Page 64 of Blood Match
I feel the heat of their stares as Lucien pushes the issue. My jaw clenches, anger simmering beneath the surface. I know what he’s doing, but I’m powerless to stop it without revealing my weakness.
“Oh, Darick,” Lucien says smoothly. “Are you refusing a drink among friends? That would be…terribly rude.”
I glance at Arabella and Victor, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Damn it. I can’t afford to look weak in front of them, not now.
“I assure you, I mean no offense,” I say, forcing a smile that feels more like a grimace. “I simply prefer to keep a clear head tonight.”
Lucien’s eyes glitter with malice. “Nonsense! We’re celebrating. Ah, look – here comes Elias. He’ll join us, won’t you, old friend?”
Elias Thorne approaches, his piercing gaze taking in the scene. “Of course,” he says smoothly. “What are we drinking to?”
“To Darick’s health,” Lucien announces, loud enough for nearby vampires to hear. “He’s been looking a bit…peaky lately. I thought a good drink might perk him up.”
I feel the noose tightening. Lucien snaps his fingers, and a server appears with a tray of crystal glasses filled with deep red liquid. The scent hits me, and I have to fight not to recoil.
“A toast,” Lucien declares, raising his glass. The others follow suit, all eyes on me.
I reach for a glass, my hand steady through sheer force of will. The blood sloshes gently, and I can feel my stomach turning already. If I drink this, I’ll be violently ill in front of everyone. If I don’t, I might as well hand over my leadership to Lucien right now.
Lucien’s smirk widens as he watches me, knowing he has me cornered. The amusement in his eyes is unbearable. I lift the glass to my lips, my mind racing for a way out of this trap.
I’m about to take a sip when Marcus suddenly appears, jostling my arm. The glass slips from my grasp, shattering on the floor. Blood splashes across my shoes and the hem of Lucien’s ridiculous silver trousers.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” Marcus says, not sounding sorry at all. “Let me get that cleaned up.”
Lucien’s eyes narrow, but his smile never wavers. “No need, my friend. Accidents happen.” He snaps his fingers, and a server hurries over with a cloth.
“Allow me to pour you another, Darick,” Lucien says smoothly. He reaches for an ornate decanter on a nearby table. “This is from my private stock. I think you’ll find it…quite special.”
He fills a fresh glass and hands it to me, leaning in close. His breath is cool against my ear as he murmurs so softly that I can barely hear, “I think you’ll find this more to your liking. It’s…magical. Enjoy.”
My stomach clenches. Witch blood. The solution to my affliction, but at what cost? I can feel everyone watching, waiting to see what I’ll do. Even Arabella seems intrigued by the show.
With no other choice, I raise the glass to my lips and drink.
The taste floods my mouth – rich, complex, with an underlying sweetness I wasn’t expecting. It slides down my throat easily, no hint of the nausea that’s plagued me lately. But there’s something…off about it. A bitterness that lingers, reminding me of the price paid for this “cure.”
I finish the glass, fighting to keep my expression neutral. “Thank you, Lucien. That was…enlightening.”
He smirks, clearly pleased with himself. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”
The other vampires begin to drift away, sensing the show is over. Soon, it’s just Lucien and me, locked in a silent battle of wills.
“There’s more where that came from. Plenty of it.” Lucien’s eyes are steady, mocking, and I know what he’s telling me. He has a source of this blood.
Motherfucker!
I clench my fists, wanting to rip Lucien’s smug face off. His words slither around me like poison.
“It’s only a matter of time, Darick,” he says, his voice low and menacing. “The others will find out about your little…problem. And when they do, well…” He chuckles, the sound grating on every one of my nerves. “Next time, it won’t be witch blood in that glass. It’ll be human, and everyone will see your weakness.”
I remain silent, jaw tight, as he continues. “Unless, of course, you decide to work with me. I can keep your secret, provide you with what you need. It could be a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
The thought of allying myself with Lucien makes my skin crawl. But he’s not done.
“Of course, if you refuse, that works for me, too,” he says with a shrug. “A leaderless Clan Sanguis? I’d be more than happy to step in, fill that power vacuum. It might take a bit longer to get what I want, but…” His lips curl into a cruel smile. “I have all the time in the world.”
Rage boils inside me, threatening to spill over. The urge to lash out, to make him pay for his threats, is almost overwhelming. But I won’t.