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I sigh. “Then it’s our destiny, and we can’t run from it.” I run my finger down his cheek. “She said that one of usmightdie. That’s not conclusive, Julian. Wecannotlive in fear. And remember she said that our blood would bind us. So feed from me. Let me make you stronger.”
“I’m not feeding from you,” he hisses. “It’ll drain you and whether in this car or in that building, you need your strength.”
“You give me strength.” I smile up at him. “My blood will make you stronger. It’ll give you a better chance of ripping this place apart and bringing your brother to justice. Please, let me help us,” I reply.
He presses his lips to mine, putting all the love he has for me into this one kiss. I shiver under the intensity of it. He pulls back, looking into my eyes. “You’re sure you want to do this?”
“Yes,” I whisper against his lips. “Let me be there for those women while you take down your brother.”
Without another word, he seals his mouth to my neck and bites.
The sensation is just like the last time, tempered only by the knowledge that Bash sits only a few feet away. We’re shielded by a thin black partition. A moan escapes my lips as my eyes roll back in my head. One of his hands cradles my cheek, while the other pushes my shirt up my body, caressing as it goes. My fingers tingle and my toes curl as he suckles from me. After only a few moments, he removes his teeth, running his tongue up the curve of my neck, slurping in the blood that rests at the surface.
I love you.
A smile spreads across my face as I hear his thoughts. It’s been a while and I didn’t realize how much I missed communicating with him this way. Before, the trust factor was lacking. I was angry that he was reading my thoughts so easily. Now, it’s the most incredible thing to experience. I trust Julian, and this ability only makes our bond stronger. To be able to share my inner thoughts with him is so intimate, and I wouldn’t want to share this with anyone else.
“I love you,” I offer in return, and he gifts me with a smile that would cause my knees to buckle if I were standing. “Thank you for trusting me.”
He smiles, but it’s short-lived. “It’s time,” he says, “If we don’t go in there now, Marcellus could slip out of our sight.”
He opens the door and slips out before offering his hand to me. I take it, allowing him to pull me to my feet. I wobble a little and he grabs my elbow, steadying me.
“I don’t even have orange juice for you,” he says. “You’re going to feel weak now, just like I said.”
“I’m fine, Julian.” I chuckle at his concern. “There are far greater worries to have in this moment.”
“I could use one less,” he grumbles, but I don’t pay it any mind. There’s nothing we can do about it now.
“Ready, sis?” Maggie asks, coming to my side. Her blond hair waves in the wind, syncing in rhythm with her floor-length, form-fitting cocktail dress—canary yellow, her signature color. She decided to wear it one final time.
It’s something Ratilda and her human slaves would put on the girls up for auction. Law suggested since we’re walking right in and up to the stage, we should attempt to blend in for as long as possible. My dress is a replica of Maggie’s but in sapphire blue.
I only hope we don’t have to run—or fight—because fitting in with the crowd means not being in comfortable, battle-ready attire.
I smile even though I’m internally trembling. Maggie radiates confidence, which is such a contrast from the sister I grew up with. So much has changed since she jumped from that cliff, and despite the torment that followed, I can’t help but admire her for doing it. She’s much stronger than I ever gave her credit for, and I vow here and now never to underestimate her again.
“I’m ready.”
“What’s wrong with him?” she asks, taking in a sulky Julian.
I roll my eyes so only she can see. “He took some of my blood to fuel up.”
“She’s weakened,” he snaps. “I took too much.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“Here, drink this.” Maggie holds out a can of iced tea. “It’s sweetened,” she shrugs.
I take it from her and drink. It does little to restore my energy, but I won’t allow Julian to know that.
“I can read your mind, Marina,” he growls, and I grimace at my misstep.
Of course he can.
“I’ve got her, Julian. Take care of your brother,” Maggie orders.
Maggie grabs my hand and squeezes as we move forward. I look up, and the looming grey building stops me cold.
