Page 125 of House of Crimson Kisses
“Nice catching up, Chief.”
“Wait. The dinner—” she says.
“I got to go, sorry,” I say and leave, without a backwards glance.
I stagger across the casino, realising I’m in trouble. Octavia is right, there’s no way I’m going to make it through tomorrow’s trial without drinking human blood and gaining some strength back, and I can’t keep draining Octavia, without making her weak for the trial either.
There has to be another way than having to drink human blood. I refuse to believe there’s no other way for me to survive this. But then my insides cramp up, and I’m not sure I buy the shit I’m selling.
Sadie grips the back of my arm and before I know what’s happening, my feet have lifted off the floor and I’m being sped out of the room. I forget how strong vampires are.
The moment I’m out of the casino, I know Octavia senses it. There’s a sharpness in my chest, a panic and prickle rushing through my system that doesn’t belong to me.
Is our bond growing stronger? Is it weakening and allowing the connection to let emotions filter through?
Sadie deposits me in the shadow of a tree about fifty feet from the entrance. Then she lifts her hands to sign.
“Meet me tomorrow, in the Blood Woods, by the river.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m going to give you what you want. And the strength trial will be in the heart of the woods. So meet me there, and we will discuss payment. Okay?”
I nod.
But she frowns at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I say and wipe my brow as my leg cramps in my suit trouser. My stomach folds in on itself, and I have to bite my tongue to prevent myself from reaching out and chomping down on her wrist.
Her head turns toward the casino. “Octavia is coming. Will you meet me?” she asks.
“Yes,” I say, but she’s gone before I finish speaking.
Octavia rushes across the grounds to the tree as my vision smatters.
“Verity,” she says, but I don’t hear the rest of the sentence. I collapse, hitting the ground, and everything goes black.
Chapter37
Layers and layers of manipulation. But you’re all too consumed with the details to see the bigger picture.
Who is really the liar?
Who is really in control?
It’s not who you think.
An alliance isn’t going to save you. Not now, it’s far too late. This has been in motion so much longer than you realise.
Idiots.
I just wish someone would work it out. At least then it would be a challenge.
I suppose as long as I get what I want in the end, then the entertainment doesn’t really matter. And trust me, watching you all scramble is entertainment enough.
Yes, that will do nicely.
Chapter38
