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“You can’t leave?” I asked.
Her laugh held no amusement. “I signed a contract with a vampire syndicate. What d’you think?” She pushed off the parapet without waiting for me to answer. “You know what? I’ve had enough. See you guys at dinner.”
“Wait for me!” Lesa called. To me, she muttered, “Don’t mind her. She likes to come off like she doesn’t give a fuck, but I’m pretty sure she’s in love with Talon. But please don’t tell her I said so.”
I nodded. “I figured it was something like that.”
“Too bad he treats her like just another thrall. I mean, he likes her, but…” Lesa shrugged. “She should’ve known better. Anyway, see you later.” She jogged after Eden.
I gazed after them. I knew better, too. Too bad my heart didn’t.
I scowled and, resolutely putting everything from my mind but exercise, went through an extended martial arts sequence. I cooled down with a leisurely jog around the castle wall.
The sun had started its slow slide down the sky. Sunset wasn’t far off. Brien would be waking up soon, and he wasn’t going to back off forever. He suspected something. He was going to keep pushing.
I had to make a decision, come up with a plan.
I sped up, taking each lap faster and faster, and then I was running full out, my brain back on the hamster wheel.
Brien. My halmoni.
And Kuro. This had all started with him.
God, I ached to take him out. He was using me, and I fucking hated it.
I didn’t halt until my lungs were screaming. I doubled over, gasping for breath, no clearer now on what I should do than I had been when I’d woken up this morning.
The north tower door creaked open. My head jerked up.
No one was there. No one I could see, that is.
I straightened slowly. “Who’s there?” I called out.
No answer.
My jaw set. Damn Kuro anyway. It wasn’t enough to use me, the prick had to stalk me as well.
The shadows shifted, and suddenly I wasn’t so sure it was Kuro. The presence felt…different.
The fine hairs on my arms lifted. I recalled what Pinky had told me about a thrall dying last month and backed up, heart crashing against my rib cage.
Someonewasthere. I felt him watching—and somehow, I knew it was ahim. A vampire, and not a young one, because the sun was still above the horizon.
And my switchblade was five floors below in a freaking shampoo bottle.
Adrenaline spiked in me. My primitive brain screamed:Run. Hide.
I drew a breath and forced myself to move slowly.
You don’t run from a vampire; it triggers their hunting instincts. Hell, they want you to run. They enjoy the chase.
I backed up another few yards. I would’ve sworn something brushed against me, even though you shouldn’t be able to feel a vampire when they’re in the shadows.
I drew in a shaky breath. “Look, what do you want?” Except to scare the crap out of me, that is.
A loud meow made me jump. Demon trotted toward me, tail high and proud.
My lungs emptied in a whoosh. “What are you doing up here?”
