Page 35 of Blood Bound

“Ah, Darick,” Lucien drawls. “How nice of you to join us. I was just getting acquainted with these lovely ladies.”

Darick’s eyes flick to me, then back to Lucien. I can practically see the gears turning in his head, trying to figure out what’s going on without revealing too much.

“What do you want with them, Lucien?” Darick growls, taking a step closer.

Lucien raises an eyebrow. “Want? My dear Darick, I was simply being a gracious host. Unlike some of our less…civilized brethren.” He glances pointedly at Dominic, who’s still hovering nearby.

I watch the exchange, fascinated despite myself. There’s clearly bad blood between these two, and I can’t help but wonder what history they share.

“They were just leaving,” Darick says firmly, his eyes never leaving Lucien’s face.

Something in me bristles at Darick’s presumption. Who does he think he is, deciding what we’re doing?

“Actually,” I interject, unable to keep the bite out of my voice, “we were in the middle of a conversation.”

Both vampires turn to look at me, surprise flashing across their faces. Darick’s expression darkens while Lucien’s smirk grows wider.

“Is that so?” Darick snaps. “Well, I suggest you end it. There’s no place for your kind here. This is vampire territory.”

“Now, now, Lord Drake,” Lucien cuts in. “There’s no need to be rude. We welcome all to our little haven.” He sweeps an arm in the direction of the hidden entrance of the club as if he owns the place.

“Not them.” Darick jerks his head, his expression heavy with disdain. “They don’t belong here.”

That’s it! The insufferable jerk!

“How dare you!” I bark. “We have just as much right to be here as anyone else – vampire, human, or witch.” My lip curls. “And don’t try to convince me that you disagree. I saw you with your fangs in that female.”

“You were feeding?” Lucien turns to Darick. “Interesting.”

“This is none of your concern, Marlowe,” Darick growls at him, then turns back to me. “It’s time for you to go.”

“I’ll go when I’m good and ready,” I huff.

Kara steps between us. “Okay, everyone needs to take a chill pill. We’re all on edge here. There’s no need for this to get ugly.”

I glare at Darick, my fists clenching and unclenching. Part of me wants to use my magic, consequences be damned. But Kara’s right. This isn’t the time or place for a showdown.

“Well, this has been most…illuminating,” says Lucien. “I think I’ll take my leave.” He turns to me, his eyes glinting with something I can’t quite decipher. “So fascinating to see history repeating itself. Your family never fails to surprise, Miss Blackwood.”

I frown at him for a moment. History repeating itself? What is he talking about? Before I can ask, he’s gone, melting into the night with preternatural speed.

Darick takes a step toward me, his expression a mix of anger and concern. “Rowan, we need to talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you,” I snap. The image of him with that other witch flashes through my mind once more, making me grind my teeth.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he insists. “It’s not safe.”

“Oh, that’s rich coming from you,” I retort. “Worried about my safety now, are you? You seemed pretty preoccupied earlier.”

I see a flicker of something – guilt? frustration? – cross his face.

Good. Let him squirm.

“That’s not… It’s complicated,” he says, running a hand through his hair.

“Save it,” I cut him off. “I don’t care what you do or who you…feed from.” My mouth feels dry as I say it. “Just stay away from me and my family.”

I turn away, grabbing Kara’s arm. “We’re leaving.”

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