in your judgment.”
Henry’s face flushes red with anger. “But you doubted me. You believed I was in the wrong.”
It’s not a question, but he’s waiting for an answer. “No.”
Wulf clears his throat. “Some of us in this room can smell lies, Parker.”
Henry snarls at this, either angry that Parker lied to him or that he sincerely doubted his master. Parker holds up his hands. “Forgive me, Sire, I did not mean to lie. It is more complicated than a yes or no. It wasn’t you I doubted. I believed you weren’t acting like yourself. I was worried about you.”
Henry sputters. “I beg your pardon?”
“Nora got to you, Sire. She got under your skin. She bewitched you.”
“I didn’t!” I gasp at the outrageous accusation. “I can’t do that. And why would I? I didn’t want his attention!”
“I don’t mean literally, Nora. There’s just something captivating about you. Henry fell victim to your charm.” He looks back at Henry, who’s still seething. “Perhaps it was seeing her memories the way you did. She’s had an exceptionally difficult life. You wanted so much to take away her pain and suffering, to help the broken woman who needed your protection. I believe you were trying to be noble. You were doing what you felt was right. But instead of helping Nora, you were hurting her. That’s why I suggested you let her go back at the club.”
It’s true; Parker had sided with me when I’d tried to bargain for my release. Everything he’s said tonight has made all of his actions seem justified, noble even. He’s making it impossible to hate him. It’s really annoying.
Henry’s eyes grow wide, as if he’s only just considering the possibility that he was making me suffer. Parker’s confession shocks him. He’s stunned that Parker believed he was hurting me. Pompous jackass.
Parker turns his plea to Madison. “Henry’s intent was neither malicious nor selfish.”
When I snort, Parker cringes a little, and Henry glares at me. I glare right back. Henry was being a selfish bastard, and he knows it.
“Henry’s right,” Parker says, clearing his throat to break the hostility between Henry and me. “Nora’s case is unique. It was difficult to know what the right answer was. I believe Henry did his best. I wanted to help them both, but I couldn’t betray my sire, and I wanted Nora’s safety and well-being, too. I wasn’t sure what to do.”
He meets my gaze then, and his deep azure eyes pierce mine. When he silently begs for understanding and forgiveness, my heart softens against my will. I actually kind of feel bad for him, as sick as that is. Not that I’m suffering from Stockholm Syndrome or anything. But Parker seems caught between his own morals and his loyalty to his sire.
It’s crazy, because Parker doesn’t seem like the type of man scared to speak up for himself or defy someone if he feels it necessary. The way he defers to Henry doesn’t make sense. The sire bond must be stronger than I thought. And I was so close to being stuck with one myself. I shudder. I’m so glad Nick Gorgeous brought me to the Agency.
Our stare is broken when Director West once again takes over the conversation. “Very well,” she says. “Parker, if you truly believe Henry’s intents were honorable…”
“I do.”
I scoff, but everyone ignores me.
“And technically the girl is human, so technically no underworld laws were broken…”
I fold my arms over my chest and grit my teeth, but I manage to refrain from calling out bullshit.
“Henry, consider this a warning. I would advise you to make better choices in the future. Perhaps listen to the council of your advisors more often.” Her eyes flick to Parker, and she smiles.
“A slap on the wrist?” I nearly jump to my feet. “That’s it? Are you kidding me?”
Ren flashes me a smile from across the table. His eyes are sparkling as if he’s amused by my temper. “A warning from the Agency is serious business, honey. It’ll put him in check. Don’t worry.”
I have my doubts about that, but there’s no point in arguing.
“What about Nora?” Terrance demands, earning the room’s full attention. He meets my gaze, then narrows his eyes on Director West. “She knows about our world, and she has her own gifts. She probably has underworlder blood in her somewhere. She should be able to interact freely within our world and learn what she needs to keep herself safe. She should be considered one of us and protected by our laws so that a misunderstanding like this won’t happen again. Are we allowed to help her even though she’s human?”
Director West gives me a long, searching look, then slowly nods to Terrance. “That is probably the best thing to do in this case. Yes, you may bring her into the fold.” Her eyes turn to me, and she smiles a sincere smile. “Welcome to the underworld, Miss Jacobs. You are free to go.”
I can leave. And Henry’s not allowed to stop me. It takes a moment to sink in.
“Congrats, Trouble.”
A giant grin spreads across my face as I stand up and spin around to face my new friend. “I don’t care what anyone says about trolls, Terrance; you are one stand-up man.” As he laughs, I lightly punch his shoulder. It’s the closest I can manage to a physical gesture of appreciation—I am so not a hugger. “Thank you. Seriously. For trying to stop him at the club earlier. For coming to the Agency. Being here right now. No one’s ever stuck up for me like that before.”
“It was my pleasure. You’re welcome in my club anytime. Wulf and I’ll look out for you.”
I smile, but before I can tell him thanks-but-no-thanks, Wulf approaches us. “A word of caution for you, Nora.” His low voice is surprisingly soft with compassion. “The underworld can be a harsh and dangerous place.”
“Buddy, I live in Detroit.”
I kick myself for that lovely bit of sarcasm. Mouthing off to a werewolf can’t be smart. Luckily, he just smirks and says, “A fitting training ground. However, the more you interact with our world, the more you will face new dangers. You are still human. It won’t be easy for you.”
I’m grateful for the warning, but he’s preaching to the choir. “You don’t have to worry about me. I don’t plan to jump in headfirst or anything. I’d rather not jump in at all.” I give Terrance a sheepish smile. “Thanks for the offer, T. Your club is kickass, but I’m not sure it should really be my playground, if you know what I mean.”
Terrance sighs at the truth in my statement.
“What do you plan to do?” Ren asks. He and Director West have come over, looking politely inquisitive.
I blow out a long breath, wishing I had a solid answer. “I’m not sure exactly, other than get out of town. I’ve got a little money saved up. It’s not much, but it’ll get me a bus ticket and an apartment somewhere.”
“You’re going to leave Detroit?” Parker asks, coming over to join the conversation.
Henry is behind him, but he’s keeping a little distance. I ignore the pout on his face and nod to the entire group. “That’s been the goal since I was a kid. I’ve been stalling trying to save money, but Xavier has made for some pretty good incentive to leave. I’ve got to help Terrance find his sister’s friend if I can first, but then, yeah, I’m gone.”
Terrance’s eyes snap wide. “You still want to help me find Shandra?”
I don’t understand why he’s so shocked. After what he’s just done for me, the least I can do is try to help him. “Of course I still want to help. Not that there’ll be much I can do unless we get a lead on that car.”
“Nora.” Terrance swallows back a lump of emotion. “You don’t have to do that. It’s dangerous, and you want to leave. You’ve done enough to help already.”
He’s saying no, but there’s hope in his eyes. It makes me smile. I’ve never told anyone about my gifts before, much less used them to help someone. It’s a nice feeling, and Terrance deserves the help. “Don’t be ridiculous, Terrance; of course I’m going to help you. I don’t make friends easily, but when I’ve got your back, I’ve got it. And T-Man, I’ve got your back. From now on. You feel me?”