Page 5 of A Drop of Anguish
I consider it for only a few seconds. “High Orizian.” The language of the royal line of demons. It might be useless, but if there is any language from another world thatcouldcome in handy, it’s that one.
Besides the fact that it’s Jarron’s native tongue, it’s also Mr. Vandozer’s. It’s a possible advantage to know my enemy’s language.
“Interesting choice.”
I shrug.
She jots down a note then continues. “Now, about the events that took place here two weeks ago.”
I swallow.
“I’m very sorry that happened to you.”
My chest expands with an emotion I can’t name. Honestly, I didn’t expect compassion from her. I may not fully trust or like this woman, but I do appreciate it.
“Mr. Vandozer is the worst kind of predator,” she tells me. “And if I ever get the opportunity to rip out his throat, I promise you I will.”
The back of my throat stings but I will not allow the emotion to well up any higher.
“And if you ever get the opportunity, please know that you will have my full support if you manage to kill him yourself.”
“Thank you,” I croak.
“Mr. Vandozer is currently at the top of the Supernatural Wanted List—mostly thanks to Jarron Blackthorn, who seems quite invested in catching him. It’s rumored that Jarron has avestedinterest in the situation.” And now, back to beating around the truth she doesn’t want to admit she’s desperate for.
What is my relationship with Jarron?
I grimace.
Hell if I know, lady, I think, but I don’t say it aloud, in part because I don’t want to give her the satisfaction of acknowledging her unasked curiosity. Maybe in part because I’m a coward and it hurts to even think about it.
Jarron, the Crown Prince of the Under World, does indeed have a vested interest in Mr. Vandozer’s crimes. But it’s not what Ms. Bhatt thinks.
Mr. Vandozer seduced and manipulated my sister, Liz, into entering the Akrasia Games—a fight to the death. The winner is rumored to earn great power.
But no one has ever heard of an actual winner. Surprise, surprise. More lies.
Mr. Vandozer caused Liz’s death, even if it wasn’t by his own hand.
Jarron is passionate about getting Mr. Vandozer in the ground because Liz—
I swallow down a wave of pain.Not now. Not here.
I was beginning to fall for him, and damn if it doesn’t suck to find out he and my sister were fated to be together. Jarron hadimprintedon Liz several years ago. She would have been his lover. His betrothed. His queen.
If she’d lived long enough for him to woo her.
And believe me, it wouldn’t have taken much to convince her.
Jarron wants revenge for his soulmate’s death, that’s hisvested interest.
I want it too. She was my sister, and regardless of how her potential relationship with Jarron affects me, I still want revenge for her death.
“Jarron desires justice,” I answer simply. Which isn’t untrue. Yes, he has a personal connection with the situation, but he’s alsogood. Good in a way I used to think demons we’re incapable of.
He’d want this predator brought to justice regardless.
“Because of you,” Mrs. Bhatt says. It’s not a question.
