Page 102 of Blood that Burns

“She isn’t a child, and she won’t take kindly to your coddling.”

“I’ll always have Maggie’s best interest at heart. Whatever keeps her safe, I’ll do.”

Her lips form a straight line as her eyes narrow in on me in thought. “Except that’s where you’ll go astray.”

“Meaning?” I press, growing tired of the suspense.

“The only thing that can keep Magdalena safe is the blood union.”

My head shakes. “No.”

I won’t condemn her to an endless life. Even if Marina would be there with her, she’ll lose everyone else she cares about. It isn’t something I’d wish on anyone.

“She’ll ask you to complete the bond, but your insistence that you know what’s best for her will prevent it. You must not resist. It’s her destiny.”

I don’t care what it is. Whoever is pulling the strings from whatever corner of this fucked-up universe, they’ve got this wrong. Maggie doesn’t have to be immortal. She doesn’t have to watch everyone she cares about, with the exception of Marina and me, age and die.

“That’s what you don’t see. You and Marina are everything to that girl. This isn’t a hardship for her, Law. It’s what she wants just as much as what needs to happen.”

Her eyes glow in the darkened room, making her appear like something out of this world.

“You need to tread lightly with this overbearance. Do not do things that will push her to act irrationally. What she needs from you is a sounding board. A friend. If you can’t commit fully to all of this, then you must be prepared to let her go.” She stresses the last part. “Her fate depends on you putting your feelings aside.”

Easy.

If her life depends on me giving up any fantasies of being with her, I’ll easily push those feelings aside. It’s her life I care about more than having her in my bed.

Shante shakes her head, rolling her eyes.

“What?” I snap.

“It’s always been one extreme or the other with you. You’ve never been good at stable.”

My nose scrunches and I can’t decide whether I’m more insulted or confused.

“Heed my words, Lawrence, and all should be well. You need each other.”

“Is there anything else? Any other words of advice?” I ask, almost scared to hear more.

Her head tilts to the side and her eyes lift to the ceiling. “Trust the reaper.”

My brows furrow. “Trust the what?”

She shrugs, flicking her wrist to wave me away. “That’s all I got. Good luck.”

I stand and turn to leave when she calls out to me. “Law, one more thing.” I look over my shoulder with a raised eyebrow. “Don’t get her killed.”

I turn back toward her, hands landing on the table as I lean over it, getting as close to her face as I can.

“I’d die before I let Maggie get hurt. Don’t for one minute think otherwise.”

She sucks on her bottom teeth, eyes narrowed, until she finally offers a terse nod.

I don’t say another word, worried I’ll only offend Shante. My body is tense, my nerves frayed, and if I don’t escape this room soon, I’m going to wrap my hands around Shante’s neck and demand more.

Don’t get her killed.

It’s all I’m going to think about when I really need to analyze everything she said.