by K. A. Tucker
“How are you going to check them?” I blurted out, staring at the staff who waited silently, not a shred of wariness on their faces. I don’t think any of them spoke English. Thank goodness.
Sofie stared back at me with an amused expression and when she spoke, it was as if she were talking to a child. “There’s only one way, Evangeline …”
“But …,” I stammered, stalling, “where do they put the tattoos?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know, but if they’re there, we’ll find them.”
Full-on strip search. My cheeks flushed.
“Evangeline, are you all right?” Mage asked, peering at me curiously.
“Yes, I … uh … ” They know, they can smell it on me. I’m a walking calamity! I leak secrets! “It’s just embarrassing for them, that’s all,” I explained, working hard to suppress my rising panic. In truth, I had no interest in watching an eight-act strip show of the staff. More, though, I had no interest in watching Julian dismembered.
“Oh, don’t worry. We’ll compel them. None of them will remember a thing,” Sofie said reassuringly, her eyes twinkling, her lips pursed as if ready to burst out laughing.
“But … can’t you just read their mood to see if they’re lying?”
Mage shook her head. “Back on Ratheus, the witches figured out how to mask that truth in some of their spies. I don’t know how, but we must assume the same is possible here.”
“You don’t need to be here for this if it’s that uncomfortable,” Caden offered. “We could go upstairs.”
Oh, my dear sweet Caden! “Yes!” I exclaimed a little too loudly, seeing our opportunity for escape. I peeled away from Caden without a second thought, darting forward to lock onto Julian’s arm, my fingers digging into his forearm, one hand grabbing his and squeezing it reassuringly. “We’ll be upstairs if you need us.” I began tugging Julian with me before anyone could speak, rushing up the steps. Please leave him alone. Please forget about checking him.
“Wait!”
My body stiffened at the sound of Sofie’s voice, and I knew Julian’s body was as rigid as mine. We turned in unison, slowly. Sofie’s focus was on Julian. Oh God, oh no … “Your room is across from Evangeline’s, Julian.”
I fought to stifle the sigh of relief.
“Thank you,” Julian mumbled.
I glanced over at Caden to see him watching us intently, his eyes narrowing slightly as they drifted over my hand. The one in Julian’s. Did this bother him? No, I dismissed it. He had nothing to worry about. Julian was like a brother to me.
“Caden and Amelie, I could use your help.” Sofie’s request broke the attention on Julian and me. “Amelie and Mage, please take the ladies. Caden, Mortimer, please take the men. Max, Gabriella, put fresh steaks on the kitchen counter.” Max wouldn’t argue with that. He had starved over the last month, first refusing to leave me to hunt in the mountains and then not permitted to hunt by the Tribe on account of him taking food away from their precious tigers.
“What about me?” Viggo asked with mock innocence, eyeing a young, brunette maid of no more than twenty-five. My stomach twisted in knots for the girl.
Sofie snorted. “You take care of the blood supply. I don’t want anyone running short on blood with humans around.” She turned and started down the hall to the left, but stopped and threw back, “a bagged blood supply, please.” No killing, she was warning him.
Viggo responded with a sigh of exasperation. “Always the drag, you Red Heathen … And what will you be doing, pray I ask?”
“Checking on a few things,” she answered vaguely as she walked away with long, quick strides, not turning back once.
I took this as my chance to scurry up the stairs, towing Julian the entire way, hearing Mage croon behind me in French, “Mademoiselles et messieurs, avec moi, s’il vous plaît,” Of course she speaks French. She knows everything …
Julian and I hadn’t uttered two words to each other since being rescued. I didn’t know what to say to him, given his secret identity. He was the enemy. The enemy who had saved me but the enemy who this group of vampires would tear to pieces if they found out. And Amelie … she may as well be fused to him, as smitten as she was. I recalled Caden once saying that vampire emotions were instantaneous and powerful. I was now witnessing it firsthand. I’d also have to witness the crushing after-effects when Amelie discovered what Julian was, when she’d need to detach herself from a corpse. My insides churned with the thought. This secret was better left hidden, and he needed to be reminded of that.
“Slow down!” Julian hobbled alongside me, slightly hunched.
