“Yes,” I breathe out.
“This is what it means to be my Familiar.” Knox’s body heat radiates behind me, but I see only myself when I look back at the mirror. The ghost of his hand finally finds its resting place within mine.
An electrical surge unlike anything I’ve ever felt sets my blood on fire. I try to rationalize it and fight the bond, reminding myself that he’s a monster who is keeping me here against my will.
“You’re an idiot if you think I can be bought,” I say, but I don’t let go of his hand.
His deep voice rumbles in my ear. “Your blood tells me a different story.”
I whirl around to face him, readying an argument on my tongue.
He cuts me off, his words a slow, sensual drawl. “The way it heats in my presence tells me you’re desperate to be doted on, to feel wanted, to feel like you’re worth something to someone.”
My cheeks burn with embarrassment while tears fill my eyes. “You don’t know anything about me,” I mutter, fighting the urge to break down and scream.
“I know what lies beneath your skin. You crave the darkness I can provide. There’s no harm in giving in and admitting you want me as much as I want you. We were destined to be together.”
Confusion tightens my stomach.Is that what the bond really is? Two people destined for their fates to be entwined?
His face hovers so close to mine that I feel the heat of his breath on my lips. His natural scent hits me like an anvil. Oak and spices. Darkness and desire. An intoxicating essence I will never forget.
It would be too easy to give in now, to sayfuck itto my life’s purpose and let the monster swallow me whole. I could leave the rest of the humans to their fates, forget about finding Mom’s killer…
No. I can’t do it.
“Such pretty words,” I say simply, as I give myself a mental slap for getting distracted by a handsome man with a stupid necklace. Knox smirks as I wrench my hand away from his.
“You’ll give in eventually.” He looks me up and down, and I shiver.
“I thought being your mate was supposed to be a secret. Yet here you are, practically begging me to be yours.”
Knox finally takes a step back from me. I’m thankful in that moment for some space between us—and for the reminder that he’s a complete ass. He’s like a grey mist that descends in the twilight hours. There’s still a shred of light visible in the fog, but it’s too murky to make anything out. Each time Knox reveals his truth to me, his fog shifts and leads me astray until I’m utterly lost.
“As you know, our dinner tonight will be with The Five and their chosen Familiars. Think of it as an initiation of sorts.” As he flicks an invisible piece of dust from the arm of his jacket, fearful anticipation pools in my stomach. He frowns at me. “No, don’t do that. Your blood smells so much better when you’re feisty and lustful.”
Can’t this man do anything else besides get under my skin?
“I amnotlustful.” He still hasn’t responded to me calling him out on the hypocrisy of keeping our bond a secret while also flaunting it at the same time. I decide to throw it back in his face. “The thought of you being anywhere near me makes my skin crawl, you deluded, egotistical asshole.”
My angered outburst leaves me breathless. But I don’t dare take my eyes away from him. He doesn’t show any flicker of emotion as he mutters quietly.
“I wouldn’t berate me so loudly if I were you. The walls have ears.” He winks suggestively, and the blood drains from my face. If the walls have ears, then that means someone could’ve heard us the other night.
Without another word from my vampire captor, I’m left alone again.
With more questions than answers.
I stomp over to the bed and grab a pillow, shoving my face into it… and scream.
17
Danni
I peek around theedge of the door frame to my bedchambers, the corridor beyond empty in both directions. Disappointment floods me as I realize Knox has refused to escort me to this dinner. Sure, I snapped at him, but didn’t we need to keep up appearances?
This man would no doubt throw me into the vipers’ den without a second thought.
My body crackles with exhaustion, left heavy from unhealthy cortisone levels. Living in a constant state of fear is not for the weak. And I’m pretty sure I’m developing a Vitamin D deficiency thanks to the weird fake sun outside. I loathe this place.
