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“Thank you,” I say. “I’ll speak on your behalf to Julian.”
“Why would you do that?” he asks, eyes wide.
“Because contrary to what you think, not all humans are bad, Count. They’re scared, just like you were when you first turned. Everyone is scared by things that are unnatural to them.”
“Thank you,” Addy mouths to me, and I smile.
I’m far from joining hands with Count Dupré and singing kumbaya, but I do believe that death isn’t what he needs or deserves. A second chance to see humans in a different light will be what I suggest.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Julian
The girl before me looks like Marina in so many ways, but she’s different too. There’s a childlike quality to her that, despite Marina’s lack of exposure to the world, Marina doesn’t possess. Marina in many ways is immature, but that will happen when you’ve been shut in most of your life. In every other aspect—aside from worldly experience—Marina is all woman.
Maggie resembles a porcelain doll—from the white ribbon holding her hair together at her nape to the pale yellow dress, complete with lace trim—fragile and innocent. The pastel blue walls, white four-poster bed, and dollhouse in the corner drive home the thought that the girl in front of me is much younger than she actually is.
“Law,” she says, smiling wide, and for some reason I haven’t worked out, I’m bothered by this.
She’s been hidden away in this manor with Marcellus for God only knows how long and she’s smiling? Where are the tears? The screams of panic to get her out of here? Aside from her ghostly complexion—which isn’t far off from Marina’s—she looks healthy. Well kept.
The opposite of what she should look like considering where she is.
Law rushes to her side, pulling her into his embrace. His hands move from her head to her shoulders as he inspects her.
“You’re not hurt?” he questions, sounding just as puzzled as I am.
“I’m not hurt.” There’s a smile in her voice too, and as happy as I am to see she’s alive, I want some answers. My head turns toward Shante, and she looks as baffled by this news as I am. Thank God I’m not the only one.
“Where’s Marcellus?” The question comes out harsh and demanding. She slinks back as thoughIscare her.Ridiculous.
“Maggie, look at me,” Law commands in a much softer tone. “That beastly creature is my oldest brother, Julian. He’s... with your sister.”
Her eyebrows rise before lasering in on me. Without a word I know she finds me wanting and I have the sudden urge to argue with her over something that hasn’t even been vocalized.It’s your own insecurities talking.
“Is Marina here?” Her voice rises in hope, but Law dashes that with a shake of his head.
“She’s back at Bellamy Manor.”
“Law!” she yells, taking a large step forward. “We have to save her.”
He grabs her by the shoulders, holding her in place. “She’s safe, Maggie. I promise you. Madam Shante has placed a barrier around the estate, keeping everyone out.”
She looks at him intently, but doesn’t seem appeased by his proclamation. Just how much does this girl know about my family?
“You need to take her and go,” I command Law. “If Marcellus returns, he won’t allow us to leave with her.”
He nods, grabbing her hands and pulling her toward the door. She digs in her heels. “Wait. Why are we running from Marcellus?”
Finally, Law has the decency to join me in incredulity.
“Maggie, he kidnapped you and left your family to believe you were dead. He allowedmeto believe it.”
She shakes her head, running her hand down his cheek lovingly. “No. Hesavedme.”
Both my and Law’s heads jerk back at her claim of Marcellus being some sort of savior.
“They came for me, Law. I saw the vampire creeping toward me. Marina was approaching from another side. I had to jump.” Her words are coming fast, as though she’s reliving it. “I thought if I were dead, they wouldn’t bother taking Marina out in broad daylight. There wouldn’t be a reason. Just like we discussed.”
