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I have so many questions about that statement, but based on the meeting ahead for Julian, I know he’s already stressed, and I don’t want to add to that. So I say what he needs to hear. “I’ll stay out of sight.”
“Julian,” Katina calls from the hallway. “You’re needed in the kitchen. Now.”
He groans, but smiles. “I’d better go before I piss her off.”
I push up to my tiptoes and place a kiss on his lips. “I’ll be waiting for you.”
He smiles before running off in the opposite direction to get his staff preparing for the Council’s arrival.
“Marina,” Katina says. “How is your friend?”
“Struggling,” I admit. “I have a whole new appreciation for what you went through.”
She smiles, but it’s sad, as if she’s remembering the day she was turned.
“Yes, well, it takes time. She’ll be back to the girl you’ve always known soon enough. Julian will make sure of it.”
I smile, because I know she’s right. I plan to do whatever I can as well to help not only Shannon, but all the new bites transition faster. What I witnessed in the little time we were in Seattle was enough to know that they’re in over their heads. The new bites are coming in at a rate that’s unsustainable.
“I’m exhausted and in desperate need of a shower,” I say, motioning toward the stairs. “I’ll see you later?”
“Get some rest. You look pale,” she quips, before turning and running off.
Oh Katina, ever so honest.
I do need rest, but that will have to wait. Now that I’m alone, the mystery surrounding the chest and missing key has me jumping into action. We’ve only been gone for one day, but I need to find Law and see what he was able to uncover.
I head to the library first but find it empty. The next best option is Julian’s office, but based on his warning of staying out of sight, I think better of it. I’m walking swiftly down the hall toward my room when someone barrels around the corner, almost running headfirst into me. I jump, grabbing at my chest.
“Count Dupré?”
The man’s beady eyes widen before returning to slits. Despite the white hair and shorter, husky build, I see a resemblance between this man and Addy. It is the count.When did he get here?
“I’m sorry. You frightened me,” I say, as his eyes narrow in on me.
“Human,” he sneers, sniffing at the air. “Who are you? Why are you not locked up?”
My body tenses. The way he’s inspecting me feels equivalent to spiders crawling over me—not in the least bit pleasant. I don’t know what to say. Especially given his clear disdain for humans. In this moment, I question if he isn’t behind the auction with Marcellus, given his words.Why are you not locked up?
What, if anything, does this vampire know? He was Julian’s father’s right-hand vampire, and today Julian is leveraging that relationship to make good with the Council. But the topic of familiars seemed to be the senior Bellamy’s secret and it is not something that Julian has wanted to get out. He also told me to stay out of sight, which means I’m Julian’s secret and because of that I need to lie.
I search my brain quickly and the only thing that pops in my mind is the auction.
“I-I’m no one, sir,” I say, curtsying. “A simple human purchased for the Crown at auction. I’m headed to clean his quarters.”
“Hmm,” he murmurs, continuing to inspect me too closely. “And now he wants to end the auction. You must not be doing a very good job.” He spits the words. “I never partook. I always thought it easier to take what I want. Why pay for something that’s free?”
Pig.
It takes everything in me to school my features and not give away my disgust. I’ve been in his presence for mere seconds and I already know I don’t like him. Julian might need him, but there’s something unsettling about Count Dupré. Something so unlike what I’d pictured, having met Adèle. She isn’t anything like her father, and thank God for that.
“Move along,” he says, shooing me away like I’m an insignificant rat. “Unless you want your blood drained.”
My face pales at the threat, but I curtsy once more, trying to appear the obedient servant, before walking in the opposite direction. My feet move only a few steps before the pull to turn around slams into me.
Follow him.
My inner voice urges and like the fool that I am, I heed the internal directive, despite the fact he just threatened to drain my blood. Following Dupré might be the worst idea I’ve ever had, but I have to know where his room is so that I can attempt to get the key—assuming Law wasn’t successful.
