The vampire is at the door a heartbeat later. “Three months,” she says before disappearing into the garden.
“Fuck,” Cyrus whispers a few minutes later.
“What just happened?” I ask the men in the room with me.
“You have three months to become what Aurora wants,” Simon answers.
“What does she want?”
“A killer,” Cyrus answers, walking upstairs at human speed. “Go change. We have work to do.”
NINE
cyrus, the conquistador
I sit heavilyon the large bed, running my fingers over the handmade quilt. Aurora wants to buy me? I keep playing the words through my mind, not completely comprehending the meaning. What happened to me being able to choose my buyer? I scoff out loud. Hell, I’m not going with her. It’s my choice.
Opening the large wardrobe, I find a pair of black pants and a matching shirt. I have no idea what to wear to training. So far, my training has consisted of not eating a lycanthrope. Staring into the mirror, the blood spots on my shirt bring my mind back to the smell of Simon’s blood. Human blood is intoxicating, but lycan blood…I have no words.
“What do I need to wear?” I ask softly, knowing Cyrus will hear.
“Something easy to move in,” he answers quickly. I pull the black outfit out and slide into theloose-fitting clothes easily. Looking in the mirror, it reminds me of something a Ninja would wear. “I’m downstairs,” he adds.
Pulling my hair high on my head, I stare at the woman in the mirror. She’s me but not me. Her face is flawless, and her features are more pronounced. Sharp cheekbones make her face more angled than before, while almond-shaped eyes are perfectly symmetrical and accent her features perfectly. I feel like I’ve stolen someone else’s face.
This is not the future I’ve planned since childhood. I fight the sadness that comes with those thoughts. I close my eyes and take a needless breath. This wasn’t my plan, but it’s reality.Make the best of it, Violet.
I’m surprised to find Simon in the living area, wearing an outfit very similar to mine, and with no indications of a deadly injury. “Are you…Are you okay?”
The lycanthrope smiles. “I am.” He lifts his neck for dramatic effect. “See, no scars.”
“How is that possible?” I ask.
“Lycan have the ability to heal quickly from most injuries.”
“Except silver,” Cyrus says, coming around the corner. He’s wearing an outfit similar to mine and Simon’s. Seems I’ve dressed appropriately.
“Except silver,” Simon agrees.
“So, that’s true? A silver bullet can kill you?”
“Through the heart, yes. Anywhere else, it keeps mefrom healing. If I can remove the silver, then I’m able to heal.”
“I have so much to learn,” I admit.
“Then, let’s get started,” Cyrus announces, leading the two of us into the garden. We move to the back corner, underneath a large oak tree. The sounds of the city echo through the small area, while the high stone wall keeps us out of view. “Attack me,” he demands of Simon.
Simon scoffs. “Dammit. I knew this would be the first thing that happened.”
One side of Cyrus’s mouth lifts higher at Simon’s words. “It’ll be fun, old friend.”
The lycanthrope sighs. “Okay, but I’m shifting this time.”
“I would expect nothing less,” the vampire replies. With nothing more than a shiver, a large black wolf is standing in front of me. Holy shit.
“Simon?” I ask in disbelief. He nods as his pink nose nudges my shoulder. “You’re beautiful.” The wolf closes his eyes, and if animals could shrug, I’d swear that’s what happens.
“Quit showing off, and attack me,” Cyrus says, drawing the wolf’s attention back to him. A loud snort leaves Simon’s nose.