“Here we are,” I stated, dropping his hand as we arrived in front of the seventh door. I turned, adding in a low hiss, “You’d better be careful. Do you know what will happen if they find out?”
“I know! I know! I …” Julian paused, swallowing hard, desperation on his face. “I don’t know what to do, Eve. Amelie, though …” A crooked smile crept over his mouth. “She’s amazing.”
“More your type?” I spat back, crossing my arms over my chest. Why did I just say that? Why? I sounded like a jealous freak and I wasn’t even interested in Julian. In fact, if he weren’t a Sentinel spy, I’d be ecstatic for my two best friends hooking up! I took a deep calming breath and adjusted my tone. “Well, she’s amazing at killing boyfriends too. You wouldn’t be the first. You’re as good as dead if she finds out. It will break her heart … Plus, what if Caden finds out?” My head was already shaking back and forth. “If she doesn’t kill you, he will!”
Julian pushed a dark lock of hair off his forehead, his mouth twisted in frustration. “Maybe I should just tell her,” he grumbled with resignation. “Wouldn’t it be better if I told her? You know, a fresh start. It doesn’t mean anything … not anymore.”
“No! Don’t you say a word!” I grabbed hold of his wrist. He winced and I realized my nails were digging into his flesh. I don’t care, I told myself. Some nail marks would be the least of his worries if his principles won out. I couldn’t deal with another death over his sudden onset of conscience. “Not yet. Don’t tell her. I’m not telling Caden. Don’t say anything until I have time to think.” I sighed, a heavy wave of fatigue making my legs wobbly. “Just try and keep your pants on, will you?” I threw out sarcastically as I turned toward my door. A glimpse of brown hair caught my eye. For a moment, I was sure I saw Caden. But when I turned back, the hall was empty.
***
Half my neck wasn’t missing but I’d definitely have a scar. I studied my reflection in the mirror of the en suite bathroom. Someone had closed up the puncture wounds with a few stitches while I was unconscious. All that was left were tidy lines of black thread and a disturbing memory. I wondered which vampire managed the torturous task. Probably Mage. Taking a damp, white face cloth to the area, I gently dabbed away the dried blood, careful not to snag the threads and reopen the gashes.
A part of me couldn’t help but feel bitter. I had been so close … so close to no longer being human, to Rachel giving me an eternal life with Caden. But then another wrench was thrown in, another spell. A new curse. Now it wasn’t jewelry around my neck, but a poison coursing through my veins. I had no one to blame but myself. No one forced me onto that plank of wood. I did that all on my own … for my own needs. Look where it got me! Gritting my teeth, I examined my hands, my limbs, my torso, looking for signs that this poison existed. But I saw nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing that suggested I couldn’t be turned. Maybe it would wear off? If not … No. I couldn’t think like that. Sofie would figure it out. Sofie had to figure it out …
I sighed. At least Rachel was dead. I had watched her burn. And Ursula was dead too. My two greatest enemies, gone. Aside from Viggo, of course. Now that he had Veronique’s pendant, I was nothing more than a bothersome gnat. Not even that. I was a waste of effort. That brought me some small comfort. And Mortimer? I had all but forgotten about the threat from him. No, Mortimer wouldn’t be a danger to me anymore. Not
after he had killed Rachel to save me.
Now all I had to worry about was a war that would obliterate mankind.
“How are you feeling?” I yelped when Sofie’s sudden voice, though soft, startled the daylights out of me. “Sorry,” she crooned, placing her hands on my shoulders as she peered into the mirror. Dainty, gentle, motherly hands …
A killer’s hands.
“Did you discover any secret Sentinel spies?” I cleared my throat. Don’t think about Julian. Don’t think about Julian.
Sofie smiled, shaking her head. “No, as I suspected, they checked out. We’ll just have to search all humans that we involve from now on. It’s not pleasant for anyone, believe me.” She yanked my shoulders, spinning me around to steer me back into the main bedroom. “How do you like it here?” she asked, her gaze drifting over the walls and the bed.
“It’s beautiful. And surprisingly homey.” Dark eggplant walls and dove-gray moldings created a lovely backdrop for the modern cream-colored furniture and rich satin mauve bedding. The room wasn’t overly large but its ceilings sprawled to double-story heights, making it feel cavernous.
