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I wandered through the streets, Amaros Kane’s face plaguing every thought. The stories I’d heard about him my entire life were not exaggerated at all. The monster I’d met lived up to the notorious rumors that circulated human cities. I never wanted to be in his presence again, but I had a feeling that wouldn’t be the case.
Tim was dead. At least he wasn’t suffering at Amaros’s hand anymore. My heart panged, and I glanced down at my hand, which still had his blood on it. He was gone. Jill was dead. So were other Clovers. I hoped Warner was okay. As the days went on, I tried not to think of him too much. The odds of me seeing him were low, and it was just too hard.
Before tonight, I thought I could live here and deal with it. Being stuck at Zan’s side hadn’t been horrible. I could have survived. But now that I knew what he really wanted from me, it changed everything.
I glanced up, realizing I was at the hotel where I’d stayed when I first came to this city. I entered the front doors, sucking in a deep breath when there was nothing but silence. The vampires were trapped inside all day, which meant nearly none of them were here. Yet I faltered, feeling a prickle on the back of my neck.
I looked behind me, not seeing a soul. Still, I walked quietly, waiting to hear any other noises. All I could hear were vampires running around outside, and it all slowly faded as I moved deeper into the hotel. I climbed a set of stairs, finding the room where I’d hidden my backpack when I first came here.
I cracked the door open, breathing a sigh of relief when I saw it was still undisturbed. After slipping inside, I silently closed the door behind me and then hurried toward the bed. Falling onto my knees, I reached under the bedframe, grabbing my bag and pulling it out. After unzipping it, I stared at the weapons and lotion. Zan had been on my ass, trying to get me to tell him where I’d been keeping it.
But fuck him. Especially now. Not that anything in this bag would hurt him or his vile father. I’d had wooden bullets, but I’d lost the gun the night PARA invaded Impulse. I already had enough lotion to last me months. I rifled through the bag, my heart jumping when I spotted my very last stake.
I grabbed it and stuck it in my boot where I’d kept my other one. I doubted it would help me, but having it made me feel better all the same. My fingers trailed to the smaller zipper of the bag, and I hesitated. I wasn’t sure when I’d have a chance to come here again. Before I could overthink it, I opened the pouch that held my mother’s note and pulled it out.
This was the only piece of my past I had now. Tears blurred my vision as I read it, even though I’d already memorized every word. Would my life be different if I’d never been abandoned? I had no idea whether either of my parents was still alive. A lump formed in my throat, and I shook my head while climbing back to my feet.
It didn’t matter. Nothing changed the past. I only had to worry about the present and how the hell I was going to get away from these vampires. Because I knew one thing—I would never bear a child with a Kane.
After tucking the note into the pocket of my leggings, I wiped my face and sucked in a deep breath. I kicked my bag back under the bed and then strode out of the room. As I made my way back to the hotel entrance, my mind raced.
I wanted to run. Take my chances on my own. I swallowed thickly. Solely on my own. No Clovers. No Warner. I only had myself. How long could I survive that way?
I wandered down the dark street, staying close to the buildings while vampires ran down the streets. I was so lost in thought I didn’t realize someone had stepped in my way until I nearly ran into a chest. With a mumbled curse, I scrambled back. I couldn’t let my guard down here ever.
“What a surprise,” a deep voice drawled. “No one ever sees you alone.”
My eyes darted to the vampire in front of me, and I frowned when I recognized him. The blond who’d challenged Zan in Impulse when he flirted with me. He flashed me a wide smile before his nostrils flared and his eyes fell to my hand. I followed his gaze, remembering that Tim’s blood was still on me.
“Dinner?” he asked, lifting his gaze back to my face. “Smells delicious.”
It was a reminder that these vampires thought I was one of them. I straightened my spine, letting cold seep into my eyes. They didn’t fear me. They left me alone because of Zan, but I knew that wouldn’t stop some of them from coming after me. Especially when I was by myself.
I moved to go around him, but he stepped with me while also getting a little closer. Chills swept through me, and I scowled.
“Move,” I demanded, my voice hard.
He arched an eyebrow. “Everyone is so curious about you. Zan Kane never shows interest in anyone. Now he has you practically chained to his side. Although I don’t see him anywhere now.”
Fear bubbled in my gut. “Get out of my way.”
“Oh come on.” He chuckled. “I just want to talk. What makes you so special that the Kane brothers are keeping you hidden away?”
“I’m with Zan.” The words were bitter on my tongue, but if it was the only way to get him away from me, then I’d use it.
His eyes raked over my body, his smirk leering. “I just want to know why. Though I can guess.”
I didn’t like the glint in his eye, and I was suddenly very glad I’d grabbed my stake. Zan and his brothers might own this city, but clearly, there were some vampires who didn’t obey their every word.
“Run along, Walker. Before you get yourself in trouble.”
The feminine voice had both shock and relief filling me. I glanced to the side to see Gia stepping out of the shadows. Her fiery red hair was piled on her head, and her usual smile was on her face, but her eyes were dark with warning as she looked at the blond she’d called Walker.
Walker’s grin faded, and he glared at Gia. “We’re just talking.”
“And now you’re done,” she clipped out. “Leave.”
I’d never heard that tone from her before. It was downright scary. Zan’s words to be wary of Gia crossed my mind, and this proved he was right. She might be cheery all the time, but she was just as dangerous as all the other vampires in this city. Probably even more so.
