Page 52 of Blood Freed

I drain the last of my coffee, setting the mug down with purpose. “We need to talk to everyone. Gran especially – she knows more about this blood match business than anyone.”

“Mom and Dad won’t like it,” Rowan warns. “They’re still trying to come to terms with having Soren in your life. They don’t understand.”

“Then we’ll make them understand.” I straighten my spine, feeling stronger than I have since my escape. “We have proof now – Maxwell’s death, the blood facilities, the Bloodbane blackmail. It’s all connected.”

“That’s not really proof, though, is it.” Poppy has hopped down from her spot on the cabinet. “Just a whole lot of theories. There’s no real evidence that Lucien’s been up to anything.”

“I can help with that,” Darick offers. “I witnessed Lucien’s manipulation firsthand when I was still a vampire. Marcus has been digging up evidence of Lucien’s operations for months. And we’d gathered a few allies within the High Council who had a lot of interesting information.”

“And I’ve got dirt on that creepy Morgan Shadowmaster,” Poppy announces, bouncing down to the counter. “Been following him around. That witch is definitely working with Lucien.”

“You what?” I blurt.

Rowan raises an eyebrow at her familiar. “When were you planning to share this information?”

“I’m sharing it now, aren’t I?” Poppy flicks her tail. “Besides, you never asked.”

“I’ll call Kara,” Rowan says, pulling out her phone. “She needs to hear this too.”

“I’ll find Gran,” I say, pushing away from the counter. “She’s probably in her workshop.”

“And your parents?” Darick asks.

I take a deep breath. “They’ll be at the events company. Mom always buries herself in work when she’s worried.” I manage a small smile. “At least we know where to find them.”

“Family meeting in an hour?” Rowan suggests, already typing on her phone.

I nod. “In the conservatory. We’ll need the space – and the protective wards.”

“And snacks,” Poppy adds. “Strategic planning requires sustenance. Preferably nuts.”

“Great, Poppy.” I shake my head. “At least someone has their priorities right.”

18

Chapter 18

Mia

Ilean against theheavy beechwood table in the conservatory as everyone files in. Mom fusses with her crystals, arranging and rearranging them on the windowsill. Dad paces, his jaw set in that way that means he’s holding back words he knows won’t help. Kara slips in last, settling beside Rowan.

“We need to act quickly,” I say, breaking the tense silence. “Lucien’s already eliminated Maxwell. Soren could be next.”

Dad stops pacing. “Or maybe Maxwell’s death proves Soren’s guilt. Tying up loose ends—”

“Lake,” Mom warns softly.

“What? We’re supposed to just trust this vampire? He confessed, goddammit!”

“He protected me,” I snap. “He did all of that because he thought it would turn Lucien’s attention away from us.”

“Or that’s what he wants you to believe.” Dad runs a hand through his hair. “Blood bonds can manipulate emotions, create false attachments—”

“It’s not false.” I touch my neck where Soren’s marks still tingle. “And the bond goes both ways. I feel what he feels, and he feels what I feel.”

Mom wrings her hands. “That’s what worries me, sweetheart. If he dies, you might…”

“Die.” I meet her anxious gaze. “I will. The bond is sealed.”

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