“My sister used to stay here sometimes, when she visited me. She stayed in this room. Of course, I’ve fully renovated it, put in plumbing, modernized it …” Sofie went on but my thoughts drifted off as she spoke, thoughts of that sister who now sat in the clutches of the enemy, unknown to Sofie, hidden by me. Or worse, they may have killed her already. What would happen when Sofie found out? Stupid question. I knew exactly what would happen. She’d launch an assault on Fifth Avenue to rival a nuclear bomb and start a war. We couldn’t risk that. But how angry would she be that I hadn’t warned her, that I could have stopped Veronique’s death by telling her right away?
“Evangeline?” A sharp edge to Sofie’s voice brought me back. I looked into her green eyes to see them narrowed suspiciously. “What’s wrong?”
Swallowing a lump of guilt, I shook my head fervently. “Nothing.” How much longer can I hide all this? Stop thinking about it, stupid! Stop! Think about something else! Kittens and clowns … kittens and clowns … Caden … anything …
Sofie cut into my mental mantra. “It’s strange … Ever since the Tribe’s magic touched you, I can’t read you in the same way.”
What? My heart stopped for just a second. “What … what do you mean? I’m not an open book to you anymore? Why didn’t you tell me?” A glimmer of hope sparked. Maybe I could keep these secrets hidden after all! I bit my bottom lip hard, trying not to look too excited by this news.
Sofie’s head cocked to the side as she studied me. “I can still sense your emotions, but they’re not translatable anymore. They’re all a jumbled, muted mess of constant nervousness, fear, guilt … I don’t know what’s going on inside you anymore except whatever it is, it feels like it’s tearing you apart.”
My shoulders dropped with relief. The rod of rigidity in my back eased free, leaving my body limber. Before I could stop myself, a relieved sigh escaped my lips. Sofie’s shrewd eyes remained glued on me, narrowing more.
“You’re hiding something,” she stated, stepping forward until she stood a foot away. “And you’re afraid I’ll dig it out of you.” Another statement.
I clenched my teeth to keep from talking so I had time to think. There was no point denying it. That would only make it worse, make her more suspicious. But what reasoning could I give for this tornado of emotion inside me? I focused on the rich dark hardwood flooring, nodding slowly, scrambling for an answer. Anything. A lie. A small truth. Anything but what I was truly hiding. Not one but two colossal secrets.
“You’re allowed to have secrets, Evangeline,” Sofie whispered softly, her hands landing once again on my shoulders. “Even from me. Just be wise about them. Ask yourself if you’re better off telling me, so I can protect you. If me knowing doesn’t matter, then you can keep them to yourself until you’re ready to talk.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded again. That was an easy answer. No, you’re definitely not better off knowing, Sofie. Far from it. The world is better off with you not knowing.
“Of course, with this much turmoil, it’d be better to get things off your chest,” she added casually.
I nodded but said nothing.
After an awkward moment, when Sofie realized I wouldn’t be spilling my guts, she gestured to the dresser. “I brought some things for you. Pajamas, a change of clothes, toiletries.” I looked over to see a tidy pile of newly purchased supplies. Or stolen, given it was eleven thirty and none of the stores Sofie dared enter would be open at this hour. Next to the clothes sat a silver tray with various dishes and cutlery. “A warm broth,” Sofie explained and I frowned, wondering how she had brought them in without my notice. “You should work your appetite back up to something heavier.” With that, she wrapped her arms around me, enveloping me in a nurturing, warm embrace. Without thought, I hugged her in return. I rested my chin on her shoulder, my face falling into her mane of red hair, silky against my skin. I inhaled, swirls of sugar and musk and a warm summer day tickling my senses. So comforting.
“I missed you so,” Sofie whispered, squeezing tighter.
I heard the doorknob click, setting loose wild butterflies in my stomach. Caden … I turned, unable to keep the grin from my face. When a giant snout greeted me instead, the grin wandered off. Max, with his giant maw on the lever doorknob, let himself in.
