Page 165 of Burning Embers
But would she believe me if I told her I’m a vampire?
Even as I have that thought, my fangs descend, desperate for a neck to sink into. I’m starving.
But starving myself was necessary for this mission.
I needed for the wolves to think I was nothing but a weak human. Only then would they lower their defenses enough for me to slip through the cracks.
I squeeze the crystal tighter and take comfort in Izzy’s heartbeat. The repetitive thump-thump-thump serves as white noise that drowns out all other sounds. My eyelids begin to droop as the events of the past day overwhelm me.
But just before sleep can claim me, footsteps sound right outside my cell.
“I thought I told you to be more careful, Grayson.”
I blink open my eyes and jump upright, gripping the bars of my cell tightly.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I whisper, staring at my contact in growing horror.
He’s a Hunter, and I suspect he’s the one who killed those two girls.
So how the fuck is he in wolf territory?
No, the bigger question is—whythe fuck is he in wolf territory?
He grins maliciously and leans against the wall, crossing his ankles and arms simultaneously. Amusement glimmers in his eyes.
“I should be asking you the same question.” He tsks his tongue in mock disapproval. “I didn’t pay you to get caught.”
“You didn’t pay me at all.” I bare my teeth.
We both know I’m not doing this for money. He blackmailed the woman I love and didn’t give me a choice in the matter.
“True.” He shrugs nonchalantly as he peers around me, taking in my prison. He whistles mockingly. “Sweet digs. I’ve always wondered where you lived.”
I don’t have the time or the patience for this. The wolves will be back soon and will demand answers—answers I can’t givethem. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. Either way, Isabella’s life is on the line.
But what side will be willing to protect her?
“Are you going to let me out? How the fuck did you even get past their security?”
His grin widens. “It was easy, believe it or not. They’ll never suspect one of their own.”
“One of their own?” My brows furrow.
My contact’s eyes flash yellow, and two canines protrude downwards, cutting into his lower lip. He blinks, and his features return to normal, that smug smirk still plastered on his face.
I gape at him in stunned disbelief, unsure of what I just saw. “You’re a…wolf.”
He gives me a slow, sardonic clap. “Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner.”
This doesn’t make any sense.
“You’re also a Hunter,” I feel the need to point out, my voice cracking. “You kill wolves.”
Kain’s smile sharpens, and I feel as if I’m looking into the eyes of a predator who isn’t just out for the hunt…but for the kill.
He takes a single step closer until only the steel bars separate us. His smirk sends chills down my spine. “Who said I can’t be both?”
Epilogue