Page 46 of Bitten By Chaos

“With his suspicious nature, Silas would not have been as easy to kill. And despite the rumors that Elizabeth started, her sire was not like Silas,” Julian said, staring into the dark depths of his mug as though looking back in time. “She was a friend to Elizabeth. Almost a mother figure. But Elizabeth felt she was being held back. Kayora had already befriended her and whispered these things in her ear. Not to excuse Elsa, she was more than happy to eat up the idea that she deserved to be the one in control.”

Julian rose abruptly and retrieved a glass bottle of amber liquid of which he poured a healthy dose in his coffee and downed.

“This is hard for you,” I stated, not wanting to put him through reliving something so difficult. He blamed himself for his actions when I knew it was a result of Silas’ abuse. I’d have done anything to get away from him if I were in Julian’s place.

Julian smiled sadly as he sat and added more whiskey to the cup. “I don’t mind telling you every detail if that’s what you need to hear.”

“What if there’s another way?” I asked, reaching for his arm. “I won’t do it without your permission, but what was accidental before, I’m certain I can do with purpose now.”

I’d been pulled into past memories of both Julian and Silas before when I’d touched them. Now, with whatever had happened to me, the idea of it seemed as simple as blowing out a candle.

“Please,” Julian said with a nod. He’d have to relive it in a way, but at least he wouldn’t have to try to explain it all to me.

Closing my eyes, I dove inside and found myself in a large stone room, wind howling through the cutouts that seemed to serve as windows to a lush landscape of rolling hills, thick forests, and dirt roads, half-buried in melting snow. Inside, the area was strewn with cushions, a roaring hearth, and quite possibly the largest bed I’d ever seen, draped in gauzy material that fluttered in the wind. Julian, handsome as always though dressed for a different century, leaned against the wall in a casual pose, arms crossed over a puffy sleeved linen shirt fitted with a thick sash at the waist. The front was open almost to his navel, revealing toned muscle and the kind of color that suggested he’d just eaten well. Yet something about his shining blue eyes wasn’t right. The color wasn’t quite as deep yet as it was in current times, but it was the man I knew underneath that seemed to be hiding somewhere unseen. In his place was something beautiful but cold, calculating, and dangerous.

Reclining on the cushions was Elsa, wearing nothing but a shear black…I supposed it was meant to be a robe of sorts, but what the point was, I couldn’t be sure. Her dark hair was loose and fell down her back in shiny waves.

“Silas wishes to be introduced to your cousin,” Julian said. Somehow, I knew he wasn’t speaking English, and yet I understood perfectly.

“Don’t all of our kind?” Elsa shrugged, letting her excuse for clothing slip over her bare shoulder.

A muscle in Julian’s jaw twitched, but otherwise he made no move or sound.

“The truth is, if there was anyone here I’d bother to bring to see Vlad, it would be you.” Elsa stood and slunk over to link her hands around the back of Julian’s neck, and I fought the urge to shove her away, knowing this was only a memory, so I’d have neither an effect nor a true reason to try.

Wait. Had she said, Vlad? As in, The Impaler? Dracula was an actual vampire? I shook my head trying to clear it as Julian gently guided her wrists down and away, standing straight and leaning into her to speak.

“I’ve only known you for a month, but that’s long enough to understand you are trying to seduce me for a reason. Why not try asking straight out?” He sneered at her, but the smoldering look he sent sent heat coiling all the way down to my toes.

“You’re right,” She shrugged her bare shoulder while still held by the wrists. “I am trying to seduce you for selfish reasons. Certainly, you’re aware of how handsome you are. I know I am beautiful. I enjoy the pleasures of the flesh, and I want to enjoy yours. What more reason do I need?”

Julian released her roughly but neither moved apart. “What will it take for an introduction for my sire?” he bit out.

Elsa smiled and tapped her chin. “Hmm. Why the insistence? Has he commanded you to arrange it?”

Grinding his teeth, Julian fisted his hands.

“No? In the month I’ve known you, what I’ve seen is a man terrified of his master.”

Quickly averting his gaze, Julian raised his head. Elsa slid a palm to his cheek and guided him back to look at her.

“You are no slave, Julian. You and I? We were meant for far greater things. I, too, have no use for my sire.”

“What you’re suggesting would only serve to end our lives. Painfully.”

“No, my dearest. I’ve spent the years since my apparent death learning much from my dear, distant cousin. What Silas doesn’t see with his short-sighted mind is the value of others’ power and how to use it toward our own ends. I have talented friends unlike us who will assist us.”

“I’ve tried for a century to do what you suggest. Let it lie, Elizabeth.” Julian turned to lean against the wall, staring out the window.

Her arms snaked around him from behind. He didn’t move to push her away, but he didn’t respond either.

“In the meantime, I’d like to know if you are as well-proportioned as you appear.” Her hands began to slide down his stomach from behind.

“I have a mate,” Julian said sharply.

She stilled. “Where?”

“She is deceased. But she will return to me.” The hurt in his voice—the way it broke strangled my heart.

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