Page 45 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, princess,” I smirked, ignoring the knot forming in my gut. If she only knew the real reason I was coming...

Petar’s hand clamped down on my arm like a vice. “We need to talk. Now.”

I allowed him to drag me away, my skin crawling at his touch. “What?” I snapped.

“You remember our agreement?”

I jerked my arm free, lip curling in disgust. “Yes, I remember, asshole. The damn mirror. Now backoff.”

“You waltz into New Orleans empty-handed, and Angelo’s going to introduce you to his fun room,” Petar hissed.

I cracked my neck; the sound audible even over the music. “Why do you care?”

“Because if he’s watching you, you’ll never get a chance to steal the Moirari Mirror.”

I crossed my arms, affecting boredom. “And?”

“Before we leave, you need to steal an item from the high priestess.”

“I really don’t think so,” I drawled, sarcasm dripping from every word.

“Remember, I have the Malefic Puppets,” he growled.

I bared my teeth, imagining the satisfaction of ripping out his cold heart.

“Temper, son,” Petar taunted. “You wouldn’t want your fated mate getting suspicious. Unless you want her to suffer.” He drew out the last word like a caress.

My eyes flicked nervously between Gianna and the exit Valentin and Rose had used earlier. “Fine. What’s this little trinket you want me to steal?”

His lips curled into a cruel grin. “The Dawnbringer Talisman.”

I bit back my surprise, remembering Jaxon’s warning. Instead, I rolled my eyes dramatically. “And what, pray tell, is that?”

He formed a circle with his hands. “A small gold sundial. She keeps it on her desk.”

“What does it do?” I pressed, fighting to keep my voice casual.

“Why do you care?”

I leaned in, my voice low and dangerous. “Because I’m not about to stick my neck out for some glorified paperweight. No curses or spells, or the deal’s off. I don’t do cursed for eternity. It clashes with my outfit.”

He gave me a hard stare, probably debating whether to tell me the truth or just lie creatively. I could practically hear the hamster wheel spinning in his head.

“Your boss has ordered us back home,” I drawled, leaning in with a smirk. “Do you really want to go empty-handed? I’m sure Angelo would love that.”

A muscle twitched in his jaw. “You’re not to tell Gianna or anyone–”

“Including your master?” I interrupted, my eyebrows shooting up in mock surprise. “Oh wait, let me guess. He’s not your master, right?”

“He’s not my master,” he growled, right on cue.

I slowly arched my brow, savoring his predictability. “Of course not. You just happen to jump when he says jump. Totally different.”

He took a deep breath, probably counting to ten in his head. “The talisman enhances the mirror. Think of the mirror as a puzzle. Right now, it only shows bits and pieces. With the talisman? Full HD, surround sound, the works.”

“Ah, so you’re planning a cozy little coup against Angelo? How sweet.”

His eyes darted around like a guilty kid in a candy store. “I never said that. Angelo sent me here to buy it from the high priestess, but she refused. Just get it for me.”

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