Page 81 of Club Blood

He seemed to be genuine when we’d spoken last, if genuine was a word that could be uttered in the same breath as Carlisle. There were too many variables now that were outside of my control, and my hands curled into fists from frustration.

Maybe Ishouldkill him, his threat alone would make it worth it, even if he wasn’t planning on killing Cecelia or betraying my secrets about Nathaniel Tusker. It would be a fitting end to the horrors I’ve caused with my own two hands as well, and the trauma I’ve inflicted upon Cece.

It was hard to plan their demise when I was thinking about her. I should have been there when she woke up.

Another insult to rub into the horrendous wound that was this entire week. I’d done bad things before, but this was the first time I’ve ever allowed guilt to infiltrate my body. She was opening her eyes for the first time as a vampire, and I would not be there for her. I turnedher, and I wasn’t there to atone for that crime. She would be furious with me. Sheshouldbe. I was avoiding it for as long as I could.

I’d made sure Warren was available at least, as if he wouldn’t move to hell and back to be there on his own accord. I didn’t realize the extent of his own love for her. It washiswords that made me choose, in the end. That and my selfishness.

My hands unclenched and I reached for a pen, now clicking it on and off until I was too frustrated with the noise.

As if I wouldn’t get much work done anyway, I felt the familiar buzz in my pocket. I almost ignored it, assuming it was Warren telling me to get my ass over there. Ultimately, I resisted the temptation and pulled it out, frowning when I didn’t recognize the number on the caller ID.

“Hello?” I asked into the receiver as I raised it to my ear.

“Mercy?” it was an unfamiliar, husky voice on the other end. It wasn’t Carlisle, nor anyone else I’d known.

“Who’s calling?”

There was silence at the other end, as if my caller didn’t want to reveal himself. Finally, I heard the faintest sounds of his sigh. There also were hushed sounds of music and laughter. Or fighting, I couldn’t decipher it.

“My name is Henrik,”

That was a name I knew well, a name I’d learned and mastered during my years of research. Henrik, one of Carlisle’s men. I let out a low hiss and went to hang up the phone.

“Wait!” He was practically yelling, “Don’t hang up!”

“Why thefuckare you calling me?”

“I have a message I’d like to give you!”

“Carlisle can call me himself if he wants to tell me something. I’m no longer Tusker’s bitch. Now—run along to your little leader and leave me the fuck al-”

“I can help you!”

The plea in his voice made me waver. I pressed the phone firmly to my ear and closed my eyes. Henrik, why was Henrik calling?

“Speak fast, bloodsucker.”

“Carlisle was not the one who sent Narcissa. The bitch sent herself.”

“Your time is running short,” I hissed.

“He didn’t send Narcissa, but he is dangerous. He has plans, Mercy, and you don’t line up with his plans!”

I don’t remember when I had stood up and started pacing, but my feet were making scuff marks across the floors. He needed to get to the point quickly, I was losing patience. He kept talking despite my silence.

“Mercy, he plans on killing you, Warren, and everyone else.”

“He can try— I already have wards placed,”

“Your wards mean nothing to him, Mercy!” He said, exasperated, “He’s going to kill everyone, and you know he has the means. He planted Wade in your club. He planned all of this, before you even knew. He’s five steps ahead of all of you.”

“Wade?”

“The bartender you hired. He wasn’t loyal to you, he was loyal to Carlisle, and Carlisle alone. He was spying, Mercy, you have to believe me!”

“And what would make me believe you?” I snapped, “Why would you tell me this?”

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