I recognize the energy instantly. “Cyrus,” I say out loud.
Simon slams on the brakes, bringing us to a stop in the middle of the narrow road. I’m outside before the truck comes to a complete stop. My heart stops the moment I see my buyer. His face is covered in blood, his clothes are nearly ripped to shreds, and dark bruises cover his body.
“Cyrus?” I whisper.
“I’m okay,” he answers.
“Yeah, you look great,” Simon says, moving to the opposite side of the truck bed.
“You should’ve seen me earlier,” Cyrus answers with a smirk. “I’m healing. It’s just taking a bit longer than usual.”
“How did you find us?” I ask.
“Your blood.” His words are interrupted by a deep cough. “The goat’s blood you’ve been eating is laced with a hint of my own.”
“Eww,” Stella says, moving to Simon’s side. “Am I the only one who thinks that’s disgusting?”
“Yes,” Simon answers. “Lacing her food with his blood allows him to locate her at all times.”
I turn toward my buyer. “You put a tracker in my body?”
“Of sorts,” he answers, sitting up from his position. The bruises are slowly fading, making me curious what he looked like earlier.
“Did Callum do this to you?” I ask.
“I’ve missed your questioning,” he teases, lightening the mood slightly. “Yes.” He motions to his face. “This is courtesy of Callum.”
“We’re going to find Lucien Creed,” I announce.
Cyrus looks at Simon. “I figured as much.” He turns toward Simon’s sister. “Who might this lovely specimen be?”
Stella sighs. “Stella Ward. Simon is my brother.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Stella.” She doesn’t respond.
“How did you get here?” I ask, looking around for his mode of transportation.
Cyrus smiles, wincing with the pain. “I have mymeans.” He turns toward Simon. “Staying in one place too long is asking for trouble. Callum is injured, but he won’t take long to heal. Killing me and taking Violet will be the first on his list.”
“Understood,” Simon says, climbing back behind the wheel.
Stella sighs loudly. “Are you coming?” she asks me.
“No. I’ll ride in the back with Cyrus.”
For the first time since meeting her, she smiles. “Good.”
I climb into the back of the truck, pulling my knees close to my chest. Seconds later, the truck resumes our trip north.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper to Cyrus.
He wrinkles his forehead. “Why?”
“For this.” I motion to his face and body. “Callum could’ve killed you.”
“But he didn’t.” He stops me. “Protecting you is my priority at the moment.” His words make my stomach do strange things. Pale-blue eyes look into mine. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
I smile. “I’m good, and I’m glad you’re okay,” I copy his words.
