Page 2 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

She gave me a small, sad smile. “It’s kinda hard to move on once you’ve been with the vampire king.”

Nancee had snagged us a table close to the balcony so we’d get the cool breeze. A tall woman with blonde hair and blue eyes sat the table. She had on a white dress that shimmered when she moved.

Nancee gestured toward the woman. “Gianna, meet Stella McClain. Stella, this is Gianna?—”

“Santi,” Stella smiled. “Yes, I know who you are.” Her eyes turned gold for a minute. Yep, she was definitely a wolf.

“Nice to meet you.” I returned her smile.

Shit, Angelo would be furious if he knew I was partying with her. It was one of his stupid rules—no “fraternizing” with wolves or the Unseelie. He always insisted on keeping our groups separate, perpetuating those ancient, stupid prejudices.

Well, too bad. Tonight belonged to me, and I refused to be bound by my brother’s narrow-minded rules. I would hang out with whoever I pleased. This was my chance to break free from Angelo’s suffocating expectations and forge my own path…even if it meant defying the vampire mafia king.

Chapter Two

Gianna

As the night progressed, my initial trepidation about hanging out with Stella began to abate. The three of us ordered delectable Creole dishes, savored more drinks, and danced to the lively jazz music. I didn’t sense any other wolves in Voodoo Velvet, which allowed me to relax and enjoy the evening.

During a lull in the conversation, Stella leaned in close, her golden eyes glinting with an expression I couldn’t quite pinpoint. “Don’t tell anyone, Gianna, but I have heard whispers among the wolves about you. Some say you’re the key to bringing down Angelo and the whole Santi family.”

Instantly I felt the blood drain from my face, my heart pounding furiously in my chest as a wave of icy fear washed over me. My hands trembled and I clenchedthem into fists, struggling to maintain my composure. “W-what do you mean?” I managed to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper.

Stella shrugged, her gaze never leaving mine, a hint of amusement on her lips as she watched for my reaction. “There’s a group within our pack that believes taking you out would be the ultimate revenge against your brother. They think it would shatter him and, in turn, make him vulnerable.”

My stomach lurched and bile rose in my throat as what she was saying sank in. The room started to spin, and I reached out to steady myself, my fingers gripping the edge of the table so tightly my knuckles turned white.

Nancee gasped, her eyes wide with shock. “Stella, why would you say something so horrible?”

I held up a hand, silencing Nancee. “Is this group making concrete plans, Stella? Do you know?”

Stella leaned back, an enigmatic smile playing on her lips. “I’m just passing along what I’ve heard, Gianna. But if I were you, I’d watch my back. Wolves can be very persistent when we’ve caught a scent.”

A chill raced down my spine. I knew there were those among the wolves who resented Angelo’s power and influence, but I never dreamed they would target me directly. The thought of being used as a pawn in their schemes made my blood run cold.

I forced a smile, determined not to show her any weakness. “Thanks for the warning, Stella. But trust me, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

Stella raised her glass in a mock toast. “I don’t doubt that, Gianna. But be careful. Even the strongest vampires can fall if they’re caught off guard.”

The ominous note in her voice hung in the air like the foul smell that lingered and was impossible to ignore when something got burned. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched, stalked by unseen enemies.

Maybe coming out like this hadn’t been the smartest idea after all. I glanced at the clock. Crap, it was almost two o’clock in the morning.

“Like Cinderella, I’d better get back home before I turn into a pumpkin,” I said as I stood.

“I’m sorry,” Stella said. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

Nancee reached out and took my hand comfortingly. “Do you want me to walk you back?”

I brushed away Nancee’s hand and held my head high. “No. I’m not frightened, but Angelo will be home soon, and I know he’ll check on me, so I’d better get back to my gilded cage.” My voice was humorous, but my insides shook.

I suddenly wished I had brought my cell phone so I could call Jacques, but I had left it back in my room. I had been so confident I wouldn’t need it. Now I was no better than one of those dumb heroines in a horror movie, about to get slaughtered.

The bar was still jamming, even thought it was so late. I wound my way through the packed dance floor, glancing over my shoulder to make sure I wasn’t being followed.

The cool night air prickled against my skin, raising goosebumps along my arms as I hurried around the corner. Myheart pounded in my chest, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the narrow, garbage-strewn alley. The stench of rotting food and stale urine assaulted my nostrils, making me want to gag.

I glanced over my shoulder, my eyes darting to the streets behind me. Lots of people were still milling about, their laughter and chatter carrying through the night air. I couldn’t risk changing into a bat, not with so many witnesses. Angelo’s words echoed in my mind: “If we live like humans, we won’t be hunted.” But suddenly I wasn’t so sure. Right now, blending in felt more like a curse than a blessing.

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