Page 33 of Blood Match
But it’s just as I’m certain that I’ve silenced her completely that a swirl of rage surfaces that feels so strong that it could be my own. Except it’s not.
“Just another mindless animal.”
She’s referring to me.
What the fuck?
“I’m not a mindless animal,” I bark into the silence. I’ve had enough of this shit. It’s bad enough that I have to hear her; I won’t tolerate her throwing insults around.
There’s a moment that feels like a dark vacuum sucking me in. And then a flood of emotion. Horror. Fury.
“Get out of my head! You have no right to be here!”
Her words slam into me, sharp and accusing. I can practically feel the heat of her anger scorching through our connection.
“I don’t want to be,” I snap back, my own temper flaring in response to her hostility. “Believe me, the last thing I want is an unwanted guest in my mind.”
There’s a brief silence, and for a moment, I think she’s withdrawn. But then her thoughts come crashing back with renewed force.
“How long have you been listening?”
I scoff at the accusation. “I haven’t been listening to anything,” I retort, shifting back in my chair. “I’m not interested in the petty squabbles of your little coven.”
It’s a lie, of course. As much as I try to deny it, fragments of her thoughts have slipped through – impressions and images that linger in my mind.
The protective spells they intend to cast. Potential alliances with other witch factions. Invaluable information, if only I could grasp it fully.
My back stiffens as the realization hits me. I could use this connection to my advantage…to gain insights into the inner workings of the witch community. Knowledge is power, after all.
“You’re lying!” Her mental voice slices through my thoughts, laced with outrage. “What did you hear?”
“Nothing of consequence,” I drawl. “Just your mindless babbling, as usual.”
But she’s not fooled. I can sense the terror welling up inside her, a cold wave of dread crashing over her thoughts.
“No…you couldn’t have…”
Her sudden panic is like a living thing that seems to coil around me. It’s a feeling that I… I don’t like. I don’t like it at all.
“Why are you doing this? How is this even possible?” Her thoughts race, tumbling over one another. “Leave me alone!”
“Calm yourself, witch,” I say, keeping my tone even and measured. “This benefits neither of us.”
“Really? Because the way I see it, you stand to benefit a whole fucking lot!”
There’s a strange buzzing sensation as more thoughts tumble around. She’s terrified that I’m going to use this information.
I should. It would be wrong in so many ways, but I’m a vampire first – my people could benefit. Except the one who stands to benefit most is Lucien fucking Marlow.
I grind my teeth. There’s no way I’ll give that asshole any sort of upper hand. Sharing this news with anyone means risking him finding out.
The best thing to do right now is to put a stop to this. I pause, considering my next words carefully.
“We need to meet. In person.” The suggestion surprises even me, but I can’t deny the logic behind it. “To discuss…whatever this is.”
There’s silence and then a burst of outrage.
“What? Meet? No!” She’s bristling with indignation.