“We have a deal, Ravenhill.”
He nodded. “We’ll meet Knight tomorrow.”
36
CLOSENESS
Alex
Tanner’s behaviour puzzled me. He had to possess some magical skills, but for whatever reason, he kept them secret.
“Are you sure Tanner is fully human?” Irene went up the stairs with me after we left the cell.
“Absolutely. There are people clever enough to find a way to escape from a cell, but Tanner isn’t one of them. Sean must have helped him, but that adds more questions.”
It was a pleasure to see Irene rosy, bright, and full of energy. The taste of her blood lingered on my lips, and the bond between us pulled me towards her. It was the closest thing to holding her.
She put a hand on her chest. “Do you feel this pull every time you feed?” There was a strained note in her voice.
“Only with you because you’re my first provider. What we have is rare. The first provider is usually killed by the vampire.”
A smile of triumph curved her lips. “I like that.”
“The fact that the provider dies?” I teased.
“Heaven, no. That I share something special with you.”
I paused. “You are special to me.” I flexed my fingers open to ease the tension urging me to touch her.
Her scent floated in the air, growing stronger. I brushed my fingertips over her knuckles, expecting pain, but instead a thrill coursed through me. Her lips parted with a small sigh.
A couple of maids walking by broke the spell.
I withdrew my trembling hand. “I didn’t expect that.”
“I liked it. I’m glad you’re becoming more comfortable with me.”
I was, but the path to holding her was still long. More servants walked past, and I remained awkwardly silent, staring at my tickling fingertips. The touch had been brief, but it’d made me feel powerful and whole.
We resumed walking.
Irene shuffled her feet. “What do you plan to tell Knight?”
“There’s something Graves doesn’t know.” I lowered my voice. “Knight’s pack is being decimated by rabies.”
“Rabies?”
“A type that infects werewolves. Anyway, Knight needs help, and I’m going to offer it to him. I’m sure he’ll change his mind about restricting magic.”
Disapproval showed in her scowl. “You’re taking advantage of the outbreak.”
“The alternative is another war among the clans. I need Knight to owe me something.”
“You wouldn’t help him if you didn’t need him.” The set of her mouth spelt disappointment.
I had to be honest. “I don’t have the luxury of being generous for the sake of it. I need leverage to gain something. But children have caught rabies. I would have asked Darius to help anyway, but Knight doesn’t need to know that.”
“There has to be another way. Harmony would work better for everyone, and you wouldn’t worry about getting stabbed in the back.” Her shoulders stooped. “Whom am I fooling? I’m like everyone else.”
