Page 96 of Blood Match
Marcus holds up his hands in surrender, but I catch the hint of a smirk on his face. “Of course. We’ll need to consider protective measures for her as well.”
I nod, relieved he doesn’t press the issue further. “Good. Let me know as soon as you’ve arranged the meeting with Elias and Selene.”
He leaves the room, his phone to his ear before the door shuts behind him.
I return to my brooding in front of the fireplace. I don’t like feeling this way. Like I have more to lose than I’m willing to give up.
My clan.
My leadership.
My…
What is she?
And is she really mine? I know I could compel her to concede to me. Make her do what I demand. Though somehow, I suspect she’d fight it. And is that really what I want? Besides, it should be enough that she’ll let me feed from her. What more do I need? A constant supply? An assurance that she won’t withdraw the offer once she has enough magic?
Something more?
I shake my head. I’m overthinking this. The main thing is making sure she doesn’t get into the wrong hands.
Fucking Lucien.
I clench a fist, resting it against the mantelpiece. Vulnerability is not something I’m used to. And right now, I have too many weak points. I can’t do this alone. It would be foolish.
I turn from the fireplace as Marcus strides back into the study, his face set with purpose.
“Selene’s ready to see us now,” he says, pocketing his phone. “She’s reaching out to Elias as we speak.”
“Good,” I nod, satisfied. We’re moving quickly, which is exactly what we need right now. “Where does she suggest we meet?”
“Her place,” Marcus replies, a hint of surprise in his tone. “Says it’s unlikely anyone’s watching her.”
I raise an eyebrow. It’s an unexpected choice, but Selene’s always been one to play things close to the chest. If she thinks her place is secure, I’m inclined to trust her judgment.
“Alright,” I say, reaching for my jacket. “Let’s not waste any time.”
As we head out, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re walking a razor’s edge. Selene and Elias are powerful allies, but bringing them into this puts them at risk, too. And then there’s Rowan…
I push the thought away. One problem at a time.
“Did Selene say anything else?” I ask Marcus as we slide into the car.
He shakes his head. “Just that we could talk more when we arrive. She seemed…tense.”
That’s not like Selene. She’s usually the picture of calm, even in the face of crisis. This thing is rattling her.
As we drive through the quiet streets, I find myself wondering what cards Lucien has up his sleeve. Somehow, he’s always ahead of the curve, and I can’t shake the feeling that we’re still playing catch-up.
But with Selene and Elias on our side, maybe we can finally turn the tables.
I step out of the elevator into Selene’s penthouse, Marcus close behind. The space is a perfect reflection of Selene herself – sleek, modern, and undeniably powerful. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the city skyline, glittering like a sea of stars against the night sky.
Selene greets us at the door, her raven hair cascading over one shoulder of her tailored black blazer. “Darick, Marcus,” she nods, her eyes sharp and assessing. “Come in.”
As we enter the living area, I spot Elias already seated on a low, white leather couch. He rises to greet us.
“Darick,” he says, clasping my hand. “Didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”