by J. J. Bonds
DeVanie studies Griffin. “What do you propose we do about… this?” he asks, gesturing to Anastasia’s dead body.
“Despite her actions today, Ana wanted this treaty. She wouldn’t have come if she didn’t. The Order would still like to sign the treaty.”
DeVanie looks as doubtful as I feel. After all, their fearless leader lies at my feet in a pool of her own blood.
“We are committed to focusing on the future,” Griffin assures DeVanie. And I gotta say his words ring with truth. “We believe there is a bright future ahead for all vampires. We would choose to focus on the election of the two newest Council members, not the tragedy that has occurred here today.”
Another of the red cloaks, Nelson, speaks up. He’s incredibly old, like dawn-of-time old. His words are gravelly, but strong. “We will ensure our people know what transpired today. They will know that Ana attacked, putting the treaty at risk, and that you have graciously given us the opportunity to move forward in spite of it.”
“And so I shall,” DeVanie confirms with a curt nod. “Like yourselves, I am committed to uniting the pureblood and mixed-blood vampires. Peace shall be upon us.”
I drop the sword, handing it back to Lincoln who shoots me what I think is supposed to be an if-you-weren’t-an-Elder-I’d-kick-your-ass glare. I mouth the word sorry. And I am. I suppose it doesn’t look good for him that I was able to swipe his sword. He couldn’t have stopped me if he wanted to, but he doesn’t know that. He doesn’t know that Aldo’s blood has become my blood and that with it I inherited his strength. Now’s not exactly the time to talk about it. We still have work to do.
The remaining red cloaks line up, and we watch silently as the last of the signatures are emblazoned upon the treaty. DeVanie was right, peace is upon us. The smile that spreads across my face is impossible to suppress. We’ve actually done it, brokered peace and engineered change. Aldo’s will has been done. There will still be many struggles as we feel our way through this new world where mixed-bloods have a voice, but it’s a step in the right direction. For the first time, I truly understand what it means to be an Elder. And I wouldn’t trade it up for the world.
Epilogue
It’s my last night in Arizona, and I’m spending it with Nik. We lie side by side on the roof of the mansion, hands clasped, admiring the stars. The sky is clear, not a cloud in sight, and the stars shine crazy bright out here in the desert. Or maybe it’s just my outlook that’s bright, knowing the treaty’s been signed and my secret is safe once again. For the first time in weeks, I don’t have a care in the world. It feels amazing.
“Did you know Anastasia would attack?” Nik asks, breaking the silence.
“Do you really want an answer to that?” I counter, wondering how the truth would affect his view of me. I won’t lie to him, but I’m not sure he’s actually prepared for the truth. So I just shrug. The gesture may be lost on him, but he lets it go and doesn’t press me for an admission.
“You may be a natural-born politician after all, manipulating the Council like that,” he teases me. His tone is light, and a quick peek reveals he’s smiling. Surprisingly, he’s not upset by the revelation that I was counting on Anastasia’s attack.
I roll onto my side so that I face him and prop my head up on my hand. “The Council made its choice, and so did Anastasia.” I sigh. “Honestly, I think it was always meant to end this way. Aldo knew it too. That’s why he sacrificed himself for me. He didn’t have the heart to kill his sister, but he knew I could—and would—do it.”
“There’s still one thing I don’t get.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers burning a trail down my cheek. “Anastasia had to know the truth. Why didn’t she out you?”
“She knew. But seeing me dead was more important to her than seeing me removed from the Council. If she’d outed me, I wouldn’t have been at the signing of the treaty and she would have missed her last opportunity.”
Nik falls silent, his blue eyes clouding over. Perhaps he’s considering how close I’ve come to death once again. I try not to think about it myself, because without Aldo’s blood, I wouldn’t have stood a chance against Anastasia’s speed. Hell, the only reason I beat her was because I was prepared, anticipating her attack.
The look on Nik’s face tells me it’s time for a change of subject and mood. This is supposed to be a day of celebration and happiness, and he looks anything but. My heart hammers in my chest as I contemplate the offer I’m about to make.
“Tomorrow I return to Romania with Viktor. Permanently,” I tell him, my nerves chewing me up from the inside out. “I’m not going back to Crossroads. My work on the Council is too important.”
“You’re not going to finish high school?” Nik asks, disbelieving. He pushes himself into a sitting position as if preparing for a serious debate. One he fully intends to win.
I smile. “Anya’s going to help me arrange for private tutors at the manor to finish my diploma.”
Nik relaxes visibly. Silly vamp. As if I’d drop out completely. Ridiculous.
“If you wanted, I could ask Commander Smith to have you assigned to my personal security team permanently. But only if you want. No pressure,” I say, trying to sound casual as I twist a strand of hair around my fingers. “I don’t want you to feel obligated or chained down or anything.”
He knits his brows, a look of surprise transforming his face as he processes my offer.
“I’m sure the field would be far more exciting, and I will totally understand if you choose a more traditional field assignment. Really,” I babble. Hell’s bells. I really suck at stuff like this. I just want it so badly. If he does.
“Katia, there is nothing traditional about us,” he says, revealing the dimple that makes my pulse thunder. He leans forward, pressing his soft lips to mine in a gentle kiss. “There’s no way you’re getting rid of me that easily. Besides, I wouldn’t trust your safety to anyone else.”
Glossary
Consiliul de Batrani: Elders Council
De sange pur: Pureblood
De sange vechi: Old blood
De sange amestecat: Mixed-blood
Foamea: Hunger
Otrava de sange: Blood poison
Pazitor: Guardian
Sete de sange: Blood lust
About the Author
J.J. Bonds is an independent author who writes young adult speculative fiction. Bloodline is the third and final novel in the Crossroads Academy series. J.J. lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania where her love of all things paranormal keeps life interesting. She lives with her husband, two adorable children, and two rambunctious dogs.
To find out more about J.J., visit www.jjbonds.com or www.facebook.com/jjbondsfanpage.
Also by J.J. Bonds
Crossroads (Crossroads Academy #1)
Red Dawn (Crossroads Academy #2)
Credits
Cover art and design by Rachel Rivera of Parajunkee Design.
Editing by Victory Editing.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Epilogue
Glossary
About the Author
&nb
sp; Also by J.J. Bonds
Credits