Page 63 of Blood Ties
She grinned wickedly. “Your father.”
“You’re a liar!” I spat.
“Am I? Then how is it that I am here?”
“Does he know what you did?”
“What have I done? Nothing but hearsay. Unless, of course, you are speaking about the visit you received from some old friends of mine? Then no.”
I didn’t know that my blood could feel any colder, but it tingled through my system feeling like a thousand icy pin pricks.
“You…”
Her grin grew larger making her look almost like the Cheshire cat. “You did not know?” My fists clenched. I couldn’t help but glare at her everything in my body was begging for me to attack her, but I knew this was not the time or the place. Plus if Damien had really offered her sanctuary, my attacking her would cause more problems than just a disruption of his party. “Why do you look so hostile Gabriella? You are here,” she waved her hand at me. “You obviously handled yourself.”
My mouth was dry so I swallowed preparing for my next exchange, when I felt Grayson’s hand slip around my waist.
“The human all the ruckus was about? I don’t believe we have been properly introduced. Avaline Sinclair.” She held her hand out to Grayson. His eyes danced back between us before extending his hand.
“Grayson Alexander. Pleasure to meet you Avaline.”
“Please, you must call me Ava. After all, we are family now.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Has Gabriella not explained? Her mother’s sire was mine. Therefore, we are all tied through blood.”
“Anton was your sire?” He asked.
Ava’s expression changed at the mention of his name. Her gaze turned icy as she shot daggers my way. During their entire exchange, my eyes had stayed fixed on her. I was prepared in case she decided to make a move.
“Yes,” she croaked. It was barely audible. In a moment her facade returned. “Well, it was a pleasure seeing you again. I believe we will be seeing more of each other quite soon.” She turned and walked from the party. Neither of us moved until we saw her leave completely.
“Ava?” Grayson asked. I nodded. “Ava, is here?”
“Yes. I don’t know what was going through Damien’s head to offer her sanctuary after everything she’s done?”
“Perhaps you should ask him?”
“Oh, I plan too.”
We did our best to make small talk with the others. None of them knew that Grayson and I were day walkers and we kept it that way. They may have been Damien’s people, but it didn’t mean I trusted them.
We returned to our table in hopes that we’d find Damien. I had briefly caught sight of him with my mother, but when I glanced again they were gone. After making our rounds through the room, he still hadn’t reappeared. We were seated at his table so it made sense that he’d have to show up there eventually.
The music changed to a slow song. Grayson stood and offered me his hand.
“Dance with me?”
“Grayson,” I sighed.
“Gaby, it’s a party. Now get up and dance with me.” I smiled and accepted. I wrapped one hand around his neck as he pulled me tight. We moved around the floor that had been made the dance area.
“Is this better?” He asked.
“Yes,” I sighed, but it wasn’t content.
“What’s wrong?”
