Page 90 of Secrets & Curses of Crimson

I looked behind her when I saw movement by the door. Cassius and Haden stood in the corner of the room. He must have felt something through the bond. Della’s pained sob filled the air. Haden’s face contorted into fury when he saw Val had Della by the throat. Val smiled as she focused on Della as she lifted her off the ground and slammed her into the floor. She dropped her and stood over her.

“My, my, Ardella, what a sad and pathetic life you lead.”

Val’s eyes flickered to Haden and Cassius. Cassius looked at me for answers.

“She’s a vatori; she can see every thought and memory by touching you.” I groaned as pain radiated down my face.

Val smiled when her eyes landed on Haden.

"Look, Ardella, it’s the man who takes up most of your thoughts,” Val sneered. “The one you broke. The man who curses your very existence each morning he wakes up. The one you wish to the stars would love you back.”

Haden glanced at Della, who was in pain on the floor.

“Ardella!” Haden called out. “Are you alright?”

She didn’t say anything as a painful sob tore from her. Haden glanced at Val when she circled back for Della. He ran at her.

“Haden, don’t!” I called out. Val immediately turned and let Haden’s fist connect with her face, but he immediately withered in pain as she latched onto him. He fell to his knees as pain took over his face. Val’s smile widened as she let go of Haden and shoved him on the floor next to Della.

“Man, you two are quite the couple. A woman who loves a man more than the realm itself, and the man hates her just as much. A woman who wants forgiveness and a man who can’t stand the sight of her. The mere thought of her makes him disgusted.”

Della cried out loud, but it was no longer because of pain. It was knowing Haden’s thoughts of her. Val looked at Della and smiled.

“Should I tell him your biggest secret?”

Oh fuck. I couldn’t let her do that. Haden couldn’t find out that he was Della’s mate like this. Before I could offer myself up on a platter, Cassius stepped forward and glared at the woman.

Val’s attention immediately turned to Cassius, and she whistled as she admired him. My jealousy didn’t like her looking at what was mine.

“You’re as handsome as she saidyou’d be.”

She?

Cassius glanced at me before his eyes darted to our friends lying on the ground. Did he know that Della and Haden were mates? Why would he offer himself? Val didn’t grab him, though; her focus turned to me.

“I’ll keep her secret for your thoughts and memories.”

“Deal.” I stood and let Val walk toward me. She reached out and touched me; I could feel the burning sensation coursing through me. It felt like the shadow boundary had. It was quick and intense, making me fall to my knees. Val released me, and her eyes glowed with excitement.

“You’ve been a very busy girl, Thea.” She smiled and turned to Cassius. “It seems your little friend here is also keeping secrets from you.”

Cassius’ face fell when he looked at me. This bitch.

“Are you keeping secrets from her too?”

Yes, he was, but I already knew of them. Val circled Cassius without touching him. Her eyes flickered at me, and she smiled when she saw me ready to fight.

“She told me to leave you alone; don’t hurt Cassius,” Val mocked the woman’s voice. “She just wants Thea out of the way.”

Cassius’ body went rigid. His eyes refused to look at me as he stared at the floor. Val smiled even bigger.

“Thea dies, and you get so lonely during those times. She wants you to know that she can warm your bed. She iswilling to marry you, bear children, and notforgetyou. She can offer you a full life.” Val purred to Cassius. He didn’t ask her who she was talking about. He knew. Cassius knew who hired Val.

“Cassius?” I asked.

His golden eyes found mine, but they didn’t reveal anything to me.

“You can tell her I’m not interested, just like I wasn’t interested the dozens of other times she approached me.” His voice was even, but his eyes were burning with rage.

---