Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

At that moment, Hull glanced over at her and spoke up, his words cutting through the air like a cold blade. "You're not taking her with you."

His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Stella's lips twitched. "Hull, this is..."

"She might be connected to Black Gate."

Stella's mind raced. The name struck her like a punch to the gut.

Two years ago, Xander had some dealings with them from Black Gate. It was precisely because of those connections that she feared it would create messy problems for Ronald. She had compromised then, choosing to follow Xander's advice.

Upon hearing Hull mention it again, Stella's face visibly paled.

But when it came to Susanna...

She shook her head defiantly. "No, she can't be related to them."

Hull's eyes were cold as ice. "Whether she is or not, we'll know once we investigate."

Stella's shock was palpable.

the nightstand,

mouth

understood the

stepped in. "Hey, Princess Stella, let's talk

argued, "Susanna has nothing to do with the Black

her, but trust and reality are two different things." Barnaby

to back down. "I'm taking her with me.

three times daily, clearly terrified. Leaving her here with Hull

head was spinning, they would make mistakes.

on Hull's crew. Barnaby was blunt. "You can't take

fueled Stella's determination. She shook off Barnaby's

Vl

to you. I'm going to

Barnaby. It all came

as she turned, Barnaby

again. "Talking to him won't change anything. It is his decision.

"How long until you find

"That's hard to say."

grew. Hearing 'hard to say' made her more terrified. What if something happened to Susanna

telling you clearly, I'm taking