“I knew about Roth and the coven,” he said, effectively blowing my mind and the smugness right out of me. “I knew that he asked you to help. And I know that you didn’t want to kill her or any of them. I also know that you didn’t kill that witch until she went after Bambi and the Crone told you to.”

“Well,” I said, and that was all I could say.

“Roth called me after he dropped you off.”

My jaw was on the ground. That demonic SOB had told me not to tell Zayne!

“He didn’t think it wise for you to be out there by yourself,” he continued, and I about fell flat on my back. “I was just waiting for you to tell me, and I guess you have.”

I had nothing to say.

“There it is. The expression on your face I was waiting for when the hypocrisy turned right back around on you. Too bad it’s not as enjoyable as I thought it would be,” he said. “And you know what? I should be in there with Stacey, because that’s what a friend does. Instead, I’m out here with you.”

The sting returned, mixing with the burn. “I didn’t tell you to come out here.”

Zayne shook his head as he dragged his lower lip between his teeth. “Do you know your way back to the apartment?”

“I can figure—”

“Do you or do you not know your way back to the apartment, Trinity? Do you even have any apps downloaded on your phone to help you? Can you see those street signs? Did you pay attention when Sam led you here?” When I didn’t answer—when I couldn’t answer—he said, “It’s not like I can just let you roam around, so whether or not you want me here or I want to be here, this is where I am.”

The burn and sting became a knot I could barely swallow. All my anger pulsed, dissipated, returned as something entirely new. My chest ached, but my skin burned with embarrassment and my shoulders slumped under the sudden weight as I stared at the pebbled alley floor.

Burden.

That’s what that weight was. A burden of duty, and a burden of having to be aided. Zayne was right. I didn’t even have Google Maps on my phone. Hell, I wouldn’t be able to read the stupid directions if I did. He knew that, and he was here because of that and because he was my bonded Protector.

Not because I was a friend in need.

Not because this was where he wanted or needed to be.

And that was a world of difference. Even if things hadn’t gotten so complicated between us, this situation right here would’ve probably still happened.

“I want to go back to the apartment,” I said, feeling so very heavy. “I would like that.”