Page 80 of Wicked Thirst
Martin narrowed his eyes. “And yet I know everything there is to know about you, Kylian. Often referred to as the Dark Prince, wanted on multiple counts of treason, and you have several bounties on your head that I’m sure anyone would be happy to collect on.” Martin straightened the sleeves of his already perfect jacket. “Perhaps I don’t run around stabbing things with my little knife, but there are a thousand ways to get someone killed, and I’m efficient at nine hundred and ninety-nine of them.”
Kylian jabbed a finger in his direction. “Him I like.”
I couldn’t wait any longer. I dug into the blood bag, sucking it down quickly. The taste was perfection on my tongue. Chocolate and red wine: the flawless combination. The moment I drank, everything receded: the pain, the dizziness, the weakness. It was gone in an instant. I moaned with how delicious it was. Before I knew it, all three bags had gone down like butter and I was full. My body felt so strong because of Grayson. But deep down the desire to find him redoubled. His flavor made me miss him with every fiber of my being.
Martin took the empty bags from me and put them back in the satchel. “Good. Now come out of there. You are not an animal.”
“I got it.” Astrid flicked her wrist and the cage was gone.
I hurried toward Martin and pulled him in for a hug. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me.” He lowered his gaze to meet mine. “Thank Atlas. Someoneeee didn’t call me personally.”
“I know.” I wanted to but I didn’t know what kind of position he was in. The last time I’d seen Martin he was fighting with Theon and I was running after Grayson.
“You have my number.” He winked and pulled a mirror from his pocket. He opened it up and placed it on the ground next to where he stood. “And on that note, I’m needed by the King.”
Beckett motioned toward the portal. “Can I give you a lift home?”
“No, thank you.” Martin held his hand up. “That was quite a ride, but now that I know where I’m going, I can make my way back.”
Beckett chuckled. “All right. Call me if you need me. Apparently you have my number.”
“Like you’re hard to find, Beckett Dustwick.” Martin stepped into the mirror and dropped as if he’d jumped into a pool.
I was about to relax when that damn box went off. It exploded into bright lights and loud sounds.
Astrid scooped it up and held it in her arms. “Shit, shit, shit.”
I turned toward Kylian. “Where?”
He gave a harsh curse and closed his eyes. “Piccadilly Circus. No, wait . . . Westminster Bridge.”
My breath caught in my throat, and I nearly choked on my panic. “If The Fallen catch him there, they’ll?—”
“—Kill him.” Beckett motioned to the portal he’d held open for Martin, “Let’s go.”
I didn’t know what we were running into, but I charged forward with the others hot on my heels.Please, God, don’t let him die tonight. We’re so close.I sent a silent prayer to the heavens, hoping I wouldn’t be too late.I jumped through the portal and ended up in pure chaos. Humans littered the streets. They were dressed up and celebrating.
I walked out onto the bridge. When I gazed across the river, the London Eye was lit up with bright colors. The buildings behind it were also brightly lit with dazzling lights. In the distance, Big Ben stood like a golden beacon against the dark night. I glanced around at the humans all milling about. There were so many . . . too many.
“What the hell is going on?”
Zinnia turned to me with wide eyes. “I forgot. No, this is bad . . . This is real bad.”
I follow her gaze. “What?”
“Piper, it’s New Year’s Eve and we’re standing right where their fireworks are going to go off . . .” she motioned toward Big Ben, “. . . in five minutes.
Kylian tapped my shoulder and pointed across the river. There behind the London eye stood Grayson. They’d closed the walkway between the Eye and building for the fireworks show, and there was Gray laughing and dancing around behind it. He bent down low and started drawing on the ground with another paintbrush.
“Oh no!” I tensed to run when from the corner of my eye I spotted Atlas standing on top of one of the cars. He held a bow and arrow and had a clear line for a kill shot at Grayson.
I grabbed Beckett’s arm. “Get me there. NOW!”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
ATLAS
