Page 63 of The Vampire’s Prey

"I—.” She gulps and looks at my shirt then back up at me. "It's supposed to work! We've done the research! How are you not dead?"

"I am guessing it is pure luck.”

Reaching down, I yank out the shards of glass embedded into my skin and toss them to the ground. A dreaded calm settles into my chest. This little human tries to kill me. The calm turns into numb.

"You better pray I do not catch you before I cool down. Your ass will not fare well. I can guarantee you that."

Why am I even giving her the option? I should toss her aside and be done with her. Maybe the desperate part of me feels like we can fix this if we just talk about it.

Her mouth drops open. "You think I'm going to let you near me? You're a killer and a monster. They were right. They were all right. I was so stupid to fall for your lies and tricks. I can't believe I let you fool me into caring for you!"

I take a deep breath, determined to not let my temper get the better of me. Numb was better, numb was safer. Oh, she has more than a good paddling waiting for her. That is, if I even want her back. The area my heart should have been pangs at the thought of not seeing her smile up at me.

But, she tried to kill me. I should drag her before Lucius this instant and let him deal with her. No. She is my responsibility. Obviously, someone got into her head. It hurts, but it’s not unreasonable for a mortal to fear me. I just thought she was different. She seemed to be willing the other night when she offered me her blood. I hate that after all we have been through together, she doesn't trust me now.

"I do care for you. You must believe me."

"That was my first mistake. I should have killed you the moment I realized what you were. Trust me, I won't make that mistake again.”

Her words finally click into place. How could I have been so blind! Her questions had nothing to do with trying to get to know me. She’s a fucking hunter! Memories from the last few weeks swirl through my brain at lightning speed, everything finally making sense.

She was snooping at the coat closet to find out if there were more of our kind down there. And I let my cock lead her right into the heart of Club Toxic. I betrayed my own kind for a piece of hot ass. How could I be so stupid. So blind?

I don’t care what Maria says, she should have been stronger than whatever demons she was trying to run from. Hell, I would have fought them for her. With me by her side, she would have been safe, cherished, loved. None of that matters anymore. She made her choice, and now, I have to make mine.

She runs into the night. I have no idea where she plans to go since her car is still at her apartment. But, she is not my problem anymore. Hurt sears through me for a moment, choking me. She is not the only foolish one here. I allowed myself to get too attached, and that is never a good thing with mortals. For now, I have to alert Lucius of this major problem and try to fix it.

Tipping my head back, I close my eyes and let the night settle in around me. It hurts, but I have to cut that part of my life off at the moment. There will be time later to mourn the loss of Evangeline, the loss of our future. For now, I have to focus all my attention on preparations for war.

The cacophony of the club hits me as I make my way back in. I spot several other vampires and motion them to join me at the coat rack. Once all of us are inside, I lay out the horrible discovery.

"Barbara is dead. Her body is behind the club, tied down with my ropes. There are two puncture marks on her neck, but it was clearly not done by a vampire. I suspect we have a ring of hunters nearby.” I point to my shirt. "Evangeline tried to kill me. Lucky for us, their intel seems to be faulty, but we should still be careful. I am heading down to talk with Lucius, but her body needs to be removed before we cause a commotion."

Watching as they disperse, I trudge down the steps, not ready to admit that I led a viper into our midst.

The dungeon is in full swing as I make my way down. Lucius and Selene sit on their thrones surveying the scene, no clue about the bomb I am about to drop. Weaving about the people, I ease my way to his side. "Lucius, may we have a word in your office?"

He looks up at me, concern flashing in his eyes. Leaning over, he whispers something to Selene before kissing her cheek. Once in Lucius' office, he makes his way around his massive desk before sitting in his chair and stapling his fingers.

"What is this all about then?" Lucius pauses and reaches over to a decanter sitting near the edge. "Drink?"

I shake my head. Normally I wouldn’t hesitate to join in, but my insides are twisted into knots. Not only did I lose the one woman I thought I could actually love, but I caused the potential destruction of everything Lucius had built.

"I am not exactly sure where to start."

Lucius takes a long sip and stares at me for a moment. "I usually find it best to start at the beginning."

I rub the back of my neck with my hand, shame washing over me. Where could I even start?

"You know your bartender Evangeline?"

His eyes glisten as a smile stretches his lips.

"Indeed, I do. You both looked rather cozy downstairs awhile back. She's been staying with you at your place, right?"

"Yes, but that's not why we’re here. We have a situation."

"What did you do to her?"