As I step over the praised room vent, a strained moan from below stops me in my tracks.
“Ah, fuck.Jax!”
I blink slowly, trying to comprehend what I’m hearing.Through the mesh, I peer down into the praised room to see Laura on her bed with a pillow gripped between her thighs, moving up and down while she fingers herself.
Huh. So, Holly was right.
I shake my head to dispel the image and creep around the corner. When I reach the delivery room, the Bleeder is standing before large roller doors. A red light scans down their mask until it blinks green, and the door opens.
Flashing lights illuminate the scene, revealing a black truck backing into what appears to be a loading dock. The rear doors have the same “V” symbol Emily and Manni mentioned. I had assumed they were being dramatic because I didn’t think Bleeders would be stupid enough to mark their territory, yet here we are.
I lean closer to get a better view. To the right, a stretcher bed rolls through carrying an unconscious Bianca, her hand resting protectively on her belly. The stretcher stops near the truck, and the driver hops out, moving to the back of the vehicle. “Where’s she going?” the driver asks while unlocking the rear doors.
“Take her across the bridge.” The Bleeder rolls Bianca onto her side and parts the back of her hair. “There’s a settlement in Padbury that will take her in. They took in the last pregnant Feeder.”
Summer.
“Also, don’t just grab anyone you find on the streets this time. Make sure they’rea-fucking-lone. Anymore missteps and word might make its way to the Undercity.” His voice drops lower. “The Vampire Lord cannot find out.”
The driver swings the truck doors open, and anotherBleeder emerges to grab the bars at the end of the stretcher. “I’m well aware of Serun’s Law. Hurry up and brand the woman, then load her in.”
The Bleeder takes out a rectangular black device slightly larger than his hand, which fits perfectly in his grip. He holds back Bianca’s parted hair and presses the device against the back of her neck. There is a clicking zap that reminds me of the electric fence that kept wolves away from Cherry Bloom village.
He removes the device from Bianca, revealing a barcode. I absently palm my own neck.Do I have one?My hair has always been long—most women’s hair in Darkovish is.
He hides the brand beneath her dark hair and steps back, gesturing to the others to continue. The Bleeders slide the stretcher into the truck, and before long, the truck is rumbling to life and departing. The remaining Bleeder in the delivery room watches until they are gone and the outer doors slide back into place, cutting through the darkness.
Alone, the Bleeder takes off their mask and turns.
My breath lodges in my throat at the sight of him.
CHAPTER SEVEN
UNVEIL
A nightwalker cannot take a human consort.
— Serun’s Law
Light brown hair.Dark brown eyes. Creamy skin. Quiteordinary? He has no scars, no stern expression, nor does he strike me as the kind of person who could instil fear at the sight of him.
He is young. In his early twenties or maybe even late teens—it’s hard to tell.
Regardless, he is a Bleeder who just sent Bianca off to a settlement. Does that mean she is alright? That Summer is alive?
Maybe Emily and Manni will know more. I grew up in a village by the water, far from prying eyes. I didn’t know much about the world until I got here.
I shuffle back and turn around, running straight into the hanging light. “Shit,” I blurt out as I reach for the swaying bulb to steady it. Shaking fingers settle themovement, and with a sigh, I look down into the room. My stomach drops at the sight of a Bleeder staring up at the vent. Even though they wear a mask, it’s like they are looking directly at me.
The Bleeder’s hand rests against the gun secured to his hip. “God, is that you?” An earnest hope lathers his otherwise dry tongue.
I clamp my mouth shut.He thinks I’m a nightwalker.
I could shatter my glamour and pretend to be his “god”, but do I want to? Am I ready to reveal what I’ve been trying to escape from my entire life?
Another voice seems to flow from the darkness, smooth and elegant. “Yes.”
The Bleeder turns away from the vent and faces the shadows behind them. Silence stretches out while my heart pounds like drums against my ribcage, aching with fresh waves of panic surging in my throat.
