Page 84 of Crimson Born

She laughed. “Excuse me, drone? I didn’t give you permission to speak.”

Reece’s response was low but distinct. “No. Deal.” His eyes came up to lock with mine. “Tell her no, Abbi.”

My mouth hung open in shock. He was defying Imogen by speaking out of turn. But how?

Did the blood bond not work on him the way it did the other Bloodbound drones? But then why was he kneeling at her side, allowing her to treat him like a dog on a choke chain?

“But Reece... she’ll free you from your oath,” I said.

“And you’ll be breaking yours. I remember what you told me about that locket you wear. The ashes inside are from your old friend in the village, the boy you turned. It didn’t escape me the chain is made of platinum, which weakens us. You’restillpunishing yourself. I know you Abbi—I know how it hurts you. You swore you’d never turn another human, and Iwon’tlet you break that promise for my sake.”

“You’re worth it,” I whispered. “I can’t let you spend eternity as a slave.”

“I deserve it. I belong here after what I’ve done.”

“What? What are you talking about? Of course you don’t deserve it. No one does, no matter what Imogen said to you today before the ceremony. Let me do this for you, Reece. I want to.”

He did not respond, only dropped his gaze to the floor in front of him.

Imogen stood and closed her hands together in front of her chest. “Excellent. Let’s get on with it then. Guards—bring in the candidate.”

The doors opened, and a young man entered the room, escorted by two Bloodbound warriors. He didn’t look scared exactly, but he didn’t look comfortable either.

His fingers trembled, and his wide eyes scanned the room, taking in the blazing torches and the spikey knife-like crystal-rock formations that comprised Imogen’s throne. I wondered if he was second-guessing his decision to be turned now that he’d gotten a look at the reality of the vampire world.

“Abigail, this is Marc,” Imogen said. “He’s a virgin—when it comes to vampire bites, that is. Marc, this is Abigail. Your maker.”

Inhaling deeply, I stepped toward the human, pressing my fingernails so hard into my palms they broke the skin.

I can do this. I can do it. For Reece.

A dagger whizzed through the air in front of me and landed point-down in the floor between the man and me.

“I said, ‘No.’” Reece’s voice was sharper than the blade and twice as cold.

The Bloodbound guards started toward Reece then stopped and turned back to Imogen, obviously at a loss for what to do next since he was already on his knees by her side.

“What is the meaning of this?” Imogen asked. “Do you notwantto be released from your oath then?”

“No.” His jaw clenched around his next words. “I’ve made my choice. I’m Bloodbound for eternity. That’s what I want.”

“Reece, you don’t mean that,” I argued. “You’ll never leave this place. You’ll never have a mate.”

More quietly I added, “You’ll never haveme.”

His stony expression remained unmoving, his words coming out like each one stabbed his tongue.

“That was never going to happen. I don’t... feel that way about you. I never did.”

“You’re lying,” I said. “I know you care for me. You admitted as much last night at the ball.”

His chest expanded with a deep breath then he swallowed before answering. “That was an effect of your pheromones. Without that... without that, all I feel for you is a desire to protect you... as I would protect anyone here at the Bastion.”

“I see. So I’m just like anyone else to you then? Nothing special. What about the night of the bonfire? What about destiny?”

“Destiny doesn’t exist.” Reece sounded defeated and extremely tired. “The night of the bonfire, I recognized right away you were out of place and vulnerable. I followed you to the parking area and sat with you that night to keep you out of trouble while your friends were busy. I felt... sorry for you.”

The sharp intake of my breath hissed between my teeth.

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