Page 9 of Crimson Mate
“I totally get that,” Jocelyn says, and Lyric nods from where she’s nibbling at her eggs. “But can I ask you some questions anyway?”
I nearly choke on my next bite as a laugh bubbles up inside me. Even though she likely has a damper on it, I can feel the power radiating off of Jocelyn just sitting here. She could force me to tell her anything in the world, and I wouldn'tbe able to resist, and yet she has the courtesy to ask? It’s definitely...disarming.
“Ask away,” I say, flicking my fingers toward a crystal decanter filled with orange juice, using my telekinetic powers to draw it toward me, and pour the liquid into my empty glass.
Lyric and Jocelyn watch the scene with curious eyes, but there’s no fear in their features.
It's a relief. They’re no doubt used to being around powerful creatures with unique abilities, and a little tension eases in my chest.
Normally I stay in human cities, at least lately, since that’s where most of my tracking has led me. I've been forced to keep my powers and instincts under lock and key so as to not risk exposing what I am. It's nice not having to hide here.
“The huntresses were formed at the same time as the hunters, correct?” Jocelyn dives right in.
I nod. “We had to train in separate locations back then. It took at least two centuries for the superiors to realize it was a waste of resources to keep us separate simply because of our gender. Those were exhausting times. The hunters and huntresses were practically enemies due to the gatekeeping of information by one group or another. Once we were allowed to combine forces, the rivalry between us ended, and we became formidable allies in our shared quest to ensure bloodmad vampires were kept in check.” I sigh. “That’s at least what they taught me when I joined the cause.”
“And how long have you been a huntress?” Jocelyn asks.
I hesitate, taking another bite to stall my answer.
“Alek said you were heiress to a noble vampire line?—”
“I used to be,” I interrupt Lyric, immediately flashing her an apologetic look that she waves off. “That was before,” I say, trying to choose my words carefully.
It's clear from what little I've seen that Zachariah’s been here long enough to develop relationships, and the last thing I want to do is offend them.
“My family comes from an ancient noble bloodline that’s high in the ranks of vampiric royalty. When I was young, I certainly dreamed of carrying on the family duties—creating a family and serving my king in any way possible by joining the royal court. But those dreams shifted when the male I was due to marry decided to…not show up.”
My heart clenches, like the tip of a dagger is slowly sinking in inch by inch.
I can almost feel the parchment in my hand, can still see Zachariah’s delicate script handwriting as he explained everything in the letter he left for me the night before our wedding.
“Damn,” Jocelyn says, leaning back in her chair and shaking her head. “So instead of turning into a whimpering puddle like any normal person would’ve done, you joined the huntresses and never looked back?” she continues with an approving nod, looking at me with an air of respect that I can't deny feels pretty damn good coming from someone as powerful as her.
“As cool as that sounds,” I say. “There were several nights of whimpering and self-pity and a whole lot of self-degradation that I'd rather not remember. Plus, my parents were furious about my lack of will to find another match to carry on the family line. We never saw eye-to-eye, but it got worse after that. But I came to the realization that my life's mission—completing the mating bond with my mate, getting married, and having a family to continue our noble bloodlines—was no longer relevant. I'd always been fascinated with the huntresses, and when he left, so did my previous dreams. I carved out new ones through the pain of rejection, despite my parents objections. And after they passed, it was easier to burn that old life to the ground,spreading the rumor of the noble vampire Talia’s death and solely becoming the huntress version of myself. I've never looked back.”
“Until last night,” Lyric says, her eyes sympathetic.
I visibly swallow and nod. “Last night wasn’t my choice. I thought Zachariah was still in stasis with the other hunters. I had no idea I’d find him in that cave when I followed that bloodmad vampire trail.”
“Are you wishing you hadn't?” Jocelyn asks, reaching for another pastry.
There’s no judgment in her eyes or in her tone. In fact, I'm not getting that from either of them. They both look genuinely curious and equally welcoming, which is something I haven't had in a very long time.
Hunting and tracking and staying on the road constantly doesn't really offer much time to foster feminine friendships, or any friendships for that matter.
“I don't know how to answer that question,” I answer honestly. “I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he's awake and alive andwell.”
“I can't imagine,” Lyric says, leaning a little closer over the table as if she might reach across it and clutch my hand.
She doesn’t, thankfully. I'd be obligated to allow the comfort, since she's my queen, but I'm not much for physical affection from people I hardly know.
“I know all of this must feel very chaotic for you,” Lyric continues. “But I want you to know that you’re absolutely welcome here. Not because of your connection to Zachariah, but because ofyou. You're not only helping my mate by bringing him valuable information, but by unflinchingly joining the quest that we've been on for quite some time now to end this war between us and the Sons of Honor and the traitorous vampires who are working against us. You have friends here, as wild as that maysound since you just arrived last night.” She motions to Jocelyn, then returns her focus to me. “Not just us. There are plenty of females here who would gladly sit with you and hear your story.”
I shift a bit awkwardly in my seat, emotions storming me, the longing for companionship reaching out and clutching my heart with icy cold fingers.
It’s been too long since I had a group of females in my corner. The huntresses have started fading, either by choosing to hang up their jackets and pursue families, or being killed in battle. We aren't as common as we used to be centuries ago, just like the hunters, and where I once used to have no less than four huntresses at my back, I've been flying solo for longer than I can remember.
“I appreciate that,” I say, resisting the urge to addmy queento the end of it. I scoot back from the table, standing as Lyric and Jocelyn do the same. “I really do,” I continue. “But right now, I can barely wrap my head around my current predicament, let alone invite anyone else to commiserate on it with me. Besides, the mission is what matters.”