Page 85 of Petals and Fangs

“Yes?”

“Or else he'll hurt humans in New York. He has no issue doing that whatsoever.”

“Good gracious,” I gasp and place a hand on his arm.

“And it turns out he is not the one behind reporting to the FDA.”

“What's with that?”

“Someone has been making complaints to the FDA about our products and causing a stir. Demetrius says he does not know who it is and that he is not behind it.”

“But do you believe him? He could be lying.”

“I have to believe him, Lily. I read his mind. Nothing but blank thoughts and blood cravings.”

“He's a monster,” I whisper, shaking my head.

“Lily, there's something else.”

“What is it?” I answer, bracing myself for more.

“I feel like the betrayal is coming from within.”

“Meaning?”

“The one who's been reporting to the FDA is not an outside source. It's one of us. Someone is trying to sabotage us. Someone is trying to sabotage me.”

“That's not true. I mean, it is an inside job, but it is not a personal thing against you.”

“You don't understand,” Ethan answers, his voice cracking.

“Explain it to me.”

“I have failed at everything that I have attempted. This is not the first time someone has tried to take me down. It's been this way since I first took over the company.”

“What are you going to do about it, Ethan?”

“I'm going to get to the bottom of this. And if I find out that someone in my company is responsible for this, then I will find out who.”

“Okay. What can I do to help?”

“Nothing. I'll handle it. I also need to keep you safe.”

“From Demetrius?” I ask.

“From everyone. I'm sorry that you're involved in this. I never should have agreed to make you a contractor in my company.”

“You're saying that you regret bringing me on?”

“No, that's not what I'm saying.”

“It sounds like it. You're not happy with me,” I answer, crossing my arms over my chest and looking out of the window.

“Lily, please.”

“No, you're right. You've always been right. We shouldn't have gotten involved. And now I'm in this mess. This is not my world, Ethan. But you have no idea how I've longed to have you back in my world.”

“You're being unreasonable.”

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