Page 102 of Guardians of the Assassins
Morgan tipped her head to the side, not sure she understood. “You’re going to accompany us?”
He gave a stiff nod. “You won’t make it without one or more of you getting infected. We will do our best to keep you safe, but…the chances that you will survive are slim.”
That was when he pulled two blades that looked like machetes from the harness on his back. The other two vampires had recovered somewhat and returned, both of them carrying seven-foot stone spears that contained wicked-looking foot-long blades.
When they started walking, Morgan remained still. Caedmon took a step forward but paused when she didn’t follow. Whatever he saw on her face made him scowl.
“No.” He didn’t say anything else, looking a step away from dragging her after him if needed.
Morgan crossed her arms and glared at him. “You’re being unreasonable.”
“And you have three trials you need to pass before we reach the castle,” he yelled in exasperation, taking a step toward her, his beast leaking through his control. He straightened his shoulders, gaining some of his calm, his voice softening. “I thought you wanted to get back to the coven and your mates. The longer we stay, the longer it will take to get back to them.”
He played dirty.
The bastard!
Not ready to concede defeat, she pursed her lips, and a sinking sensation hit her stomach. “What if these are my trials?”
That shut him up, his mouth closing so fast that she’d swear his teeth clinked together.
Atlas stiffened at her side, then grabbed her elbow, turning her to face him. “Is that what you believe?”
Morgan deflated, suddenly uncertain, which only frustrated her more. “I don’t know! Have either of you been on trial before? You’re my guide. What’s it supposed to be like?”
“I don’t know, I’ve only heard rumors. Trials are reserved for special circumstances, threats directly targeting Faerie that the fae can’t solve by killing or imprisoning. I haven’t heard of anyone who went to trial and survived.” Atlas turned toward Caedmon, seeking more information.
A muscle ticked in Caedmon’s jaw, and the weapon he held dipped. His voice was a rough growl when he spoke. “We are not privy to the results of the trial. All threats are considered done when the trial has ended and no further action is needed.”
“Well that’s not ominous or anything,” Morgan snarked and pulled away from Atlas. She threw her hands up and released a shout of frustration. It didn’t help much, but it made her feel better. Morgan glanced at the guys, and her gaze landed on the vampires in the distance, noticing their ragged shape.
They wouldn’t last much longer on their own.
“Fuck it! If I’m on trial, then I want them to see the woman I am.” She tried not to let Caedmon’s worry weaken her resolve to do the right thing. “I’m an assassin. It’s my job to help when needed. I won’t turn my back on them just to make my life easier.”
Once the decision was made, a weight lifted off her.
Fighting, she could do.
She turned toward Atlas, biting back a sigh of relief when he didn’t try to talk her out of it. “You’re not disappointed?”
“You could never disappoint me,” he said without a hint of hesitation.
Love shone so brightly in his eyes that her heart swelled. His support steadied her nerves, and she knew she’d made the right decision. She turned to face the vampire leader. “My name is Morgan. These are my mates, Atlas and Caedmon. I can’t guarantee your freedom, but if you want my help to try and leave the forest, I’ll do my best.”
None of the vampires moved or even breathed at her offer.
Then she had to wonder if they even needed to breathe. Vampires were all but extinct on Earth, only a few clansremaining. All she knew were myths and rumors, and most of that was tainted by human media and fiction.
The leader took a shuddering breath, looking devastated at the offer. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, then he shook himself, his face hardening. Before he could speak, the vampire on the right grabbed his arm and answered before he could respond.
“Yes, we would be eternally grateful for anything you can do.” Tears of blood swam in his eyes, and he blinked furiously.
When the leader rounded on him, the man lifted his chin, refusing to be cowed. “They wouldn’t have offered to help unless they thought they could do something. We have to try.”
His voice broke on the last word, and that seemed to take the steam out from the leader. He gave one sharp nod and turned toward her with a grim expression. “Any assistance you can give would be greatly appreciated. I’m Petre Domovich. My guards are Bernard Dubois and Kevin Sternisch.”
Bernard was the crazy one. Despite everything happening, he didn’t seem to know what was going on around him.
