Page 8 of The Curse of Blood and Silenc

Serenity

I huddledon the floor in a ball, wishing I could disappear. My throat throbbed, each breath bringing a painful reminder of Gage’s brutality. I pressed my head into my knees, trying to block out the world, desperately wanting Angelo to come. In my mind’s eye, I pictured him bursting through the door, his face contorted with rage at what had been done to me. He’d tear my captor limb from limb for choking me, I was sure of it. The thought was both comforting and terrifying.

The silence in the hallway was suddenly broken by soft, firm footsteps approaching. The slow, measured pace sent chills down my spine. This wasn’t the angry, impulsive stomping of Gage, but someone potentially more dangerous in their restraint.

“Tsk, tsk, Gage,” a smooth voice cut through the air, laden with false disappointment. “Must you always be such a brute?” The words were chiding, but there was an undercurrent of amusement there too that made my stomach churn.

I didn’t look up, but I could feel the newcomer’s presence, hear the rustle of expensive fabric as they came closer. The air itself seemed to shift, filling with a new kind of tension.

Gage’s furious voice suddenly came from across the room, sending my heart into a panicked frenzy. “But look what the bitch did to her room!”

The newcomer hummed thoughtfully. “Indeed,” they finally said, closer now. “It seems our new guest takes quite the creative approach to redecorating.”

I tensed when I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder. “Come now, my dear,” the voice coaxed, a dangerous edge beneath the silky tones. “Let me see the face of our aspiring escape artist.”

Trembling, I slowly raised my head, dreading what—or who—I might see looming over me in the aftermath of my failed rebellion. The last thing I expected was for the second kidnapper to be dressed as a rock star—long black hair, skintight black leather pants that hugged well-muscled thighs, and a sculpted chest, shirtless.

He knelt down and offered me his hand. “Please stand. I won’t let him hurt you.”

I bit my lip, not sure if I should do as he said.

He glanced up at Gage. “I mean, Icouldleave you with the big bad wolf…”

My choice was made. I reluctantly placed my shaking hand in his. An electric zap ran through me, as if I had touched a live wire. My stomach roiled and I fought down a wave of nausea. I’d never experienced such a touch before, not even with a vampire. What was he? I doubted he was a wolf.

He scrutinized me closely as he pulled me to my feet, then flashed me a seductive smile. “Let me introduce myself—I’m Balthazar. I’ve been watching you for some time, Serenity.”

That was creepy. I pulled on my hand, but he didn’t release it, not before kissing the back of it. Another jolt rocked through me. What was happening?

“What are you?” I asked nervously. “I don’t think you’re a wolf…”

He tilted his head back and laughed. “No, little one. I’m not. And I’m not a vampire, either.”

Gage gestured with his thumb. “He’s a demon.”

I looked up at Balthazar, his eyes gleaming with ancient malevolence. I suddenly wondered again if my dad was a demon. Would he be drop-dead gorgeous like Balthazar?

I could feel the blood rush from my head, and Gage’s and Balthazar’s faces spun around me. I felt a strange connection to the demon.

Don’t pass out Don’t pass out Don’t pass out

I put my hand on the wall to steady myself, refusing to turn into a fainting violet. Where was Angelo? Just thinking of him gave me a little strength. I had to remain strong for him.

Balthazar’s dark eyes burned red. “Do not steal my moment, cur. Or our deal is broken.”

I looked between them. “Deal? What deal?”

Gage narrowed his eyes. “Not one that concerns you.”

For some reason I didn’t believe him. I had the feeling that any deal he made with Balthazar had everything to do with me, but the question was—what?

Balthazar shrugged casually. “Gage here wants to be king.”

King? How could I make this guy king?But I kept the question to myself. I watched them warily, getting the uneasy feeling I was a pawn in a game I didn’t want to play.

“Balthazar,” Gage gritted his teeth, a warning clear in his tone.

“Tit for tat,” Balthazar smirked in an amused voice. He walked around me, his gaze raking over my body, sizing meup. I felt exposed, craving Angelo’s strong arms around me for protection, but having to settle for the cold comfort of my own embrace.

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