One makes a movement that feels suspiciously like a sulk.
I exhale hard. “Unbelievable,” I mutter, forcing my form to dissolve into shadow. The simp gremlins reluctantly follow.
I canfeeltheir resentment.
Pathetic.
Hours later, I reach the vampires’ neighborhood.
Just before the inevitable mayhem, I take a moment to appreciate the vibrant smear of purple and pink across the sky as the sun sinks behind the Chicago skyline.
When was the last time I admired something so naturally beautiful?
I think of her. Then I shut the feeling down.
A few blocks from their residence, I shift into my Løkkda. There’s no need to draw attention or bleed secrets.
As I approach the mansion on foot, my lip curls in distaste. Somehow, it’s even more garish than their last estate.
At the end of the driveway, two golden wolves sit like sentinels. A matching gate looms behind them, opening without a sound once I announce myself to the armed guards.
Even though Renato invited me himself, I stay vigilant while I stroll to the front of the house.
That vigilance immediately dissolves, though, when I notice the bat-shaped bushes lining the property.
How fucking predictable.
The “children of the night” schtick is so goddamn tired.
When I reach the entrance to their McMansion, the lack of guards flanking the front door surprises me. It’s odd, but maybe they’re on a break.
As I lift my hand to knock, the door flies open, revealing none other than Vesna Sokolovic, Renato’s twisted other half.
Putain de merde.I don’t have the patience to grovel at this violent bitch’s feet tonight.
“Hello, handsome. I’ve been waiting for you,” Vesna purrs, roughly grabbing my hand and yanking me inside.
The moment her skin touches mine, my shadows snap, recoiling like struck snakes. A few wrap around my wrists, pushing with barely restrained fury. Others tremble mid-air, just shy of ripping her fucking arm off.
Absolutely not, one of them seems to hiss against my throat, tendrils slithering up my back like the raised hackles of an enraged beast.
I grit my teeth and tune back in.
Her thick Bosnian accent scrapes against my nerves. Not because of the sound. But because every word drips with provocation.
Civil. I have to be civil.
The inky drama club disagrees. They cinch around my ribs, vibrating with barely restrained disgust.
“It is nice to see you again, Vesna,” I say with a bow, shoving my irritation into the deepest pit of my mind. “You look ravishing, as always. To what do I owe the honor of your personal welcome?”
If Renato is savage and bloodthirsty, Vesna is something worse. She’s cruel, bordering on depraved.
Even though I have no patience for her, maybe if I play along, she’ll hand over the notes, tell me where the vampire and my sibling are, and allow me to leave.
Mon cul.She’s up to something.
Vesna drags her fingers down my chest, her gaze flicking up beneath thick lashes.
