Page 20 of Bitten By Desire

I didn’t expect a response, but the echo of my own word sent shivers down my body. What were they going to do with us? Would they kill Julian like they’d planned the first time they’d captured me? Fear lit a fire in my belly as I struggled to a sitting position.

Glaring at what appeared to be the cell door, I tried to push it open.

Nothing happened, and I sank my head back against the rough stone. Was their temporary headquarters in a fucking castle?

Think, Char, I told myself. If my wrists weren’t tied behind me, maybe I could get to my belt…

The door swung open with a loud creak and Marcia stepped through to gaze down at me.

“I have some questions for you, and you will tell me the truth.”

Glaring back at her, I narrowed my eyes, but she only smiled and squatted beside me.

“How many psychics does SHADE have?”

“Just me,” I said, unable to lie. Naturally, she would have used mind bending.

Her slap caught me off-guard, and I nearly fell on my side, cheek smarting.

She leaned in closer, face red. “How are you lying? You can’t resist my mind-bending when you have the suppressant in you.”

“What makes you think I’m lying?” I liked the idea of her feeling uncertain, though as far as I knew, SHADE hadn’t had another psychic for fifty years. Then I remembered. She’d thought I was someone else when we’d met. I’d used one of Zo’s chameleon charms, and it had completely changed my appearance. She may have recognized my dyed hair and makeup from the rooftop party, but that was after we’d escaped and I’d changed back to myself.

“I’ll have to question you the old-fashioned way.” She lifted me by the upper arms, surely leaving bruises, and pressed me against the wall. If she hadn’t been holding me steady, my bound ankles would have caused me to tumble over.

I swallowed at the evil glint in her eyes. She meant torture, I had no doubt. But what answer could I give her that she’d believe?

“As far as I know, there’s only me,” I tried again, letting the fear inside me leak through to my voice.

She paused. “Is it possible you don’t know?”

I nodded. I had to answer her truthfully, and SHADE was keeping too many secrets to count.

“Where is your father hiding?”

“The vampire estate on the island.” I snapped my mouth closed the second it was out, but there had been nothing I could do. Still, it wasn’t like she could get to the island without being captured by the general.

I shouldn’t care that I’d betrayed Dad after everything he’d done.

“That’s better,” she cooed. Her breath smelled of coffee and cigarettes. Had she taken up smoking recently? “Do you care about the vampire?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation.

“But he’s mated to another,” she said, tilting her head. “I don’t suppose you knew that.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. She hadn’t asked it as a question, thank the gods. She thought my other persona was his mate and was trying to hurt me. Should I play into it?

Yes, answered Pythia in the back of my mind.

“That’s not true,” I protested, using my very real fear and hurt from everything else to make it seem real.

“Aww, he’s a very good actor. Don’t take it personally. He’s fooled many women before you to get close.”

I snapped my mouth shut, making her smile.

“I suppose you’ll feel conflicted now when I make you watch his death. I’m anxious to try out a new weapon we’ve developed.”

“Did you change GodKiller?” I knew I shouldn’t bring up the vamp killer serum I’d accidentally created, but I needed to know. I had a vial of the cure in my belt, and she hadn’t yet removed it. Maybe I’d have a chance to use it if they…

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