#Chapter 228: The Race Begins!

Alaric’s POV Melinda looked at Noel with some surprise in her typically guarded expression. “So sure of yourself, are you?” “I can hear your heartbeat,” Noel said. “It spikes when you lie.” “Maybe the truth just excites me,” she countered. He shook his head. “You lied again.” She stared at him for a long moment. “I’d like to see you try to prove it.” “We don’t have time for this,” I said, growing annoyed with her diversion tactics. “If you know something, tell us.” “Why should I know anything?” she said. Noel inched closer to her. In his eyes, I saw a wicked red flash, dangerous. Melinda saw it too. She must have because she suddenly stilled, her eyes going wide. “What are you?” “If you don’t want to find out,” Noel said, “You will answer our questions.” The menace was clear in his words, and I was infinitely grateful that he was on our side. Melinda was not so fortunate. As she continued to stare at him, as if testing the weight of his threat, his eyes continu