Page 3 of Hot Vampire Next Door: Season Four

I know we’re both terrified of the truth.

“Promise me.”

“Fine. I promise.”

There is nothing Bran values more than his word.

The relief that washes through me is nearly palpable.

I give him a nod. “All right then.” To Stanley I say, “Tell us. Tell us everything you know.”

Stanley sets his cap on the arm of the chair and folds his hands in his lap. He clears his throat, then swallows, the sharp line of his Adam’s apple sinking like a weight. “War has been brewing on the fae side for a very long time. The Autumn Court and the Winter Court are both of the Unseelie, but the Winter Court had always held more power and had always been a little crueler than the others. They lost that power in the Autumn Revolt many, many years ago. Long before you, vampire.” He eyes Bran with a wary look, the same kind of look a grandfather gives to the kids who think they know everything.

“The Autumn Court had the full support of the Summer and Spring Courts, and during the war, they were able to wipe out the entire royal line of the Winter Court.”

My heart hammers a little harder beneath my ribs.

“Or at least…that’s what we thought,” Stanley adds.

I suddenly can’t breathe.

“When I crossed paths with your mother in the park,” Stanley goes on, “I realized someone must have escaped.”

Cold dread spills down my spine.

“You smelled like the Winter Court, but more than that, you spoke like one.”

What you could do, Jessie…

“The royal line of the Winter Court had always had one very distinct power—the ability to control anyone—and I mean anyone— with nothing more than the sound of their voice.”

“Like a siren,” Bran says.

Stanley nods. “That’s a mortal term that’s been combined with mermaid, but yes, it is fitting. They could make men jump to their deaths. Women bow at their feet. Stop armies in their tracks. And worse, they were the only fae that could lie.”

Stanley sits forward in his chair. “And you, Jessie…you seem to be the only surviving member of the Royal Winter Court. The only living fae who can command others with nothing but the power of her voice. And now that you’ve used the power, the fae realm will be looking for a way to get to you.”

My chest rises and falls with several deep breaths. “Why, though? Why do they care now?”

“Because…the entire reason they were at war? It was because your family tried to overthrow all of the courts so they could rule the faerie realm under one banner. And they were using their voice to do it.”

He levels me with a heavy gaze. “As far as they’re concerned, you are the villain of their story.”

Episode 55

Power Corrupts Absolutely

Villain. No big deal.

Do not puke.

You totally got this.

Everything is okay and everything will be okay and—

Shit.

I lurch across the room to a trash can, hit my knees and heave.

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