Page 69 of House of Crimson Hearts
Dahlia huffs and folds her arms. Gabriel isn’t even paying attention, he’s a step back, glancing at an open book he’s holding.
Red catches my eye but there’s nothing I can do now. Of course, I wanted to be partnered with her. The thought of her spending time with anyone else is painful.
But if I made my preferences known, then I’m sure Dahlia would find a way to make Red her partner just to piss me off. I figure silence is the only way forward.
The Chief lowers her hand into the bowl and pulls out a piece of folded parchment. Cordelia steps forward and does the same. Slowly, they unfold the strips of parchment.
The Chief speaks first. “Sadie St Clair.”
Cordelia unwraps her parchment and reads the name, “Fenella James.”
Fenella’s fine features draw into a strained smile, her red hair twisted and braided into an ornate pattern on top of her skull so different to the sharp white of Sadie’s. The pair of them eye each other, both giving the other a stiff nod before one of Mother’s staff members strides over and takes the two pieces of parchment, indicating the pair should follow him. He leads them into a space and makes them stand side by side.
The Chief steps forward and picks the next name. “Xavier St Clair.”
Mother pulls, “Talulla Binx.”
“I’ll take that,” he whispers under his breath and winks at me.
He’s winking because any fool can see Talulla’s hourglass figure and voluptuous curves, defined lips and fluttery eyelashes are mouthwateringly attractive. She looks like she’s got some sass about her, though. Her deep brown eyes carry a distinct lack of fucks and an edge of no bullshit that match the rounded bulge of her shoulders, which frankly look like they could crush a small child.
Oh, Xavier is going to have his hands full.
“Bottle of vintage Sanguis Cupa says you can’t bed her before the end of the second trial,” I say, leaning into him.
“Two bottles says the end of the first.”
I slide him my hand, and he shakes it and then trundles after the member of staff organising us.
I glance at who’s left: Dahlia, Gabriel and I for my siblings part. Red, that large fellow from the club, Leonard? Lincoln? And another chap I don’t know.
Mother goes first this time. She drops her hand into the bowl and pulls a name, “Keir Thomas.”
The slender hunter with a shaved head and several tattoos down his arms and up over his neck raises his hand. My gaydar pings and I secretly hope he’s paired with Gabriel. He’s exactly the kind of man Gabe would feast on for days. Not that that is what we’re supposed to be doing. But vampires will be vampires.
The Chief lowers her hand into the bowl and my stomach turns. There’s only three of us left. My gut twists, praying to the Mother of Blood that even if I can’t be partnered with Red that Dahlia isn’t. I whisper silent prayers,pick Dahlia, pick Dahlia.
The Chief announces, “Gabriel St Clair.”
Shit.
Though I’m gutted, I do smile to myself when I catch Gabriel’s eyes lighting up. I suspect he’s caught a whiff on his gaydar too.
It’s only me and Dahlia, Red, and Lincoln left.
As if Dahlia can sense my nerves, she steps close to me and lowers her voice enough that only I can hear. “Why you looking so nervous, sister? Scared I’ll get the man-tank for a partner? Worried he’ll help me win the crown?”
I turn away, refusing to engage. But that was a mistake. It’s like she can smell the connection I have with Red.
She tilts her head at me, her eyes narrowing as she scans my face. “Oh no, it’s something else entirely… Does the hunter mean something to you?”
I go still, vampire still because it’s the only way I can prevent the anxiety from crossing my features. But that, too, is a mistake.
She sneers, “If you think stilling yourself is enough to dissuade me, you’re sorely mistaken. In fact, your very lack of response is answer enough, sister.”
I reanimate myself, slow my breathing to ensure I give her as little ammunition as possible.
“Is that a threat, Dahlia?”
