Page 34 of The Midnight Order
“Corvin said he shared some of his history with you last night.”
I nod, swallowing as I remember how old Corvin is.
“That’s big for him. He doesn’t open up to many. There’s only one other person I’ve ever seen him be so candid with, honestly.”
That strikes me as odd because Corvin seemed an open book last night.
“It was fascinating to learn more about him. Even if he’s a…” I trail off.
It’s probably not a good idea to upset the vampires holding me hostage.
“A vampire? You can say it. We don’t get offended by facing what we are.”
“Yes, being that he’s a vampire.”
“What else is he going to do to me?” I ask, unable to keep the shake from my voice.
“I honestly don’t know. He’s usually given me results by now.”
“Is that why you’re here? To make sure he hasn’t eaten me?”
His laugh is carefree and deep. “We haven’t drunk from a human in a very long time. You’re safe here.”
“As safe as one can be in a nest of vampires.”
“Coven, but yes.”
Silence stretches between us, but I note that it’s not uncomfortable.
“You’re Jasper?” I ask, taking a wild guess, and his lips tip up a bit in the tiniest excuse of a smile.
“Yes, I am. Heard of me, have you?”
“Only from Corvin’s stories last night.”
“Speaking of last night, I heard you took a little field trip.”
“I tried to escape, yes.” There’s no reason to mince words; it’s what happened.
It appears he respects my honesty; he walks to the bed and sits.
“So that you know, there’s no escaping this testing. The town knows you’re here. They even helped us watch you. They let us know the moment you stepped into the coffee shop. No one will help you, and we know where you live. The borders are being patrolled, and you’ll be brought directly back here.”
It’s the first time I genuinelyfeellike a hostage, and fear is traipsing through me.
For once, it’s a normal reaction.
“The entire town,” I murmur.
“Are vampires,” he adds, and my heart skips a beat.
“Excuse me?”
Every interaction, every strange vibe, returns to me like flashbacks.
There is something wrong with this damn town! I knew it!
“You shouldn’t have been able to step through the wards, but you did. The curse only lets those who might be the key through.”
