Page 83 of Thicker than Blood

“Enyo’s okay?” Geordi asks.

“Quite,” Benicio says. “He seems very happy with our friend.”

“Should’ve seen that coming,” Geordi mumbles.

“Why is that?”

“Enyo’s the opposite of me. Impulsive, lives in the moment. He lives for the experience. I sit back and study it.”

“Not anymore.” I lift his hand to my lips and press a kiss to it. “It’s time you stepped out of the lab and embraced life and everything you are.”

He nods, smiling sweetly at me.

When we reach the bottom step, Tristan’s groans and the scent of his blood turn my stomach.

“Iwillkill him once you’re satisfied with his answer.”

Geordi nods. “I won’t stop you.”

His reply stirs my desire for him once more. Once I unlock his true nature, I imagine we’ll have lots of fun together.

Ronald lies on a couch, resting soundly as his body continues to heal. Tristan sits on the floor, leaning against a column, and completely bound by chains. His normally perfect facade is marred by his own blood and the marks my nails left acrosshis face. They won’t heal until the silver is removed, but that’s unlikely to happen. I will take much pleasure in tearing him to pieces.

Tristan focuses on Geordi and hisses, struggling against his bonds even as his skin sizzles and burns. Geordi moves closer to me but doesn’t flinch.

“I believe you owe my consort an apology, Tristan.”

He spits at the floor. “Fuck you. Just kill me already.”

I tilt my head. “Why should I show you mercy? You’ve been very naughty, and before you begin your journey to the underworld, I understand you want to tell me why.” I kneel in front of him. “Tell me who you’re working with.” Using the sharp nail on my index finger, I lift his chin. “And you will apologize to Geordi.”

“Or what?”

“Or you’ll live much longer than you’d like to. You’ll die when I say, how I say, but you will suffer. Would you like a cage, Tristan? You can finally be my plaything. Although not the way you hoped.”

He glares, but I sense the fear he’s trying to hide from me.

“Or even better. I can hang you from the ceiling to be enjoyed by all my visitors. Would you like that?”

“I’m not talking in front of him.”

“Oh, but you are. You knew the risk of fucking with me. Now we’re here. You can make it easy on yourself or not. Doesn’t matter to me.” I glance over my shoulder at Geordi. “Or… perhaps my consort will decide when you die. That’s only fair, isn’t it, Tristan?”

He seethes with anger, his fangs on full display. He wants to tear the flesh off my love, eviscerate him, all for what?

“Why him, Elias? Why this mortal?”

“I like him. He pleases me.”

“Butwhy? He is beneath you. He’s simple and plain.”

“He’s stunning and intelligent and has the sweetest blood. You would be wise not to insult him again. I don’t like it.”

Geordi steps closer, placing his hand on my shoulder. “Who put you up to this? Why did you choose Ronald?”

Tristan snarls, struggling against his restraints and harming himself further with the chains.

I grip his arm, drawing his attention to me. “You were asked a question.”

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