We Shall Rise Read Free

And no matter how hard I try, I can’t say it either. That’s ok though as long as neither of us says ‘yes’.” Kaden walked over to Reysa, but kept a comfortable distance between them. “I could only hurt you Reysa. I could only ruin you. Don’t ever say ‘yes’ to me because I won’t have the strength to say ‘no’ and that will destroy us both.”
    Kaden walked back to what was left of the warehouse while Reysa watched him disappear into the building. Her body begging her to follow and end this desperate, stifling need for him that consumed her every thought. She couldn’t focus when he was around leering at her with those intense, desire filled eyes wanting her as much as she wanted him. Her body ached for him and the release that only he could provide.
    Reysa cursed herself for this weakness. She should be focusing on her missing friend. Somehow her usually muted hormones were roused thanks to that annoying vampire who she wanted to kill as much as she wanted to bed. Kaden was trouble in so many ways and yet that realization ignited her need even more.
    “He’s right, Reysa.” Reysa spun around and saw Julian behind her. She had been so focused on Kaden that she hadn’t sense his younger brother’s presence. “Don’t be one of my brother’s victims. You deserve better.”
    That unnerving protectiveness she felt for Kaden resurfaced. She started feeling that intense desire to defend him weeks ago and it had just grown stronger. Even though she and Kaden regularly traded insults, she could not stand to see anyone else mock him. “You shouldn’t be eavesdropping on our conversations. What goes on between me and your brother is none of your business.”
    Unperturbed, Julian approached her and reached for her hand. “It is my business. I won’t let him hurt you. I couldn’t protect Helena from him, but I won’t let him destroy you. You may not want my help, but I’m going to give it to you regardless.” Reysa eyes narrowed. Her irritation evident on her face, but Julian would not relent. “Look Reysa, I don’t have many friends–or rather any friends–so that leaves you as my best friend. As such, it’s my duty to protect you. I will not let you become another misguided victim of my brother’s dangerous games. He is a selfish bastard. He won’t hesitate to rip your heart to shreds after he’s had his pleasure first.”
    Reysa bristled at that comment. She could not understand how two brothers could be filled with so much hate for each other, although she suspected that Julian was the one drowning in hatred for Kaden. Kaden cared for Julian more than he would ever admit. She could see it in the way he watched out for his younger brother without him knowing.
    “Julian, look at me. I’m not some wilting flower. I am fully capable of protecting myself. I appreciate your wish to rescue me, but I’m not that girl who needs a knight-in-shining-armor to come rescue her from a fire-breathing dragon. I don’t need to be saved. I’m more likely to kick someone’s ass, as I just did to your brother, than to have my ass kicked. I’ve been protecting myself since I was a child. I don’t need you or anyone else to come into my life and play hero. I’m not the damsel in distress. I’m my own savior.”
    “You have a point,” Julian begrudgingly acknowledged eliciting a smile from Reysa, “but please understand that I don’t want to lose anyone else who matters to me. If I can help you stay safe, I have to try. I beg you not to fall for my brother’s charms. He will use your emotions against you. No good comes from loving Kaden. Once you are stuck in his web of destruction, there’s no escape. I’ve been trapped my whole miserable life. Don’t become a prisoner of his darkness.”
    A frustrated Reysa released Julian’s hand and sat on the pile of debris. For the past few weeks, all any of her friends told her was to stay away from Kaden, Kaden is evil, Kaden will only hurt her. Even her