Page 27

Mama had slipped it in my pocket when she met Julian to try and prevent him from coming too close to me, and I’d thrown it out the window the moment I’d discovered it. It wouldn’t kill a vampire, but it could cause harm, or in the case of an older vampire like Julian, and probably Carmichael, a bit of discomfort.

“I’ll be fine,” I insisted. “I have my own powers, and he knows it.”

“The fact that he knows is what worries me,” said Julian as we pulled to a stop in the cobbled circular drive of the vampire estate.

This was the first I’d returned since the night the vamps had been drugged. I shivered and hugged myself after stepping out of the car. Staring up at the enormous gothic exterior of the mansion, I frowned. Movement in the bay window closest to us caught my attention. My heart lurched at the familiar face behind the lead-lined glass. Lydia—my assistant turned vampire—was here on the island?

I rushed toward the steps, stopping at the bottom as the front doors parted and Carmichael stepped out. He’d obviously used his vampire speed to beat us here and now stood between myself and my friend.

Julian’s hand rested on my shoulder, and I bit my lip, not wanting to let Carmichael know about my relationship with Lydia. I didn’t want to put her in danger. I already blamed myself for her death and rebirth.

“Let’s see the gardens,” I said, wanting to get this over with in the hopes I could find an excuse to go inside the estate afterwards.

“This way.” Carmichael gestured for us to follow the overgrown path around the side of the building as the violent crashing of waves played like a soundtrack in the background. “Watch your step.”

“Lieutenant, there is someone inside who’s requested your presence.”

I turned to find Carmichael had stepped in front of Julian.

“They can wait,” Julian said, not budging.

“Julian you should go,” I said, willing him to find Lydia and let her know I wanted to see her.

“Smart woman. I don’t think this particular person will appreciate being kept waiting.” Carmichael stretched to whisper something in Julian’s ear, and my vampire’s face paled even further than usual, eyes wide.

“Charlotte, I will be there shortly. If you need me, call my name.” He reached out a hand like he could somehow make up the distance between us.

If vampires could have auras, his would be a sickly yellowish green. What had Carmichael said to him that could keep him away? Who was the visitor?

“I can wait and come with you,” I offered, taking a step back toward them. Then I could see Lydia and find out what the hell was going on.

“No.” Julian stopped me with the emphasis on the word. “It will not take long.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” Carmichael said, adjusting the sleeve of his white shirt.

As murderous as Julian appeared, he zipped away, and presumably into the mansion, while Carmichael grinned widely, gesturing for me to continue behind the building.

“Lead the way,” I said, waiting for him. I wanted him in front of me where I could see him.

“Of course.”

The path to the gardens was long and curved around to a sloping yard filled with a hedge maze, rose garden, and a spiral path that wound toward a willow in the center where the body of Michelle still dangled upside down, head hung at an angle, half-severed from her body, above a grotesque mess of congealing blood filled with the buzzing of flies.

I turned away immediately, struggling not to vomit, as Carmichael set a hand on my back.

“I thought you were prepared from my description,” he said with such false empathy I wanted to kick him.

“You didn’t take her down?” I managed, still bent over and refusing to look. “I can see you really cared about her.”

“I didn’t want to tamper with evidence,” Carmichael quipped, stepping before me. “And I never claimed to care for her, just my reputation.”

I stared. While it was true, it was so horrifying I couldn’t quite grasp it.

“There are certain blood types and…flavors I prefer,” he continued. “For example, yours is quite the elixir.”

My throat dried up as he lifted my hand, clinging to it when I tried to pull it away.

“It’s like a drug—psychic blood. It has enhancing effects on our strength and virility. Hasn’t Julian told you? And yours is stronger than any I’ve known in my long life. I dare say a vampire could become addicted to it.”