Page 132 of The Firebrand
“Inside the nucleus of a cell, our genes…”
“Father!” With needles poking his skin, Rein scrubbed a hand across his forehead.
Starting a third time, Alarik said, “Your DNA biological clock has reset. Your longevity has increased. How much, we don’t know yet, but odds are likely, the change will continue. This response is astounding, unheard of.”
A silent look passed between Brae and Rein.
She was tumor free. Her fucked-up DNA was handing her a longer life.Hell. But in a selfish, weak moment, he had fed from her. As a result, some crazy loon sprinkled fairy dust in his head, making him think she could be his mate. Now, the Bludhunt was chomping at his heels. Taking part in the savage vampire rite would be a death sentence for her. A bum rap. Especially unfair since she had been handed a healthy life.
Rein swallowed the rock in his throat as he avoided her eyes. If he looked into their depths, he wouldn’t keep his resolve. He knew what he had to do to save her. Did he love her enough to let her go? Yes, he did.
A lone tear dripped down Braelyn’s cheek.
Rein wiped off the moisture with the back of his index finger. When his chest constricted, he bent forward, double-whammied with a twist of gut-wrenching pain. Sucking in the agony, he tensed under his mother’s scrutiny.
She definitely knows.
With the fresh developments, Brae would opt to mate, despite the danger to herself. As if the Bludhunt watched obstacles to their mating fall like flakes in a snowstorm, it sent a sharp, angry burn racing through his veins.
Braelyn placed her palm on his back, rubbing it. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She deserved the white picket fence along with those kids she joked about. She deserved a long life with someone who could give her those things free of unmanageable blood lust.
“Come home, Braelyn. The Scion Firebrands are about to destroy the sex slave ring along with Silas and Aisen. You’ll be safe. According to Alarik, your new condition is unlikely to reverse itself on Earth. If it does, you can return to Scath for visits. They would be like trips to a health spa. I want you writing forStrange but True, investigating paranormal reports, liaising with the Alliance. What do you think?”
“I’m not sure. This is a lot to take in. Suddenly, I have a future. I. Have. A. Future.” She twisted onto a hip toward Rein. “What do you think?”
He jerked up from the couch, dislodging his hand from Brae’s grasp. The pain was attacking him in angry waves. He didn’t know how long he could hold out. It was messing with his ability to reason. He had to get away. In time, when his agony subsided, when his control returned, they could be together again. Not now.
“It sounds like an excellent offer, Brae. One you must take. I’m going back to the stronghold to check in on the interrogation of the guards. Leave me a note when you decide to go. There is nothing to keep you here.”
Rein rushed from the room, leaving behind his chance for happiness.
Fuck.
At least she was alive.
ChapterTwenty-Eight
Braelyncollapsed onto the sofa, a puddle of emotion, speechless, her shattered life on display to the entire room.
Castia signaled the two men to leave. Sighing, she crossed her legs and perched on the edge of the cushion. With a hand resting on Braelyn’s knee, Rein’s mother said, “He’s in great pain.”
“Why?”
“You.”
“Me? Why me?”
“It is obvious he has fed from you. Because you are his destined mate, the Bludhunt calls him. It is not something a vampire refuses without great agony. Nonetheless, he fights.”
“He’s a stubborn ass. Sorry. Since he won’t change his mind, it’s irrelevant.” Once again, Rein decided what was best for her and ran as if his tactical pants were on fire.
“Hmm. He is headstrong.” Castia uncrossed her legs, an indulgent smile behind a pale, elegant hand. “Alarik raised our son a warlock. I was okay with that. When he was on the cusp of manhood, my family insisted he awaken the vampire powers. Clan Melius is influential, old, and quite persuasive. To this day, they do not recognize my … affection … for Alarik. Because mixed offspring were abhorrent to them, I ignored my children, hoping Clan Melius did the same. Even though an abomination, Rein came to the attention of my family. I know not why. His early powers? His choice to be warlock? Because their reach is long and deadly, the head of the clan convinced me the wise course was a vampire Awakening. I discussed the options with Alarik. We decided our son would be stronger and safer as a vampire. With my paramour’s consent, I arranged for Rein’s Awakening. Fortunately, Elisabeta required no persuasion.”
“Indigo warned you what he might become,” Braelyn said.
“Ah. The witch has talked to you.” Castia bounced her foot. Then she gave a dismissive wave. “Because my son fought his nature, a brief ceremony extended into months. Despite his intransigence, despite his problems managing his hungers, despite the warnings, he has lived up to the clan’s expectations.”
