Page 55 of Blood that Burns
“Marina, how many times have we discussed this? Those days are long gone. I could care less who warms his bed. The better it’s you.” She bats her eyes. “Post-coital does look very good on you, ma chérie. Things must be very different with the two of you.”
Marina chokes, and I start laughing. I’m clearly missing something big here, but there are larger fish to fry, and I can get to the bottom of Marina’s embarrassment and how Addy factors into it later.
“Sit! We’re all friends here,” Addy instructs Marina.
My sister takes her advice, sitting next to me. I grab her hand and squeeze to ensure she’s okay. Marina offers a small smile, widening her eyes to indicate she has a lot to tell me.
Yes, you do, sister.
Katina jumps right in, getting Marina caught up on everything she missed.
“You don’t think I will be in the way?” she asks, sounding much more like the sister I grew up with. More reserved. Insecure even.
“This isn’t acould happensituation, Marina. Reese’s visions have never been wrong. If you do not go, the auction will not fall. Julian will.”
Marina sucks in a harsh breath. “How? How do I help?”
Reese chances a glance at Addy, who nods her head. Whatever’s coming, I have a feeling Marina—and I—won’t like it.
“This is going to get very personal,” Reese says, turning to look at me. “But it’s very important that you answer truthfully.”
“Why are you looking at me? I thought this was about her?” I motion to my sister like a coward.
“It is, but I believe you have more experience in the matter.”
“Uh... oookaay,” I draw out, feeling more nervous by the second.
“Have you allowed Lawrence to drink from you in the past?”
My entire face flames hot. All the women around the table stifle giggles at my response. I’m not sure why this is so embarrassing, considering Marina walked in here directly from a romp. But they’re together. Admitting that I allowed Law to do something so personal feels forbidden and almost scandalous.
“Well?” Katina presses, with her fist perched under her chin like whatever I’m about to say will contribute to her highlight reel of the day.
“Yes,” I say, barely a whisper.
Reese spares me and doesn’t make me repeat it. She simply offers a nod to indicate she heard me. “And did... things happen when you shared blood?”
“Yes,” I squeak.
“Oh, lighten up, Mags. It’s not like we’re asking for a play-by-play of Law in the sack. Spit it out.” Marina chides. I glare at my sister, hoping it conveys the warning,shut up or I might cut you. Her mouth curves into a smile and for the first time in a while, I’d like to slap that stupid grin off her face.
I gnash my teeth together before answering. “I received some of his abilities.”
“Which ones?” Addy asks.
I lift my hand palm up in awhy the heck does it mattermotion but answer the question. “Strength, speed, the ability to communicate with him telepathically...”
“Perfect!” Reese praises. “You will need to initiate a blood share with Lawrence this evening. Consider it a means of powering him up.”
“Uhh. I can’t do that. We’re not exactly on speaking terms at the moment.”
She scrunches her face up. “Well, get on speaking terms. This is important.”
She turns away from me, not caring at all what I have to say in response. “You as well, Marina. You must share blood with Julian. It will link the two of you and allow you to communicate.” Marina, the little do-gooder, nods her head briskly. All too happy to comply. “You have to convince him to let you go to the auction.” Reese continues to speak directly to Marina. “Agree to whatever you must.”
“He’s not going to give in easily. I’m not even sure there is anything I could barter that he’d accept.”
“Then we’ll drive you there ourselves.”