Page 80 of Blood that Burns
“Shante, no!”
“Julian? This is what he deserves. This is what will save you.”
Julian shakes his head. “Nothing good can come from his death, Shante. He must be put on trial. That’s the only way I’ll rule.”
Shante doesn’t like this turn of events. Her sisters like it even less. They sneer at Julian, and it leads me to believe that future relationships with the coven will be strained. Shante has been an integral advisor to our family, but losing that alliance is worth saving Marc. If only for a proper trial.
Marcellus convulses on the ground while the coven stalks off into the woods surrounding the back of the facility. I move toward my brother, bending to a knee beside him.
“Are you all right?” I ask, as the shuddering of his body slows.
“Someone... needs to find her.”
“Maggie?” I ask, leaning toward him.
“M... Marina.”
My head juts back as I remember his warning from earlier.
“She’s in trouble?”
I’m about to call out to Julian, but he beats me to it.
“Do you have this under control?”
I turn to Julian. “Yes. Go find her.”
“Want me to do this?” Bash asks, holding out the handcuffs.
“I’ve got this. Why don’t you help Addy secure the area and bring around the car?”
He purses his lips like he doesn’t think that’s a good idea, but I need some time alone with Marc. And based on his current groaning, I don’t think I need to worry that he’ll be attempting an escape.
“I’ve got this, Bash. I can handle my brother.”
Marcellus grunts, still curled into the fetal position, looking like he might be sick.
Bash inspects him like he’s some kind of insect, and I’m sure to him, he is. Bash has been Julian’s right hand for more years than I care to count. He’s been privy to all of Marc’s sabotage of Julian’s rule.
Marc’s lucky he’s not alone with Bash. He’d likely not walk for quite some time.
“Holler if you need me,” Bash calls out as he moves toward the side of the building, leaving me alone with Marcellus.
“It’s just you and me, Marc. Start talking.”
He lets out a low chuckle as he works to pull himself to his knees. “What is it you’re after, Lawrence? I can assure you you’d rather be kept in the dark about some things.”
I shake my head. “What. Do. You. Know,” I growl.
He spits up blood and I question just how much damage the coven did. They didn’t kill him, based on the anger pouring from some of the witches, but he’s in pretty bad shape.
“Soon, Marina’s blood will be drained.”
My eyes widen and I fall back on my legs. “What?”
“Marina will lose her mortal life tonight, but you and I both know Julian will never allow her to die.”
“Oh God. He’s going to change her?”