But I need her free to do that.
“All they want is to figure out what happened to the vampires at the mansion.” I edge closer, craving another taste of her sharp citrus scent, and nearly whine when the glass prevents it.
A pang goes through my chest when Jolie’s gorgeous eyes darken with distrust, and I feel like I’ve lost something precious before I’ve had a chance to claim it. I barely resist the urge to growl in denial, and my fingers itch to get my hands back on her.
Only her touch eases the savage tendencies that haunt my every waking moment.
I need to know how she’s able to tame my beast.
My control has been slipping over the years, my beast slowly taking over.
Going feral.
If I don’t find a way to stop it, I’ll lose the last bit of myself completely and become the merciless, bloodthirsty beast I’ve always feared. “Tell us what you saw, and you can go free,” I whisper to her in a raspy voice, the sound low and deep, doing my best to compel her.
She’s my worst nightmare…and maybe my only hope.
* * *
JOLIE
Istare at the barbarian, desperately wanting to believe him. I step toward the wolf, drawn to his rough edges. Something about him tugs at me, something primal. I’m drawn to him, for far more than just his blood, but I’m not foolish enough to believe anything he says.
But I’ll play his game.
“Let’s say I’m willing to believe you.” I stride toward the edge of my cage with a loose gait that has their eyes dropping to my body. Warmth tingles along my skin, and a snarl curls my lips that my body would betray me in such a way.
I hate that I’m reacting to them in anyway.
Ignoring the sensations, I don’t stop until mere inches separate us. The closeness taunts us both. His chest expands, his pupils dilate, and my breath catches at the way his blue eyes brighten.
It’s a look I don’t see often anymore, one that has been missing for quite some time when I peer into the mirror—a brutal sort of hope.
Everything inside me shudders at being the center of that hope.
False hope,my brain warns.
And I ruthlessly squash it. “The vampires took something from me…so I took it back.”
“What did they take from you?” A growl rumbles from his chest, his hands curling into fists. If I didn’t know better, I would say he’s offended on my behalf.
Which is absurd.
“Society has changed drastically since the supernatural world was revealed. Our lives became focused on nothing but survival. People stopped giving a shit about anyone but themselves. Your kind has claimed to be our saviors, but it’s the opposite. Humanity has become a thing of the past.” I narrow my eyes on the men, not allowing myself to be fooled again. “You really expect me to believe monsters actually give a shit about me or anyone else?”
“But you’re no longer a human, are you?” Stanton taunts, his accent making him come off sounding like an even bigger douche than normal. He is a true vampire, one of the old ones. Since being turned, I can actually feel his age and dominance pressing down on me.
Thankfully, I’m able to push it away.
I might be a vampire, but I can’t imagine having to live my life under their rule.
No fucking thank you.
There is no mistaking anything he says or does as actual concern.
It’s been so long since anyone gave a shit about me that I’m not sure I would even recognize it. Thankfully, as a vampire, I could now probably beat their asses for trying to trick me.
Though I wince at what Stanton said.
