Page 54 of Crimson Born

“I know why you did it... but why did he?” I demanded. “What did you promise him?”

I didn’t have to explain whohimwas.

“It’s a great honor to be selected as a Bloodbound candidate. Why would he not want that?”

“Because he wanted toleave. Not three hours ago he told me so. Then the next time I see him—shortly after I told you I wouldn’t turn that human—he’s wearing the Bloodbound uniform. Dr. Coppa said you visited Reece in the clinic. I want to know what you offered him to make him change his mind so quickly.”

With a smirk, she lowered her gaze to her sheet-clad figure, inviting me to do the same.

She was beautiful to be sure and appeared no older than her early thirties. But she was much,mucholder, and Reece was just a young guy. It was gross.

And he was mine.

I wasn’t sure exactly when it had happened, but sometime during the past few weeks I’d definitely developed possessive feelings for him.

A vivid mental picture popped into my mind—opening the door and seeingReeceinside Imogen’s chambers, half-dressed.

It made me want to vomit, though I wasn’t sure vampires were even capable of that.

“I want you to release him,” I said in a firm voice.

“He’s not a prisoner. He made his own choice, and he can leave anytime he wishes to—up until he takes the sacred vows. He hasn’t done so yet.”

“He said he’s made a commitment. He meant toyou, didn’t he? He made some kind of deal with you. Well, whatever it was, I know he didn’t want this. He wanted freedom. Tell him you release him.”

“Or what? You’ll leave?” Her tone taunted me like a kid in a schoolyard. “I don’t care. Go, if that’s what you want. But you’ll be leaving alone.”

“We’ll see about that,” I said then spun on my heel and left the room.

22

Off Limits

Over the next few days, I searched for opportunities to speak to Reece and talk some sense into him, but it proved an impossible task.

He was always out on patrol with the other Bloodbound. When hewasin the Bastion, he was doing training exercises or tucked away in their sleeping barracks.

And he was never, ever alone. His new “brothers” surrounded him at all times. Even when I could catch a glimpse of him, he never looked at me.

Frustrated, I decided to confront him in a place where hecouldn’trun away.

The Bloodbound had their own wing in the caverns—off limits to the rest of us. But I wasn’t going to let a few rules stop me.

The soldier on duty at the corridor entrance stepped into my path as I attempted to march inside.

“No women are allowed in here.”

“I know that, but I’ll only be a few minutes. I need to see Reece. I’m not going to break any rules, I promise.”

“No women,” he repeated.

Obviously Ididn’thave those ultra-persuasive pheromones Imogen had made such a big deal over. Now what? I doubted I could push past the huge guard.

Ah, I know.“Do you know who I am?”

Being Imogen’s daughter was no party, but maybe I could at least use it to my advantage. Surely I outranked this guy in hive hierarchy.

He nodded, looking embarrassed. “I know who you are, Princess. But I’ve been ordered not to let any women inside—especially you.”

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