Page 84 of Blood that Burns
“A demon?” My palm lands on my sweat-slicked forehead as I try to come to terms with the fact that a demon is corresponding with the vampire traitor.
What kind of power has it bestowed? Can that even happen?
My mind whirls with all the sinister possibilities and my stomach twists.
“I think I’m going to be sick.”
Law helps lower me to sit on the ground, taking a seat next to me, holding my hand in his. It provides a modicum of comfort, but talk of demons and evil witches is making it impossible for me not to freak out.
“There’s... more,” Law says, barely above a whisper.
I don’t say a word, but I turn to look at him.
His eyes close, pinching at the corners.
My hand raises to lie against his cheek, concern for him outweighing my fear of demons from Hell and black magic witches. “What is it?”
His eyes open and lock with mine.
“He knows what I did.”
My eyes narrow and lips turn down into a frown as I try to work through all the possibilities of what Marcellus could know that would have Law so distressed. And then it hits me.
“No.” The word comes out low and ominous, and I don’t have to say it for him to know I’ve figured it out. “How? What will he do?” The questions pour from me as my chest squeezes and palms dampen.
“I don’t know.”
I twist my body so our knees touch. “We’ll go to him. Make a deal. You can help him escape in exchange for his silence. I’ll beg him, Law. He has to agree.”
Law smiles, but it’s all wrong. Sad and something like resigned. “We’ll see.”
I hate those words, placating and completely freaking annoying in a moment where I want him to lean on me. He might as well have said thanks, but no thanks.
Fuck that.
I’ll go to Marcellus myself.
“Maggie.” Law draws out my name like a warning, and I can’t stop the scowl.
“Lawrence.” His name is cried out across the lawn, and we both turn to see Katina stumbling toward us, tears streaming down her blotchy red face. “Hurry! It’s Marina.”
I jump up, rushing toward her. “Where?”
She turns, heading back toward the building, motioning for us to follow her. I don’t even take the time to verify that Law’s behind me. My focus is on getting to Marina and finding out what’s going on.
We rush down the pitch-black hall. My heart pounds in my chest.
She’ll be okay, sunshine. She’ll be okay.
Law’s words flow through me telepathically, but they don’t soothe me as I’m sure he intended.
I just got back to Marina. I can’t lose her now.
You won’t.
Light filters in through the arched opening, leading into the room where the auction was being held. When we breach the entrance, my heart stops.
Marina’s lifeless body lies prone just atop the stage. Julian writhes next to her, clutching his stomach and yelling out in pain.