Page 74 of Heir of Darkness

“He’s on his way,” Finn said. “I shouldn’t have even fucking called him. Where was he tonight? He’s her fiancé. This falls on him.”

Valerio. That was who was coming.

Luna let out a tear, desperately massaging her throat. It felt raw and destroyed, the pain unimaginable, but it was nothing compared to the fear that entered her body.

They waited until she was completely alone before they attacked.

This wasn’t random.

Someone wanted Luna dead.

TWENTY-EIGHT

LUNA

Dante grabbedanother blanket off the couch, covering the dead body on the floor. He made his way over to Luna, kneeling down in front of her. “Are you okay?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Do you want an honest answer?”

“Why didn’t you call me?” he asked. “I was supposed to be keeping an eye on you. Valerio is going to kill me.”

“I didn’t have your number, and you couldn’t have known. No one could have known.”

At least she didn’t think they knew. But judging by all of their reactions, they seemed just as puzzled as her about it.

Dante looked at her for another moment. “Don’t talk. Your throat sounds destroyed. You’ll only make it worse.” He stood, looking over at Finn. “Valerio has some men coming over to help move the body. Any idea who it is?”

Finn shook his head. “No idea. It doesn’t make sense. Who the hell would want to attack her of all people?”

“She’s not completely protected yet,” Dante said. “She’s just as much of a target as the rest of us if someone wants her gone.”

The fear entered her once again. She tried to keep their voices out. The sound of shoes hitting against the wooden floors of the apartment as if someone was running before they flungthemselves on her nearly had Luna freaking out. Only when she saw the familiar black head of hair clutching her with a death grip did she slump into Cecilia’s hold.

“Oh my God, as soon as I heard we came over,” she told her. She spit the words out frantically, panic coating her voice. “I can’t believe this happened to you. I should have never left you here alone. Oh my God, can you imagine what would have happened if Finn didn’t show up?”

She chose not to think about that scenario. “I’m sorry you had to come.”

“Nonsense,” Cecilia said, waving her off. “Do you need a doctor to look you over? I can try my best, but I’m not a doctor yet.”

Luna nodded her head. “Can you check my throat? It’s killing me.”

Cecilia nodded, moving back so she could look at her throat. She touched and poked like a true professional. Her face stayed neutral while she eyed it, being mindful of the whimpers that left Luna.

“You’re definitely going to bruise,” Cecilia told her. “It’s already starting, and judging by the marks already, it’ll be gnarly, but keep switching from cold and warm compresses to help heal it. Your voice sounds strained, so you might have damaged your vocal cords. You should see an actual doctor to check for sure. Good news, your nose doesn’t look broken, but it’ll bruise as well.”

“What’s your official diagnosis?” Luna asked, her voice quiet.

Cecilia sighed. “Your voice and neck will heal, but your brain might take longer. Be kind to yourself. It’ll take time.”

She looked down at the floor. Would the fear ever leave? How the hell was she supposed to get over almost being killed? The body still sat only a couple feet away, being kicked around by Augustus, who held no regard for human life.

Cecilia dropped her hand on Luna’s shoulder. “I can get you some pills to help with the pain,” she told her. “It’ll at least make you a little bit comfortable. Besides, I’m sure Valerio will get you some anyway.”

Luna nodded. She would take it if it meant that she could forget about what happened even temporarily.

“Are you allowed to write a prescription?”

Cecilia gave her a small smile. “Something like that. Let me help you on to the couch. The floor is too uncomfortable. I’ll get you some ice too.”

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