Page 4 of Blood Taken (Blood Mafia 2)
I don't react on the surface. I keep my eyes narrowed and my lips firmly pressed in a line while I try to connect the dots. Mateo read to me about Hunters. Van Helsing's book. Was it a story or something more?
My blood is special because I'm one of them.
Blaze knew what I was.
"Okay," I say. "That doesn't change anything. I wish I could say I was happy to see you both, but I'm not. If you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."
Ms. Hammon steps aside when I reach the doorway, looking as though she pities me.
I liked her a lot in school. She was always kind, and her lessons on supes were my favorite. I'm halfway down the hallway when I stop and pivot to face her.
"Are you really a teacher?"
She gives me a rueful smile. "No."
That's what I thought. I nod and turn around. When I reach the front door, Maria's voice stops me.
"You can't hide from them on your own, Demi. We can help you."
I grind my teeth together.
Goddammit. Yet again, another person baiting me into staying. I fucking hate this.
"How?" I ask Ms. Hammon.
Maria makes a small noise in her throat, like she's displeased with me ignoring her.
Good. She should have thought about that before she left. I don't care what her excuse is.
"We have a friend, a witch that can help hide your scent and obscure your location from their vampire senses."
"Where?"
"At our compound." Ms. Hammon glances at Maria. "If you come with us, we can look after you and teach you the things you need to know."
"There are more of you?"
She nods.
My hate filled gaze finds my mother's. "Wow, so there's a whole compound of people like me? I totally understand why you left now."
Her eyes harden. "You don't get to judge me, Demetria. Had I not taken steps to protect you, you'd be dead. You're welcome."
I burst out laughing and walk toward her, shaking my head. "Oh, that's rich. Thank you for leaving me without explaining why. Thank you for making me think I was the reason you left."
"Demi," Ms. Hammon chastises me.
"No, really. Thank you so fucking much." I stop mere inches away from Maria.
Hurt ripples over her face. I don't feel bad.
I know what I have to do if I want to learn about my powers and stay safely out of the Blood Mafia's reach. It doesn't mean I'm happy about it.
"Okay, I'll take the bait. On one condition."
Ms. Hammon meets my eyes and holds my stare. "What's that?"
A nasty smile curves my lips. "This."
