Page 30 of Of Night and Blood: Special Edition

Bellamy wore a red tunic that was left partially unbuttoned, revealing his ink-covered torso. Now that I was not focused on calming him down, I could see that the thin black lines almost looked like veins. His trousers were black and perfectly pressed, his hair combed to the side with those same few strands hanging forward over his forehead. He had on black shoes and a luxurious red cloak that seemed to be fur lined inside.

“Can you resist taking control of another soul’s mind for more than a day?” he countered, raising an eyebrow. When I stayed silent, my fists clenching and my blood boiling, he gave a smirk. “How about we both promise to stop, then kiss and make up?”

I did not miss the step he took towards me as he spoke, his eyes on my mouth.

“I would rather take my chances with pumpkin back there.” I scoffed, pointing my thumb at the gigantic fae behind me.

Looking over my shoulder, I saw that same fae seething. I realized then that he would no longer be under my compulsion, and he was likely not excited about what I did. I shrugged, knowing that apologies would change nothing, especially when I did not mean it.

Bellamy chuckled, but his eyes narrowed in on the male at my back.

“I have her from here, Henry,” he said, waving off the male. Henry mockingly saluted Bellamy and glared down at me before walking the opposite direction of the double doors that he had nearly led me through.

So close. So painstakingly close.

With my eyes focused intently on the fae, desperately wishing I could have had him walk me through the doors and back into my chambers at the palace, I did not notice Bellamy approach.

“If you are so interested, then why not follow him?” he asked, his breath hitting my ear.

His question took me by surprise. Did he think I was lusting after the male who clearly loathed me? I maintained my gaze as I spoke, not wanting our lips any closer than they already were.

“Seeing as he looked like he might rip my head off the second you turned around, I would wager he is uninterested.” Bellamy’s chest met my back then, sending chills down my spine.

“Anyone that would dare think harm upon you would die at my own hand, Princess. And let me tell you, I have yet to see a male in your presence seem even the slightest bit disinterested.” Hidden meanings beneath his words started to swirl in my mind.

Why would he care if someone hurt me? Did that mean his feelings were real? Was he referring to someone in particular? Did I even care?

“Lucky for you I am perfectly capable of taking down anyone who comes at me,” I said, twisting my body to face his. Bellamy’s gaze slid down to my mouth, and he pressed his body into mine once again. He licked his lips, then let his eyes wander up slowly. When his bright blue irises locked with my own, our lips just a breath away, I whispered to him. “And I am far out of their league, seeing as they associate with demons.”

As I spit out the words, I used all of my strength to shove his chest. Though my body responded to Bellamy, my mind thought of another way I had been pressed down, forced.

He laughed at my aggression, but that did not surprise me—he was clearly deranged.

“Ah Asher, how you wound me. So, do divulge your reason for holding poor Henry captive,” he asked, his smile not quite bringing out his dimples. I crossed my arms over my chest again, feeling defensive.

“You tell me nothing and you expect me not to keep secrets as well?” I retort. This time his smile lifted fully, both dimples appearing along with the crinkles at the edges of his eyes. Damn him for being so handsome.

“Interesting that you did not openly refuse to answer. Are you suggesting we each divulge a secret?” he asked, head tilting to the side. I was not suggesting that at all, in fact my only goal was to be annoying, but any information would be invaluable right now.

“Can I ask you anything?” I questioned. I refused to be tricked into learning something derisory and inconsequential.

“You can, but I do not promise to answer it.” At his response I began stomping down the hallway I came from, not at all sure of where I was headed. “How about you ask first?” he added, his tone making me halt my childish march.

Why did he sound as if he were desperately yearning for my question?

“Fine,” I said, not turning around to face him for fear of what I might see. I could not afford to be deceived by him again. Instead, I stood there, thinking hard about what I could ask that he might answer. What would hold weight but might seem innocent. “That fae, Henry, what were his powers?”

I heard his intake of breath, but by the time I turned around he had schooled his face back into a cocky smile.

“Well, someone has found a way to surprise me it seems,” the demon said with a chuckle.

I glared at him, wishing I could take his mind and force answers out of him. Just to see, I reached out and was met with quiet, emptiness, as if no one was there. If I pushed harder, I could sense a wall of flame—hot and impenetrable—but doing so made me dizzy.

“Stop doing that, it is impolite,” he chided.

I gasped. “How did you know I was trying?”

“Oh no you do not, one question. And the answer to your first one, is light,” Bellamy said, as if that was all the explaining one would need.

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