Page 84 of Petals and Fangs

“Do you really think they are going to do something about me?”

“What do you want, Demetrius?”

“I have told you exactly what I want. I can be on your team, and you won't see me or deal with me again. Consider it a promise.”

“Why do you think I should trust you?”

“Because I am a ruthless creature of my word. In fact, you will gain my trust and loyalty by keeping your word,” Demetrius says, the smile fading from his lips and a more serious expression replacing it.

“I am going to ask one last time, Demetrius.”

“Ask away.”

“You're not the behind the FDA allegations, are you?”

“I have nothing to do with that. The FDA is on their own, and they are probably after you because they want you to stop manufacturing your products.”

I scoff. I can't read a sinister thing in his thoughts except that he's telling the truth. He is only thinking of sensual ways to drink blood, and that is enough for me to decide.

I'll keep him under my radar, and if he betrays me, I'll have him destroyed. But for now, there's no other choice. I can't risk being exposed. Not now.

“You'll have supplies shipped to Romania.”

“Very well,” Demetrius says, extending his hand to me. I hesitate at first but shake it. He has a strong grip.

“But you will stay far away from Lily. If you don't, you'll wish you were dead. Do you understand me?” I say, looking him straight in the eye.

“Understood. Nice doing business with you, Ethan,” Demetrius says, but suddenly his thoughts are blank. I can’t read them anymore.

I am not surprised. His fangs appear and his eyes turn a bright red. I know he is up to no good. I can finally see it.

“What is that look on your face for?” I can’t help but ask.

“You’re so focused on keeping Lily and your company safe, but have you ever wondered how the FDA got so close to you? How did they know just where to hit you?” Demetrius smirks, the eerie red in his eyes intensifying.

“What are you implying?” I say, a chill running down my spine.

“Let’s just say that you might have a traitor not so far from you. Someone close to you in fact,” he says, leaning in closer.

Before I can react, he vanishes into the shadows, leaving me with a sinking feeling. I find myself asking too many questions in my head.

I look back at the car, my ears feeling numb. Who could be leaking info to the FDA? And how deep does this betrayal go?

Chapter 19

Lily

Demetrius is incredibly fast. Every vampire is fast. They are all strong. But Demetrius' speed is off the charts. When Ethan gets back to the car, he is quieter than ever.

“What did he say to you?” I ask, and I am sure that Ethan does not want to repeat it, but I also know that he will tell me.

I can't let Ethan notice how my hands are trembling.

“Are you okay?” Ethan finally asks, completely ignoring my question, his voice soft but laden with concern. He glances at me, his dark eyes searching mine for any sign of distress.

“I think so. He just looked terrifying. What exactly did he want from you? It must be something serious,” I nod and ask.

“He wanted to make a deal. A business proposition, he called it. But it was more of a threat. He wants us to sell to his family outside of the company or else-”

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