Sofie chuckled warmly, her arms sliding off me. “There’s my favorite beast.” Strolling over, she clasped her hands around his head and leaned down to give him a kiss. What a change from the early days when Sofie gave him nothing but poisonous glares.
At least someone appreciates me, Max grumbled, misreading my dismayed expression. I instantly felt guilty. I was happy to see my guardian. But I was dying to see Caden …
“Get some rest. You’re safe here,” Sofie said.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “People have been living here for years now, so it’s not like the old abandoned chateau on the hill has suspiciously come to life,” Sofie explained, walking over to the wall near one of the windows. “I have security on the perimeter and magical tripwires set. Everything we need for fair warning. And then, if someone does put two and two together and gets through …” Sofie’s hand coasted up to the wall beside her to touch a piece of molding. She pushed and I heard a click. A piece of wall swung into darkness. “If you ever need to escape, do what I just did. No one knows about it but you and me. And Max, now. Not even the staff knows.” Sofie pulled the door shut. “Mind you, you probably won’t want to venture in there unless you need to. It’s probably home to an army of eight-legged critters.”
I shuddered at the thought, earning a soft chuckle from Sofie.
“The duke who owned this home, before Nathan appropriated it, was a suspicious old bird. He had all these secret passages and tunnels built.” A giggle escaped her perfect lips. A sardonic little giggle. “Funny—that’s exactly where Nathan found him. Not much of a secret.” A far-off look skittered across her face and then she was back.
Realization slapped me hard across the face. This had been Nathan’s home! Of course! I’m such an idiot! I can’t believe I hadn’t realized it before. No wonder Sofie was reluctant to come here. Stepping through these halls must tear open too many old wounds for her, namely the never-healed one she acquired when she accidently killed him.
“Why did we come here, Sofie?” I asked softly. “I mean, I’m sure there was somewhere else we could’ve gone.”
Sofie smiled sadly. “It’s as good a home base as any. We need to get help, Eve, and our help is in Europe, so it made sense.”
Help? That elusive her they were discussing on the jet, no doubt. Who was she? And why did I sense this connection was volatile at best? So deep in thought, I didn’t hear anyone else enter.
“Can I come in?” A familiar deep voice called out, sending a thrill through my entire body like an electric shock. I turned
around, that same giant grin instantly on my face again.
Caden’s hands were in his pockets, something akin to a shy look on his face.
“Come, Max,” Sofie said, smacking the giant dog on the rump.
I just got here, he grumbled in my head, not budging.
“I hear deer live in the woods behind us,” she added, figuring he would be reluctant to leave. Like a homeless dog after a soup bone, Max bolted. A tiny smile touched her lips as she continued walking out. When she passed Caden, she reminded him, “Don’t forget … my angel needs her rest.”
He responded with a slight nod and a tight smile. I surely burned like a bonfire in the night, the heat in my cheeks so intense. With that, Sofie abruptly disappeared, closing the door softly behind her.
Finally … alone with Caden.
Completely alone, on solid ground, on my home planet. In a bedroom. I felt heat creep up my neck as I recalled memories of the last night we spent together on Ratheus. With my fingertips trembling, I pushed a strand of hair back behind my ear. Why am I so nervous? I had suctioned myself to him on the plane ride here. And now we stood facing each other like two strangers. I opened my mouth to speak, and realized I had no idea what to say. Thankfully, Caden broke into the silence.
“How’s your neck?”
“Fine,” I croaked, instinctively turning to look into the mirror on the wall, my hand reaching for the wounds again. “A little sore but—” Before my fingers could graze the stitches again, Caden appeared behind me, his strong hand folding over mine and pulling it against my chest. His other hand swept the locks of hair away from my neck, pulling them back until they rested over my opposite shoulder. Without a word, he leaned in until his mouth was an inch from the wound. I watched in the mirror as his lips parted slightly. A cool breeze tickled my skin.
“Does it hurt?” he whispered.
“Not right now,” I forced out, my voice caught in a gasp.
“How about now?” He leaned in that last inch to skim my neck with his bottom lip, hardly touching and yet sending shock waves through me, deep into my belly. My knees buckled. I fell back against his chest. Pressing his body against my back, he buried his face in my hair and inhaled deeply. “I missed you so much.”