Page 52 of Roaring Flames

“I want you to keep an eye on Kain and everyone he talks to.” He glances at me slyly. “I heard about you, Grayson Grey. You’re not just any normal vampire, are you?”

I grit my teeth together and remain silent.

“When was the last time you fed?” Matthew asks, and his abrupt change in topic makes my head spin. Before I can answer, he continues. “You have no reason to hide anymore. We know what you are, and you’ll be of more use to us if you’re in possession of all of your gifts.”

Once again, I remain silent, not daring to speak.

Not daring to even breathe.

When I finally have my thoughts in some semblance of a working order, I ask a question that has been nagging at me since this conversation began. “What happens if Kain sees me? Or if he discovers that I’m free?”

He’ll go after Izzy, of that I have no doubt. He’ll hurt her to prove his control over me.

“Hopefully, the coward will run to his leader.” Matthew scrubs his hands against his jeans with a wry, humorless chuckle. “A weasel like him isn’t smart enough to think this up alone.”

“I don’t even know whatthisis,” I protest.

Matthew waves a hand in the air. “Just keep an eye on Kain and his friends. And, if you’re able to, see what you can find out about Gregor.”

“Gregor?”

“You may remember his son…Ashton.” Matthew’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

I remember being dragged into the Council room and meeting with a bunch of wolves. The tallest and most domineering one had dark skin, closely cropped hair, and a perpetual scowl on his face. He scared me more than any of the others.

“Do you think Gregor has something to do with Kain and the murders?” I demand, but Matthew is already standing, rigid tension radiating through his muscles.

He glances in both directions nervously. “I need to leave.”

“Wait—” But my raspy protest falls on deaf ears as the wolf shifter hurries away.

For a long moment, I simply sit on the park bench and ponder Matthew’s words.

Could Kain have been working independently of the Hunters? Why would he lie about that? No, the better question is—why would he have done that in the first place? Andwhy would Matthew believe Gregor is involved? It isn’t like they’re murdering vampires or warlocks or witches or any other supernatural. The females killed were wolves.

So what is their endgame?

Or is Matthew simply creating a conspiracy that doesn’t exist outside of his head?

And how will all of this affect Izzy?

Even now, my thoughts return to her. I can’t help it. She consumes me.

A giddy rush of euphoria thunders through me when I think about my plans for tonight. I purchased steaks—Izzy’s favorite—and a bunch of candles and flowers. Shit girls find romantic. As soon as I get home, I plan to decorate my apartment, cook a fancy dinner for her, and then tell her the truth about what she is to me.

My mate.

I’ve never done anything like this before. My relationship with Sidney was a sham—as horrible as that makes me. The most romantic thing I did for her was pay for her McDonald’s hamburger. Suffice to say, the girl was not happy when I called and broke up with her.

But what can I say without sounding like a bigger ass than I already am?

Oh, I’m sorry, but I never had any feelings for you because I’ve always been in love with my best friend, who, by the way, is my fated mate.

Yeah. I’m certain that would go over well.

I pull out my phone and begin to scroll through my notes app.

Candlelit dinner. Check.

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