Page 14 of Blood that Burns
CHAPTER FIVE
MAGGIE
Things go haywire when I come to the defense of Marcellus. I might’ve promised to keep his secrets, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to allow these two to think the absolute worst of him.
There’s a blur of questions and skeptical glances between Law, Julian, and the beautiful woman just outside the door. Madame Shante. It’s nice to finally put a face to the name.
I’m going to be working hard to undo the level of hate I can feel permeating off of Julian and Law, directed at their brother, in every way I can, without going back on my promise.
I understand why they distrust him. Marcellus has allowed them to believe the worst of him. He never hid his shortcomings from me. He’s done some terrible things, especially where his family is concerned. The betrayal runs deep, and he’s never tried to pretend otherwise.
But the way they’re looking at me, as though I’m idiot enough to fall victim to Stockholm syndrome while in the care of their brother, only manages to set my teeth on edge. I’m not some damsel in need of rescue, and I’m more than capable of telling the difference between a lost cause and someone who’d do anything for redemption in the eyes of these two vampires.
“How were you able to communicate with Marina while you were here?” Shante asks, and my mouth turns down in confusion.
Communicate with Marina? What is this woman talking about?
“I haven’t communicated with Marina since the day I jumped.” My eyes scan the faces of the two vampires whose gazes are locked on the witch.
“Julian. Law. Can I see you in the hallway?” she asks, not waiting for a response as she glides from the room.
Law barks a set of commands at me, but I’m so lost in thought about Shante’s question that I hardly hear him. All I catch is “ten minutes” before he’s following after her.
The moment Julian and Law leave the room, I press my ear to the door and listen in on their conversation.
It’s hard to make out the words through the thick door, especially considering they’re whispering. I’m about to give up, when Shante’s voice rises in excitement.
“It wasn’t black magic. It was Fae magic.”
“Why would the Fae want to help Marina?” Julian asks, with more than a hint of worry.
“Now, that is a question worth asking.”
After that, no more information is divulged, leaving me with so many questions circling my mind, but the most important is why he and his brother are keeping me in the dark. Why was I shut out of that conversation when it pertains to my family?
I don’t have a chance to voice any of this, because Law practically dislocates my arm trying to get me out of there. The anger radiating from him is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I’m not surprised Marc left. If he had been here when these two arrived, a bloodbath would’ve ensued.
Before I know it, we’re striding across Marcellus’s estate, heading to where Law’s car waits, parked on some dirt road, hidden behind a row of spruce trees. At least, that’s where he said we’re heading. It’s the only thing he’s managed to say to me since we left Julian and Shante.
A black bird caws down at us, drawing my attention skyward. It circles overhead, swooping low enough for me to see one soulless black eye. I can’t tear my gaze from it.
“It’s about a hundred yards ahead of us,” Law calls out, turning to find I’ve stopped. “What are you doing? We have to hurry.”
If I hear the wordhurryone more time, I might scream. We’re in no danger. Marcellus saw to that, and I’ve tried to explain as much, but this thick-headed vampire doesn’t want to listen. He never does when it comes to matters of safety for me. As much as I appreciate it, I’m annoyed. I’m perfectly capable of defending myself. Even against vampires.
“Maggie,” he barks, pulling my eyes from the black bird.
His tone grates on my nerves.
He’s here. He found me. Yet he still feels miles away.
“You need to move,” he orders.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I allow the anger to build. It’s not all about his tone, but also the events that occurred back at the estate.
“Back there... Shante mentioned the Fae,” I start, and Law’s eyes widen. “What does that mean and how does it pertain to me?”
“We don’t have time for this. We’ll discuss it later.” He turns away from me.