Page 28 of A Sip of Sin

“They’re from different places around the world.” Rhys leaned in, pointing to the background of the latest video. “That’s Spain there, and this one is somewhere in South America.” He flicked the screen, a new clip starting. “They’re getting smarter—trying to track us,” said Rhys. His eyes were wide, his breath coming in short pants. “Our computer viruses aren’t fast enough to combat the entire population. Things like this are coming out faster than we can find and neutralize them.Everythingis at risk.”

“I’m not worried.” Munro passed the phone back to Rhys, regarding the rage that crept over his features. “I don’t think this is the same world we used to live in. People are accepting, and we have allies.”

He turned away, heading for the bleak light in the kitchen. The surfaces were scrubbed and spotless, every dish put away in its spot. Even the shelves above eye level were meticulously cleaned and dusted.

His gut twisted as he touched one cool metal surface. Sean must’ve cut the dinner service off early, ushering people out when Munro didn’t return as he always did to see his guests off. His followers wouldn’t have lingered, heading back to their homes to conduct whatever business they needed to.

He’d never missed it before. Hollen was changing everything so quickly.

“I can’t believe this.” Rhys stomped after him, a fire in his eyes. He slammed his hand on a gleaming metal countertop, dishes tinkling in their bins. “You’re so infatuated that you can’t see the danger right in front of your eyes.”

With his lips thinned in a determined line, Rhys drew close, bracketing him against the wall. It was the same thing he had done earlier, with his system fried with drugs from his victim. Only now he was fully present, every ounce of rage directed at Munro. “I can’t let you destroy us all over a piddly human who is not going to be around in fifty years.”

Munro had always been tall, especially for his time, but Rhys had a few inches on him and thickness in his frame that Munro didn’t possess. In a fair fight, Rhys could have overpowered him every time, ripping his throat out and draining him dry.

For the first time in years, a trickle of true fear seeped down his spine.

“What are you thinking, Rhys?” asked Munro softly, bracing himself as Rhys pressed their chests together. There was a time when he would have desired the position, but now it only brought him regret.

It was a regret that he had never been able to love Rhys the way he deserved. At first, it had been lust and a definedfascination that kept him going back for more. That lasted just long enough to have Rhys completely hooked and devoted to him. It was too late by then to simply part ways.

“Perhaps Corby was right,” said Rhys, his voice a low hiss. “And you only killed him to protect your reputation. You’re failing us, Munro.” He lowered his mouth to Munro’s neck, dragging his teeth over the sensitive column.

Munro fought the urge to tense—to run, refusing to show anything that could be considered weakness. Rhys had bitten him so many times, but this was the first time it had been a threat. Munro’s skin prickled at it, his fury reigniting.

“I believe our time together is over,” said Munro, his voice steadier than the quivering in his chest. “Thank you for your companionship, Rhys, but it is no longer required.”

Rhys drew back as if he’d been slapped, his face drained pale in an instant. He opened and closed his mouth as his eyes shimmered. “I didn’t— Munro…Covi.”

Munro shook his head, cutting off any further protests. His chest ached, centuries of their time together coming to an abrupt close. It wouldn’t work to simply let Rhys down gently like he deserved. He would just come crawling back—seeking the only unchanged thing in his life.

“I am no longer your leader, Rhys.” Munro straightened himself, a hand to Rhys’ chest, holding him away. “Find another murder that will welcome you in. You are no longer welcome here.” He dropped his voice, letting a growl seep into his tone. “And if you touch anything that belongs to me…? Well, I don’t believe I need to explain what will happen to you.”

Chapter Thirteen

Hollen

He still couldn’t believe he was going back, even if George seemed absolutely livid about the whole circumstance.

“Just chill, okay?” Hollen swept his hair back, debating whether gel or spray would be best to tame it. He settled on neither, wetting his hands in the sink and running his fingers through the strands. The bits that had been sticking up with stubborn humidity finally lay flat.

George scoffed and Hollen could have sworn his eyes flashed yellow in the mirror for just a moment. “I will not. Somebody has to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, and you’re doing a terrible job of it. One would think you’re trying to get eaten.”

Hollen leaned closer to the mirror, pressing a fingertip to the bruised-looking bags beneath his eyes. After a touch of coverup, he looked well-rested again. “I’m not gonna geteaten.” Hollen rolled his eyes. “This isn’tJurassic Park.”

“Munro is old enough to be a dinosaur,” said George. There was that flash again, the green draining from his eyes as George spoke. He couldn’t remember that happening before—or maybe he just hadn’t noticed.

Hollen laughed, dabbing a bit of color on his pale cheeks before turning away from the mirror. “Now Iknowyou’re just being pissy. He can’t be more than a few hundred years old. Hedoesn’t wear velvet suits or ruffles like those other guys. And he’s stylish.”

He flushed, ducking his head as warmth rose to his cheeks.

George laughed. “I can’t believe this. You’re completely besotted with him. I yanked him out of your mind once, but he’s still there, curdling your thoughts.”

“Ew.” Hollen wrinkled his nose. “There’s no ‘curdling’ going on, thank you very much. He’s just very handsome…and possibly a little bit rich.”

“Unbelievable.” George rolled in his chest, his presence stretching until it tingled beneath his skin. “And now you’re dolling yourself up for him. Put some lambs blood on your neck. That’ll be sure to lure him in.”

Hollen rolled his eyes before grabbing his keys and heading to the door. “If you were paying attention, you’d realize that we’re going to Adair’s dance competition. Even if he’s not talking to me yet, we aren’t going to miss it.”

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