Page 48 of Blood Match
His loyalty warms me, a refreshing change from the constant dread that’s been building in my gut these past months. “You’re a good man, Marcus Nightshade. A good friend,” I say softly.
“Always,” he replies. “Now, you’d better get ready. Those assholes don’t appreciate being kept waiting.”
I nod, turning towards the mansion. As I walk, I’m acutely aware of the strange energy still simmering beneath my skin. Will the Council notice the change in me?
And if they do, what will it mean?
16
Chapter 16
Rowan
“You look like hell.”
“God, Poppy, go away!” I groan, pulling a pillow over my head.
“Pillow’s not gonna help that, Ro. Not unless you’re planning to wear it all day.”
“Gee, thanks,” I mutter, pushing myself up. I don’t know how I managed to get back to sleep, but I did. Tossing and turning fitfully until, eventually, the sun woke me up. Now, I’m feeling hollow-eyed and exhausted as I go over it all yet again.
What do I do?
I sit cross-legged in the middle of my bed, staring out of the window, ignoring the antics of my annoying familiar. My fingers stray to that spot on my throat. When they reach it, I frown, probing a little.
What on earth?
Clambering up, I lean over my dressing table and examine my neck in the mirror.
“It’s gone!” Relief floods me. At least…I think it does.
Of course it does!
“What’s gone?” Poppy hops onto the dressing table beside me.
“I… Nothing.” I peer at the smooth, unmarred skin where I could have sworn there’d been a vampire bite just a few hours ago. Poppy peers, too, looking perplexed. There’s no sign of it. Not even a hint of pink.
Oh, thank God!
It was part of the dream. Had to have been. Although, was it really? Did I really wake up from a dream within a dream and convince myself that I’d had sex with a vampire and let him bite me?
Asked him, Rowan. You asked him to do it, remember?
I fight back a groan as another flood of memories washes over me. Firm lips against my skin, strong hands moving over my body, and—
Stop it!
“You’re acting strange. More strange, I mean.” Poppy is staring at me. “Wanna talk about it?”
She’s right. I have to speak to someone. This is too much to handle alone. But who can I trust with something so bizarre? So dangerous? Certainly not a freaking squirrel. But then who?
Kara?
My brilliant little sister’s face flashes into my mind; she’s always so composed and capable. But no, I can’t burden her with this. She’d either think I’ve lost my mind or worse, she’d believe me and get tangled up in this mess.
Mom and Dad?
I almost laugh out loud at the thought. I know they’ll never admit it, but they’re already disappointed enough in my magical shortcomings. Telling them I’m somehow psychically linked to a vampire? That would be the final nail in the coffin of their expectations.