Page 131 of Shadows Of Dusk
I hold my grip on Caspian’s throat, my eyes locked onto him, as his calm and collected voice cuts through my rage.
“Lara I need you to listen to me very carefully,” he says, low and steady. “I was responsible for hiring your parents and the hunter who-”
His words hang in the air, and for a moment, I hesitate, a flicker of uncertainty sparking within me.
“I know you do not believe me, but I’m telling the truth. Neither the mountains nor the grocery store were my men and I had no idea Cain was going to fucking assault you. If I knew I would have killed him myself.” He finishes with a lethal edge to his voice.
My heart thunders in my chest.
If he isn’t responsible for the hunters and Darian’s disappearance, then who is?
“Explain,” I manage to say, my head swirling.
His expression becomes guarded, “You were collecting the amulets,” His eyes flash with anger, “I can’t jeopardize that. I may be an asshole, a manipulative bastard, and a villain. But of all the terrible things I’ve done and will do in my life that make me the monster, I’m not willing to risk you.”
My pulse rages and I release my hold on his throat entirely, taking a step back to create some distance as I stare at him, searching for any hint that he’s lying.
Caspian rises to his feet with a wince, pulling the dagger from his thigh, “You don’t have to believe what I’m saying, but at least give me the opportunity to prove that my brother’s disappearance wasn’t my doing.”
His emerald eyes capture mine for a moment and I nod, ignoring the heat within my body, taking another tentative step back.
I despise having this visceral reaction to a man responsible for much of my pain and suffering in my life.
Directly or indirectly.
Unfortunately, my body doesn’t seem to get the memo that this is not the time or the place.
The silence stretches between us, and I watch as Caspian’s fingers move over his phone screen, his expression tense.
“What are you doing?” I ask Caspian bluntly. My suspicion and curiosity getting the best of me. I can’t help but feel wary of his sudden change in demeanor.
“I’m finding out who is behind this.” He murmurs, and I move to join Val on the couch as Caspian eases back into his seat.
Minutes later, he dials a series of numbers in his phone and raises it to his ear. His murmurs gradually escalate in volume, tinged with frustration and anger.
“Find out where the fuck it is!” he seethes, slamming his finger against the end button, he abruptly stands from the chair as sways unsteadily.
Animosities forgotten, I quickly move toward Caspian. We both glance down at the deep crimson liquid staining his jeans and pooling under the chair.
“Shit,” I breathe.
Swallowing the panic that I’ve stabbed the person here to help, I guide him back into the seat. “Stay. I’m going to take care of this.”
I call out to Val, urgently instructing him to fetch the first aid kit, while Caspian lets out a chuckle.
“I guess you did know how to use it after all,” he remarks with a hint of amusement in his voice.
“I’m full of surprises,” I retort dryly.
Caspian’s phone chimes and his eyes scan the message before him.
I turn my attention to the stove, igniting the flame and carefully placing the blade of the dagger over it.
“Have a team surround the building,” Caspian relays, his voice filled with unspoken threats, “I want her alive and I’ll get her myself.”
His words send a shiver down my spine, and a sense of dread settles in my stomach. Val pads into the room with his ears pinned back as he carries the first aid kit over.
I can’t help but think that he heard the same ominous tone in Caspian’s voice that I did.