Page 35 of Blood Match

I suppress a shudder as I stop in the center of the clearing where it had all gone down just a few days ago. I turn in a circle, eyes straining as I try to see into the shadows.

The night air is still and silent, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant hooting of an owl. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my heart. But my senses feel heightened, every shadow seeming to conceal a threat.

Come on, Ro! There’s nothing to be worried about.

I shiver, not from the chill but from the growing apprehension that coils in the pit of my stomach. Why did I agree to this? Meeting a vampire alone in the very place where his kind attacked my family – it’s madness. But I can’t help myself. I need to understand what’s happening to me.

But seconds drag into minutes, my nerves stringing more taut as time passes.

Where the hell is he?

“This was a bad idea,” I huff. I should get out of here.

Just as I’m about to turn and leave, a sudden movement in the darkness makes me freeze. My breath catches in my throat as a tall, imposing figure emerges from the shadows.

It’s him.

He moves with a predatory grace, his pale features illuminated by the light filtering through the trees. He’s beside me before I’ve had a chance to process that he’s arrived.

“Holy shit!” I squawk, clutching my hand to my throat. I’m not sure if my pulse just accelerated because of his sudden appearance or if it’s got something to do with the way the light makes his eyes seem to glow.

“You’re here.” His deep voice catches me off guard. It’s grown so familiar, but I’m not accustomed to hearing it like this. Until now, it’s been in my head, not coming from a tall, muscular, insanely beautiful man.

He’s not a man. He’s a vampire.

“Of course I’m here,” I snap. “You’re late.” My voice is unsteady. I clench my fists, willing myself to appear more confident than I feel.

Darick’s icy eyes bore into me, his expression unreadable. “I’m here now,” he says. His voice still unnerves me; its rich tone seems to roll over my skin. He raises an eyebrow, his chin held high. There’s something regal in his bearing. A confidence that tells me that this is no ordinary vamp I’ve gotten myself stuck with. He’s powerful. Strong. I have no doubt about it.

God, I’m in so much shit.

I take a step back, putting some distance between us. “Start talking,” I snap, my fear giving way to anger. “What’s going on here?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing.” There’s something appraising about the way he runs his eyes over me, and it makes me want to squirm.

“Well, I don’t have any answers for you. Just make it stop.”

“You’re the witch. Why don’t you make it stop?” He tilts his head. Light touches the hard line of his jaw. It’s strong, chiseled. Altogether too perfectly shaped.

“Because…because…” I fumble for words.

Because I’m a sucky witch, dammit.

Although he doesn’t need to know that. Then again, perhaps he already does.

I can’t hold back anymore. The fear and anger that has been bubbling inside me since that night explodes out. “You orchestrated this whole thing, didn’t you?” I accuse, my voice trembling with rage. “This connection, the attack on my family – it was all you!” My hands are shaking, and I clench them into fists to steady myself. “What kind of sick game are you playing? Was it fun for you, listening in on my private thoughts? Planning your attack?”

Darick’s eyes flash ominously, and for a moment, I remember just how dangerous he really is.

He’s a killer, Ro!

He could end my life in less time than it takes me to draw my next breath. But I’m too far gone to care.

“Tell me the truth!” I demand, taking a step closer despite my better judgment. “Why did you do it? What do you want from us?”

To my surprise, Darick’s composure cracks. His face darkens with frustration. “I didn’t do any of this,” he says firmly. “Do you think I want some witch in my head? That I’d choose to form a connection with someone like you?”

His words sting, but I don’t back down. “Then explain it,” I challenge. “Explain how you just happened to show up during the attack. Explain why you’re in here!” I tap my temple.

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