Page 38 of Wicked Thirst
Then I will love enough for us both until you come to love me in return. Men often fought to hold on to themselves but even I knew we had something between us. I felt it in the words he spoke to me, the way he was so gentle with my hand, and the lingering looks when he thought I wasn’t looking.
I wanted to keep the mood light between us as it always had been. Free and easy, so natural we moved around each other like two birds flitting through the trees at springtime. “I find it highly tempting. But there is one thing I am curious about?”
“Ask me anything.” His voice was so grave, so serious. I wanted to see the smile tug at his lips and the twinkle in his eyes. I loved the way he played and joked, making everything that could be vexing seem so easily handled.
“Does this offer include you physically?” I whispered, knowing full well I was suggesting exactly what I was suggesting.
His eyebrows shot up and that smile tugged at his lips. “Ah, well, yes it would. The kingdom is in want of an heir after all.”
He took a step closer, and this time my fingers curled into the lapels of his coat, holding him there so close to me. “Won't your brother be disappointed you’ve chosen me after that display in the library?”
“I dare say he’d find it to be quite a relief.”
“Then perhaps I should be a secret mistress of the forest no longer?” How could I pass up a life so sweet with a man so charismatic?
“Oh, enchanting forest creature,” He tucked the strands of my hair behind my ear and let his fingers linger on my cheek. “I wouldn’t dream of hiding you away from the world. Nor would I dream of holding anything back from you that I was free to give, physically or otherwise.”
The world was at my feet, and he was giving it to me. I bit my bottom lip and pulled him closer. “I would be a fool not to accept such an offer, would I not?”
“Then perhaps you should put me out of misery and tell me, Moira, are you going to marry me or not, my enchanting forest creature?”
My breath left me in a rush and my heart soared. Nothing in the world could ever be so pleasing to hear.
I brushed my tears off the top of the glass coffin, leaving streaks over the immaculate glass. “This life, this family, was well worth it. I would take this pain to live the joys that I have. But oh, dearest Graymont, we could really use you right now, your brother above all else. I know even in his silence he mourns your loss as I do. Wherever you are, please help Grayson through this.”
I sucked in a breath and turned for the door, hoping that one mother’s prayer for her child would somehow find his guardian angel and the past would not repeat itself.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
PIPER
The boulders hovering over my head disappeared into dust and rained down around me like falling snow. They all moved toward me like a wave. I held my hands up and my blood magic swirled around me, protecting me from whatever they decided to do next. I would make them all see reason, whether or not they wanted to. They hesitated, staring at my swirling magic. But the one that seemed to be at the center of it all, the girl with the wild black hair and bright eyes, seemed to be directing this madness.
She held her hand up and some of my power drifted toward her. It touched her skin and suddenly turned to silvery magic, and she absorbed it. Her eyes widened and a shiver went down her spine. “Whoa.”
The guy next to her extinguished his flames and grabbed on to her elbow, seeming to steady her. His eyes roamed over her delicate features, looking for signs of trouble. So much concern for her behind one look. “Are you alright?”
“What a hit.” She smirked at me while eyeing me with interest. “I think I’m going to like you.”
“I think that’s weird to say after the welcome I just got.” I slowly dropped my hands and let my power drift back inside me where that well sat deep in my stomach.
“You’re a powerful vampire that hopped over our walls and set off an alarm. How else were we supposed to approach you?” She arched her eyebrow at me as if saying maybe think about what you just said.
“Fair point.” I sighed and shrugged. “But in my defense, this whole vampire thing is brand-new to me and I had no place else to go. Plus, I did knock, and I am desperate for your help at this point.”
“I think you came to the right place.” She moved in closer and extended her hand toward me. I took it. “I’m Zinnia.”
“You’re a witch? A Witch Queen? Because that’s who I’m looking for.” Power oozed off her like it was her natural aura, and I hoped she would be the one to help us. There was something so calm and capable about her that would make anyone think she was a queen.
“Yes, I think I’m who you’re looking for.” She turned to the guy next to her with all the flame powers he showed before. “This is Tucker. He’s a phoenix, and the redhead over there is Astrid, Queen of Manifestation, and the blond guy beside her is Beckett, a general badass warlock.”
My eyes widened and I gave them a little wave. “Piper. Just Piper the vampire.”
It felt weird to introduce myself that way, but how else could I describe myself in this world? Hi, I’m Grayson’s progeny, but also soulmate, but also sometimes feral, but also on a mission to save the guy I love. None of that seemed appropriate. But really, who the hell knew what was appropriate under these circumstances?
A woman dropped down from the opposite wall as though it was just like taking a step down from a small platform and not a great height. She held a bow and arrow casually at her side and pointed to the ground. She plucked at the string while staring at me. “You’re lucky I didn’t shoot you.”
“Or are you lucky I didn’t catch you trying to shoot me?”My instincts and senses were even stronger than I knew. I could see things flying at me from a mile away now. It was odd but so very welcome.
