Page 54 of Blood that Burns

“What’s this about?” I ask, looking between the women.

It would seem as though this introduction had ulterior motives.

Katina, Reese, and Addy share looks between themselves.

Katina leans across the table. “You must know how protective Julian and Lawrence are with you and Marina.” I roll my eyes and then offer a nod of acknowledgment. “They are planning to take on the auction and all the vampires that stand behind it, which is not going to be easy.”

“They’ll need all the help they can get,” Addy chimes in.

“I fought for hours with Julian, begging him to allow me to exact revenge on my sister,” Katina explains. “If he barely let me go, what do you think he’s going to say to you and Marina?”

I hadn’t even thought about that. I guess I never planned on going. Not because I’m afraid, although I am, but more because what help could I possibly be?”

“You hold all the power, Magdalena,” Reese says, peeking into my head again. She’s staring intently into my eyes, and it takes everything in me not to turn away at the intensity. “You and your sister have more power than you can even imagine. You must tap into it.”

“But that’s not why we need to speak with you,” Addy cuts in. “Reese has many abilities, including psychic visions. She had one recently of the auction and it involves you and your sister.”

“Me? I ask, pointing to my chest.

“Mostly Marina,” she corrects. “But we need your help ensuring she’s at that auction.”

I don’t like it. The thought of putting Marina back in that place that must surely hold unimaginable horrors for her goes against everything inside of me.

“Maggie, I understand how you’re feeling. It makes me sick to think of her back there. But hear Reese out. It’s important. Everything rides on her,” Addy explains.

I inhale deeply and exhale. I’m not sure anything is more important to me than keeping my sister safe, but I’m willing to hear them out as requested. I nod for them to continue.

“In order for the auction to fall, Marina must accompany Julian. Certain... events must unfold.”

My eyes narrow in on Reese. “What events?”

She shakes her head back and forth. “I can’t disclose everything I saw. It would influence the outcome negatively. Someone could pry into your minds and extract the information.”

“Then no,” I say, standing to my feet. “Without all the details, I’m not going to send my sister into the lion’s den. It won’t happen.”

“You’ll be there with her, Maggie. Everything will be all right.”

I chew on my lip, warring with myself. One part of me believes what Reese says, and the other part is skeptical, to say the least. How does one decide their sister’s fate without all the information?

“The decision doesn’t rest on your shoulders. It’s Marina’s to make. We only ask that you’re there to support her and to ensure she goes, because we know Julian will not allow this easily.”

“How do you plan to convince him?” I ask Reese, whose lips curl up into a joker’s grin.

“In a somewhat devious manner.”

“We need to trick them,” Addy blurts.

Aw hell.

Twenty minutes later, Katina comes back with Marina in tow. Her face has a slight green tinge to it.

“Everything okay, Katina?” I ask.

Her nose scrunches up. “I think it’s high time Marina here moves into the manor with Julian. This mansion has seen too much.” Katina shivers.

“Katina!” Marina yelps, cheeks staining red and eyes cutting to Addy.

“I’m so sorry,” she says, and Addy shakes her head.

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