Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             There’s definitely something wrong with me. Why the hell would I be that relieved when she didn’t cut it? Or when she didn’t mention I also dirtied it when I touched it? Or when she showed her inner fighter after a whole week of being a shell?

                             “Who are you?” I whisper at the face in the mirror. He looks like Aaron Rhodes but he’s also everything but him. He’s not a soothing black, he’s a confusing grey.

                             Where are my demons when I need them? Why are they leaving me with a foreign version of myself? Do they not fear the consequences?

                             This me is dangerously unpredictable. I shouldn’t be left alone with Mae. One more look into her eyes and I don’t know what I would do.

                             I need to get the hell out of here.

                             With one last glare at the foreign version, I stride back into my room and straight to the door. I will not look at Mae, neither address her. I need a quiet place to regroup my thoughts, take Jet and—

                             A heavy sigh draws me to a halt. My gaze zeroes to the girl who’s messing with my mind. Why am I letting her wreck with my logic?

                             Who the hell is she?

                             Mae sits on the edge of the bed, her soulless blue eyes staring at nothing. They’ve become a disgusting copycat of my targets’ dead eyes. I don’t like that. A desperate need impels me to fix it. As if I caught Dylan’s unexplainable urge to wipe the look in his victims’ eyes.

                             Only difference: she’s alive.

                             I’m the worst at dealing with people. And yet, something needs to be done.

                             I dial Kane. “Bring Jet and Silver in front of my quarters.”

                             After throwing the phone on the chair, I march to my walk-in, yank my suit off, and put on my horse-riding clothes in record time.

                             When I’m back in the room, Mae chances a little glance my way. Her usually morbid curiosity dies in a split second as she focuses on an unseen point on the wall.

                             “Up, mouse.” I use my tenacious voice as I stand in front of her. “You’re coming with me.”

                             A rebellious determination flashes in the depth of her gaze. The moment disappears as fast as it came. Her eyes go back to their virulent dullness. She stands and follows me outside. Her steps lethargic. Her face an unemotional veil. Like one of Father’s obedient slaves.

                             Screw that. This isn’t the Mae I’m used to. If she doesn’t fall out of this state, I must use the shock element to straighten her behaviour.

                             “Where are we going?” Her voice is firm and unwavering.

                             I smile. There’s still that curious kitten inside her who wouldn’t keep her mouth shut for the world. There’s hope after all. If it’s her hate towards me that threw her into this state, then I can bring her back together again.

                             Once I open the large entrance’s door, Jet nickers, stomping his hoofs in greeting. Silver looks my way but soon glances away.

                             She prefers Tristan.