Page 58 of Midnight Kiss

“Was there any bloodshed necessary?”

“None at this time.”

Haldren tapped the book cover again. “At this time. At this time. Alexander, is there anything you need to tell me?”

“No, sir. Why do you ask?”

Haldren hesitated. He carefully placed the copied book in a drawer in his desk then locked it. “Because I’ve heard a few rumors about you recently, Alexander, and I’m concerned.”

“Concerned about what, sir?”

“About your relationship with the human who previously kept this book. There’s been a certain image of you two together circulating around the headquarters.” Haldren removed his phone from the desk, unlocked it, and held it up for me to see.

It was an image of Emily and me at the park, kissing. Our first kiss.

I kept my reaction understated. “I was doing whatever it took to get the book.”

“Are you sure that’s all there was to it, Alexander?” Haldren asked. “Because if you’re invested in a relationship with a mortal, that would greatly weaken your position with the U.C. We’re tasked with protecting humanity, not participating in their lives or interfering with them. You do understand that, I assume?”

“Of course.” I tucked my hands behind my back and stared at him.

“How did you manage to remove the book from the girl?”

“I stole it.”

“Ah.” Haldren sighed. “Then you’ve done what was necessary. I appreciate that you didn’t take a life when it wasn’t necessary, but next time, try not to use unorthodox methods to get what you want.”

“I was doing whatever it took to get the book, sir,” I lied. “You said the elders wanted it.”

“You’re not wrong,” he replied. “You’re not wrong.” His hand strayed to the desk as if he wanted to open it and take the book out. “I’m glad you’ve found it and returned it to us, but when you fraternize with human beings, you ultimately weaken yourself.”

“I understand that. I wasn’t fraternizing.”

“Alexander, the picture says differently.”

“It was a ruse.” But that was a lie, and I wasn’t sure I was doing an entirely good job of hiding that fact from him.

“If you say that, I’ll have no choice but to take your word for it.” Haldren hesitated, and each second dragged longer than the last. The more I delayed, the closer Emily drew to death. “A word of warning, though. Cassia is out for blood. She will do whatever it takes to ensure that she gets what she wants. That she climbs.”

“And that doesn’t bother you? You realize she’ll be coming for your position next.”

“That might be true.”

“It’s inevitable.”

“Hmm, regardless, watch your back. Cassia’s attempts to climb are not unusual within the U.C. I’ll message you with further details about your next mission. For now, you’re free to rest.”

“Thank you, sir,” I said, and then I exited the room.

I kept my emotions in check as I headed toward the elevator at the end of the hallway. I didn’t need them knowing that Emily meant more to me than they already suspected.

It had to be Cassia who’d been tracking me, taking pictures. And it was my fault for not suspecting that she would all along, for allowing her to get close enough to do so. I’d been so infatuated with Emily that I’d let them come close to killing her.

If the elders suspected that any human or vampire was in their way, they would get rid of them.

The elevator opened in the lobby, and I strode through the marble of the upscale office building. Before I could reach the glass revolving door, Cassia stepped into my path.

“Move,” I said. “I don’t have time to mince words with you today.”