“To attain immortality, to be ageless, and to be strong,” she answered candidly.
“But what about the killing and blood?”
“Draven is different from most Blood Hunters I have encountered. He has never harmed us. Killing does not have to be a part of being a Blood Hunter. And blood is food.”
I stared at her, struggling to accept her words. To me, the idea of willingly becoming a monster was unfathomable.
Imalda paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful as she carefully considered her response. “While I may have known about Draven’s … condition, I also know that he loves you deeply. I have known Draven for many years, and I have witnessed the manner in which he regards you, the way he speaks of you. Despite all that has transpired, I truly believe he would never wish you harm.”
“But how am I to trust him now?” I whispered.
Imalda reached out and placed a comforting hand on mine. “Trust takes time, dear, and sometimes it requires forgiveness as well. Only you can decide if Draven deserves that trust.”
“Thank you, Imalda.”
She offered me a reassuring smile before rising from the bed. “I shall leave you to your lunch,” she said. “If ever you find yourself in need of a friend, I shall be here.”
Alone in my room, I sat with the weight of revelation heavy on my heart. Draven, the man I had married, was not the person I thought he was. He wasn’t even a person. He was a Blood Hunter.
Questions raced through my mind like frantic whispers. Had Draven married me as part of some sinister plan? Was I merely a pawn in his game?
Taking a deep breath, I lifted the mattress, my heart pounding as I searched for my father’s journal. Nestled beside it lay my dagger. I raised it to the light, and the blade gleamed, reflecting the flickering glow of the candles that surrounded me. I twisted it in my hand, lost in thought.
Draven was a hunter. A predator. And I knew that if I fled, he would be able to track me down. In my room, a single, chilling thought surfaced.
I had to kill my husband.
THIRTY-ONE
January 21, 2010
I found Connor outside the Looseclaw Pub, his leather jacket draped casually over his frame. With a smile spreading across his face, he watched as I hurried across the street to join him. Before I could say anything, he pulled me close and kissed me. As his eyes roamed over my long red coat and my hair in loose waves.
“Finally, I’ve missed seeing you. You look good.” Placing his hand on my back, he guided me inside the pub.
The pub’s worn-down appearance, evident in the peeling vinyl seats and carpet stained by years of spilled drinks, was filled with the sound of clinking glasses and lively chatter. Despite its weathered state, the place buzzed with life on a Thursday night. As I entered, I spotted Diana and Donovan already there. Even with her large curly hair, Diana looked small next to Donovan’s imposing figure.
We settled into our seats, and Connor introduced me to Diana and Donovan. “You guys know Rose.” He motioned to me, and I offered them a smile, feeling on edge.
“Only because you talk about her every other second,” Donovan quipped, taking a sip from his beer. I glanced at Connor, who smiled to himself, his cheeks turning a shade of pink.
I turned to Diana, and she greeted me with a polite nod. However, her gaze kept shifting between Connor and me, leaving me unsure of what she was thinking. The last time we spoke, she had been sharing details about Connor and Amber’s love life. I hoped there wasn’t something Connor hadn’t told me about his romantic history.
“Can I get you anything?” Diana asked, motioning to her drink.
“I’m okay for now,” I replied with a smile, glancing around the table at the empty seats still there.
“Are Sam and Ivy coming?” Connor said.
“No, they just called to cancel, it’s date night or something”, Donovan said, and Connor shot a glance at him and Diana. Maybe they knew something about Sam dealing drugs. I had to text Vail to tell her that Sam and Ivy weren’t here like we thought.
Donovan wrapped a large arm around Diana and pulled her close, and she leaned into his touch. “Are you two dating?” I asked them, curious about their dynamic.
“Us?” Diana looked surprised at the question. “No way, I like girls,” she said firmly.
“Yeah, I tried,” Donovan chuckled. “But now I’m just her bodyguard.”
“I don’t need a bodyguard, thank you very much. I’m quite skilled with a knife,” Diana retorted playfully, pushing his arm off her shoulder.
