Page 9 of Immortal Sun

A knife in my right hand, bracing her neck in the other while I take what’s owed—what will eventually be sacrificed.

I jerk my head away and realize I’m aroused. Seriously?

Well, that’s a first in a very long time.

“Do you live here too?” She asks dropping her hand like it wasn’t insulting that I didn’t touch hers.

“No.” I clip out. “I live on Queen Anne Hill, but I do sometimes stay the night if I’m tired.” Or working, but I leave that part out. “Your brother,” I bait her. “However, had a room here, would you like to see it?” Her eyes light up as I knew they would. “He left a lot of things here, I wouldn’t worry too much, like his friend,”Who doesn’t exist. “Said on the phone, he’s a free spirit who got invited to the dig and started wandering off, which he’s done numerous times before. He’ll be back soon.”

As long as she participates.

The sooner we get this over with the sooner she’ll see him—albeit briefly.

She walks after me, her pace fast as she tries to catch up with my long strides. “I would love to, maybe I can find a clue or something, I mean you probably know where he went, right?”

I don’t answer, I slowly walk off toward the door down the hall and type in the code for his room. “Actually, other than financing part of the dig they keep us in the dark. With the Egyptian festival being such a large draw for tourism, they like to keep a bit of mystery to reveal to everyone during the actual eclipse. Especially since there’s a rumor they found a rather unique relic that, by all historical standards, shouldn’t be here. Quite interesting, don’t you think?” I glance ack to gauge her reaction. Seeing her eyes sparkle with interest, I continue. “I have a very coveted collection of Egyptian Mythology books and a few artifacts. I was nominated by the Mayor to take part in an exhibit, so you see, I have quite the vested interest. I’m sure he will return with the others from the excavation site.” At the mention of her brother, her expression clouds, as if worried yet also annoyed. With a slight shake of her head, she meets my gaze.

“Actually, that’s pretty cool, I mean that your collection was chosen, I’d love to see it sometime.” Immediately her expression shifts. “I mean you barely know me so never mind?—”

“Cleo?” I laugh. “You’re fine, I’m not offended. In fact I’ll be hosting a dinner party at my house tonight if you want to take a look beforehand? Or even after?”

She hesitates, damn it.

Too soon.

“Actually,” I snap my fingers. “I forgot, it’s next week, plus you’re probably exhausted.” I force a smile. “Now, the room.”

She walks around it briefly but I can tell she’s trying not to snoop, or maybe she doesn’t want me to see how perceptive she is.

I clear my throat. “I’ll give you the code later, for now you should rest, it’s going to be a busy night at Styx, it’s the perfect time to train.”

“Oh,” She clasps her hands in front of her. “Right. Just let me know what time to come down. Is what I’m wearing okay?”

She would look stunning in nothing at all.

My entire body jerks away appalled. It’s just the effect of not seeing the sun.

It’s nothing more.

Years ago, I would have already told her everything. But now, the temptation to play with her a little longer just became more tempting. She is, after all, my final victory.

“Be down by seven.” I close the door to his room and hand her the card with her own key code on it. “And dress the way you normally would when serving customers at a high-end bar.” I lean in and a bit too much and whisper. “Look nice.”

I hope the immortals are watching.

Let them entertain themselves one last time before I come back and take my throne. Besides tonight—I can almost guarantee—we’re going to have visitors.

After all, the moon never lies, and neither, sadly, does the weather.

Let the fucking game not just begin—but end.

CHAPTER 4

CLEO

“Myths which are believed in, tend to become true.” —George Orwell

My room is enormous and modern, black framed windows overlook the rocky beach with a perfect view of the Olympic Mountain range. I hope to God Jake is camping at some hot spring and not really out there isolated in the glacier ridden peaks. Shaking off my fear, I focus on my room.

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