Page 160 of Uncrowned

“I need—I—the blood.” A cry left her as she doubled over from the pain. “I need something.”

Vaughn headed over to them, and I felt myself rising higher onto my knees. If I went to them, if I moved, Vaughn might force me back to my room. But I wasn’t the only one worried. I didn’t miss the concern I’d caught from his profile as he got closer.

“What is happening?”

“She needs a doctor.” Elec’s voice was threatening as he addressed Vaughn. “A doctor. Now. Or you’ll never get your heir. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Heir?”

The men wouldn’t look at Marian, and Vaughn’s jaw tightened while he nodded to Elec.

“I’m going to lift you again, Marian. I know it’s going to hurt. Just hold onto me.”

But she already was. Drayton brought her back into his arms, and she swayed, almost passing out again. As they talked, Vaughn pulled out his phone making a call. My stare went back and forth. I couldn’t stay down anymore. I headed for Vaughn, trying to stay out of his way as he approached them.

“Follow me.”

Vaughn held under my bicep as we led everyone into the halls. When he got to a room a few doors down from mine, we stopped.

“Here. You can put her on the bed. There are towels in the restroom if you need to put some down. The doctor will be here soon. Elec, a word, outside.”

Marian and Drayton disappeared behind the door, and Elec’s ice blue gaze cut right through me. He slowly lifted his stare to Vaughn.

“You’ve crossed the line.”

Vaughn’s head shook. “Not even close. I was generous, and you know that. Show me the video. You say you killed Melissa. I’m not satisfied with the clips I was sent.”

“You’re not satisfied seeing me torture or take her apart? I have her body parts displayed across The Gardens as warning to those who think to cross me. What more do you want?”

“I want to see what’s not mainstream. I don’t trust that it’s real. Show me more. Show me the other pictures you have. Because I know you have them. I would if she hurt me.”

Elec’s face tightened through the anger, only to go lax. He took out his phone, pulling up the pictures and handing the cell to Vaughn.

“That’s what was left of her after I finished. The bitch deserved it. She⁠—”

“She made you kill the woman you loved.”

Elec’s gaze narrowed. “Who told you that?”

“You’re not the only one with connections.” Vaughn flipped through, pausing, and handing him his phone. “You did well. She was an evil woman. She deserved to die and would have had you not taken care of it. She made a mess with my Masters.”

“And with you, if I hear correctly.”

It was Vaughn’s turn to glare.

“I don’t know how she did it. I would have died before I voluntarily gave her that information. Regardless, it won’t happen again.” He pointed to Elec. “I know you share her gift, and I’m watching here.” Vaughn’s finger pointed up, motioning along the top of the hallway. “Do not bring that into The Order unless you want war. Do you understand me?”

“Crystal.” Elec put up his hands in surrender, but I didn’t trust his smile. “I’ll be on my best behavior. So long as you are…”

Vaughn didn’t reply. He eased me forward, leading us towards my room. The door shut behind us, and Elec disappeared back with Marian and Drayton. As we approached my door, my four guards were already waiting.

“No one is to come in this room. That man I was talking to,” Vaughn gestured with his head where we’d been standing with Elec, “he is dangerous. Do not look into his eyes. Do not even let him talk. Cut him off and call me immediately.”

My door was pushed open, and Vaughn shut it behind us. He squeezed his lids, only to blink them rapidly.

“That man is dangerous to anyone he comes around. Fuck, my head. When his voice deadens like that, it’s like listening to static. I don’t like it. You heard what I told the guards, Penelope. Stay away from Elec Wexler. Do not talk to him or go near him. Ever.” He pulled me into his arms, hugging on tightly, only to pull back and kiss me.

“How are you?”