Page 51 of Blood Taken (Blood Mafia 2)
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. My time will come? Do you have it planned out or something?" he asks, ignoring my offhanded question.
We start walking toward the elevator and I hand him my key. I didn't bring a purse and my leggings don't have pockets.
"Of course I don't have it planned, but don't you think sex between us is a given at this point?"
His eyes widen and he stares at me like I'm a fascinating piece of art. I press the call button and check my messy bun to make sure no pieces have slipped out of place.
When he doesn't stop looking, I cross my arms over my chest and glare at him. "What?"
The elevator dings at its arrival and we step inside. Grayson presses the button for the roof and drops his arm over my shoulder, pulling me close. "You liked my present."
"Perhaps, but that doesn't mean I've forgiven you yet," I grouse.
This only makes his smile widen. Maybe he's the crazy one.
"But you're close. Tell me, what else can I do for you? I'll do any—well, maybe not anything. I won't kill Mateo or Colt."
I snort. "I'll do that myself."
He narrows his eyes. "Tiger—"
The doors open and Evelyn yanks me out of the elevator, one of her nails scratches my arm and draws blood. She licks the wound and I push her forehead away.
"Ew, Evelyn, stop that. It's bad enough when your brother does it."
She chuckles. "Oh, you're so feisty, Demi. I was fixing what I broke," she says and drops my wrist. "I didn't mean to make you bleed."
"It's fine," I say, glancing around the roof they've transformed for my birthing hour when she sashays away.
A black sheer fabric is draped over a pergola. A simple bed of cushions lies under the cover of the structure. Surrounding the cocoon of safety—that's what I've named it—are candles, incense, a table with a basin and towels sitting next to it.
"Who's dying?" I joke to Grayson.
He takes the scene in. "Mateo wanted you to be comfortable. He's told us what to expect, or at least, what he's read about what to expect. This was his way of helping you relax."
I appreciate the thought, but honestly, it looks like something you'd prepare for someone who was about to die. Still, he tried, so I don't voice my thoughts. They're all I have right now. I wish Xena or Tyra were here to help me; of all the Hunters I met, they were the ones that I liked the most.
Speaking of vampires. Mateo's waiting with Evelyn and Colt near the small bar next to the pergola. I walk over to them, feeling Grayson at my back the entire way.
"You forgot the popcorn," I quip.
Colt's lips twitch and I have to force myself to look away. We still haven't spoken. Mateo hands me a drink and I throw it back, internally screaming when I realize it's water and not vodka.
"You can have all the alcohol after you receive your powers."
I scowl and hand the glass back. "You're all going to stay up here?"
Mateo ignores my question and pulls out his phone. He places it to his ear after he dials a number. "She's here." Then he hangs up.
Dread coils in my stomach and I shift my weight to the balls of my feet, preparing to fight with all I've got.
"Mateo you're frightening Demi. Explain yourself, you buffoon." Evelyn pokes him.
Sweeping his dark gaze over me, Mateo sets his glass down. The amber liquid sloshes around, leaving a light layer of red film behind. A blood Old Fashioned.
"I invited—"
I whirl when I hear two thuds followed by a zipping sound. Across the roof, two figures dressed entirely in black drop onto the roof.
