Page 71 of Crimson Storm

Oh, this isnotgood.

“I thought you said Imogen considered this mission a top priority.”

“She does,” Reece said. “And that’s why we have to avoid attracting too much human attention. Traveling with a group of Bloodbound wouldn’t exactly be subtle.”

“Oh.” That much was true. All the vampire soldiers were like Reece—jacked and extremely tall.

If the females here couldn’t stop staring, then human women would gawk non-stop. And human men would noticethatif nothing else.

“Reece... I’ve been wondering... whyareyou all so... well, you know?”

He looked over at me and actually grinned a little. “No. So... what?”

“You know what I’m asking. Why are you all so big? Why do you look so... good?”

The grin widened. “I told you, we have a special diet.”

“Right. You said your blood bags come from a special supply. What’s so special about it?”

“It’s mixed with Imogen’s blood. Which reminds me.” He pulled a small vial from his pocket, handing it to me. “Drink up.”

Holding it up to the light, I studied it. The vial was filled with blood.

“Wait... is this Imogen’s? I don’t want it. This is what keeps all of you loyal to her no matter what. No Kool-Aid for me, thank you.”

I tried to give it back to him, but he refused to take it. “Queen’s orders. She’ll know if you haven’t taken it.”

“Oh.That’swhy she wants to see me. She should know she doesn’t have to force me to go along with the plan. She’s holding Shane hostage. I’m not going to let any harm come to him.”

“Of course you wouldn’t. He’s too ‘important,’” Reece said, mocking the word I’d used earlier when speaking with the doctor. “But I don’t think that’s it. It probably has more to do with your appearance.”

“My appearance?”

I looked down at myself, at the inconspicuous dark jeans and boots and the black leather jacket I wore. “What’s wrong with how I look?”

“Nothing. You look... fine. It’s just we’re not going to get very far if you’re recognized as a fugitive.”

“So, I’ll wear a disguise. That’s what I did to get out of San Francisco.”

“You won’t need a disguise if you’ll just do as you’re told and drink that.”

Inspecting the vial again, I asked, “Imogen’s blood will change my appearance?”

“Not completely. But enough to fool the humans.”

Seeing my reluctance, he added, “Look, it’s your choice, but if you don’t drink it, you can’t come with me. And if you don’t come with me and at least try to help me get through to Sadie, Imogen will have no reason to keep your little human sweetie-pie alive. Old Shane’s gonna find himself the main course at dinner tonight because you’re squeamish about drinking a little royal blood.”

“Fine.” I yanked the cap from the vial and downed its contents. “How long does the magic pretty-potion take?”

“You’re already—” Reece stopped himself and started again. “It’ll take a few hours to alter your appearance significantly. And another dose or two to enable you to mesmerize humans.”

35

A Lovely Trip

“What did you say?”

I wasn’t sure which of his statements was more shocking—the one where he’d (almost) complimented me or the one where he’d hinted at vampires having supernatural mind control powers.

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