AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Is this table reserved for you or something?” I asked, noting the way that everyone else in the room practically avoided the space around us.
“Something like that,” he answered with a smirk.
Once we were seated, I was able to take a close look at the company that surrounded us. The room was filled mostly with men, but a handful of women blended in with them. I found myself wondering which of them were demons, and which of them were…something else.
Zac slid in next to Alek, setting down three glasses and a large bottle of alcohol.
“So, are you ready for the blood bonding?” he asked as he made himself comfortable at the table.
He grunted when Alek elbowed him beneath the table. I waited for him to explain what the hell he was talking about, but when he didn’t, I shook my head. Did he just sayblood bonding?“Thewhat?”
Alek cleared his throat and reached for the bottle. “No,” he started as he poured my glass full to the rim. “I hadn’t had the chance to explain that yet.”
“Great,” I mumbled. “That sounds totally normal and not at all freaky.”
“Don’t worry,” Zac said, but the mischievous look in his eye told me to do just the opposite. “I think you’re in good hands tonight.”
My attention snapped to Alek. “What’s the blood bonding?”
Alek only rolled his eyes and took a drink from his glass, as if it were annoying that I even asked. I lifted an eyebrow and waited for his response.
“It’s something we’ve done for decades,” Alek explained. “It’s a way to share a bond. We blood bond when anyone new enters the group, it’s a way to prove loyalty and show you’re an established member of the legion. You bond with one member specifically, but we all see you as part of us.”
“And what’s my part in this?” I asked in a sharp whisper. “Because I’m not a demon, and I’m most definitely not a part of yourlegion.”
Alek’s eyes darkened. “Except that you are,” he whispered with an equally sharp voice. “Because I told my father you were part of this legion. So unless you want to break our deal, you’ll suck it up. Nothing will happen to you; I have a plan.”
My jaw clenched instinctively. “I can’tactuallybecome part of your legion, Alek,” I hissed. “You think my mother really won't find out about this? You’re wrong!”
“I’m not wrong,” he hissed back. “New legion members are kept highly confidential. Nobody will even hear your name for six months. Besides, this is all for show. Remember?”
I took a long breath, trying to decide if I could trust what he was saying or not.
Alek must have read my thoughts, because he leaned in and said, “If there was even a chance that your mother would find out, I wouldn't be doing this. I have something to lose here, too, sweetheart.”
Shit.
I grabbed my glass and took a long drink of the sharp, bitter liquid. I was definitely going to need more of that.
The music cut a few seconds later, and an older man stepped into the middle of the room.
The entire crowd turned in his direction, aside from the sound of a few glasses clinking against the wooden tabletops.
“Welcome, Night Ravens. It’s time for our annual blood bonding night. Tonight is the night you’ll prove your loyalty to the demon family and establish yourself as part of our legion. After this ceremony, our family will die for you, and you for them. This is not taken lightly, so if anyone is unsure about this decision, please leave now.” He waited a few seconds. I shifted in my seat, waiting for an objection. To my surprise, nobody moved. “Good. You all know the rules. Have fun tonight. We’re just getting started.”
Alek’s hand fell onto my shoulder. I didn’t move it.
“You seriously weren’t going to tell me about this?” I whispered in his direction. My heart pounded so fiercely, I could feel each beat in my ears.
“Relax,” he whispered back, rubbing his thumb up and down my arm. “You’re supposed to be enjoying this, remember?”
I ignored the feeling of his skin rubbing against mine and thought back to our plan.
If this was what it took to please his father,I had no choice.
I took another drink from my glass and focused my attention back onto the speaker in the center of the room.
“We are a brotherhood by blood, through and through. Our bond is the only thing that separates us from the monsters of this world. We are loyal, we are relentless, and we are free. Let’s remember that as we celebrate each other tonight!” He raised his glass in a toast. “To the Night Ravens!”
