Page 38 of Vampire Runner

The dick of an archangel lurking by the steel door in front of me wouldn’t let that happen. Best I could hope for is ripping the man’s throat out with my fangs and getting a swallow or two. I’d end up in worse condition than I already am.

No. I clench my jaw as the lackey presses a button on the control hanging down from the ceiling. A moto engages and I’m lifted into the air until my toes barely brush against the floor. Aeternaphiel stands there, hands in his front pockets and watching me like I’m a fucking new zoo exhibit.

Rather than stare at the archangel, I do my best to take in the room they’ve brought me to. It seems like a pretty cliche barn turned interrogation setup. I’d snort if it wouldn’t hurt.

“Welcome to your new home, vampire,” Aeternaphiel grins.

It’s a wolf’s smile, all teeth and sharp angles. Makes me think of Ezra and how the demon vampire used to smile. Used to, because the version of him I fought was nothing like the male I considered a friend. I’m not even sure if Ezra’s in there anymore. And I’m certain this male is directly responsible for it.

My fingers curl, the metal biting into my wrists and reminding me of the position I’m in.

“Don’t worry,” Aeternaphiel continues when I ignore him. “Your witch of a mate made it off the grounds safe and sound. Though she wasn’t looking too good by then. I’m honestly impressed, and a bit disappointed, that she left you. I could have had so much more fun with the pair of you.” He lets out a dramatic sigh. “Alas, I am a merciful angel. It’s why they call me the Benevolent after all.”

I jerk against the chains, snarling at his words before I can wrestle my control back.

“Now, now,” Aeternaphiel taunts. “None of that.”

His words are lazy, his posture relaxed, but his ice-blue eyes are sharp and assessing. I bare my fangs at him, a sneer curling my lip.

“That’s better,” Aeternaphiel hums. He begins walking, a slow, casual stroll towards me. “You see, vampire, I’m your master now. The sooner you accept that, the easier your new life will be. My last guard—” he sneers — “the one who that fool of a vampire stole during his escape, resisted me for a long time. True, it is more entertaining for me. But it can be so dull.”

Aeternaphiel waves a hand towards me and the same lackey steps forward and delivers a sharp punch to my diaphragm. I wheeze, the air being knocked from me; my entire core seizes, pain lighting up my nerves like a switchboard. I turn a glare to the man, vowing to myself that I’ll kill him before I’m done with this place. The threat must be obvious, since a flash of fear crosses his face, the sour scent reaching me even over the metallic tang of blood.

A wicked satisfaction curls in my stomach despite the situation. I don’t have a reputation for violence and brutality as my fellow Nightshades do, but it doesn’t mean I’m tame.

“Leave us.”

At Aeternaphiel’s crisp order, the guard turns on his heel and leaves through the metal door. I don’t hear a lock, which means either the room is warded magically or his pride is that damn big. If I focus, I can sense guards beyond the room but my head spins when I try to count the heartbeats. Fuck, I must have a concussion. A bit pathetic for a vampire as old as I am, though not insurmountable. If I’d made it out with Cassandra, I could have fed from her. With my mate’s blood, my body would be healed within a day or two.

I don’t regret telling her to leave, though. Even if this bastard kills me. Even if the Nightshades never come for me.

A thought drips through the bruising haze of pain, bright and clear as crystalline waters.

This must be what Cassandra felt when she made the bargain with Eris to save me.

Just like I couldn’t let Cassandra stay and be subjected to Aeternaphiel, she couldn’t have let me burn with the rest of my clan that night.

That understanding, more than anything, hurts the most.

The next time I see her, because I will see her again, I’ll tell her I finally understand. I understand why, even as she begged forgiveness for the pain I endured, she’d make the same choice over and over again.

I fight the need to reach out through our mate bond, to seek comfort and to comfort her. I know all too well the darkness she must be experiencing. I’d been lost in it for months; it would have been years if it weren’t for Malachi, Kasar, and the rest of the Nightshades. Even Landon, in his own way, drew me from that void. When Eris returned unsuccessful, declaring her intentions of keeping possession of Cassandra until the bargain is fulfilled, it would have been so easy to give up. I would have without my family.

Pain explodes across my face, and my head is snapped to the side.

“Pay attention when your master is speaking, beast.”

I roll my head back to face him, spitting a mouthful of blood and spit between us. I don’t deign to give any other response. I’ve met people like Aeternaphiel before. It doesn’t matter if someone is human or supernatural, there are always those who believe in their superiority. Even as you crush their face into the mud, they die screaming degradations to the very end.

No fucking dignity.

Satisfied enough, Aeternaphiel repeats whatever I’d missed.

“Your mate said Eris is gone. Is that true?”

A stare is all he gets from me.

Irritation burns in his eyes but he doesn’t rise to the bait. I’m sure anyone who is an old ancient archangel can handle some silent treatment. This room, with its stained concrete floors, hanging hooks, and single leather club chair set next to the side table, makes it clear I’m not the first guest to spend time here.

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