Page 56 of Inception

He paused before answering. “Because hechoseto.”

I didn’t know how to absorb that.

“He wanted to know what you were—if you were a Slayer. There’s been some debate about it…” His voice trailed off as though he were unsure of the terrain he was treading on.

“Because of the spell,” I realized aloud.

He nodded.

Jeez, did everyone know about me?

“But that doesn't excuse what he did,” he said, his tone saturated with contempt for his brother. “There were other ways to find out. What Dominic did to you was a testament of what he really is. Of what he’salwaysbeen.”

“And what would that be, brother?” Dominic moved through the door so quickly, I barely registered the movement.

Gabriel sat back in his chair undaunted, his back to his brother and eyes on me. “I don’t know, Dominic—a savage, cruel, disturbed, evil. Take your pick.”

Dominic brought his hand up to his heart and mocked pain before turning his eyes to me. “Hello, angel.” His lips twisted into a devious knot, sending a jolt of anxiety through my body.

“Back off, Dominic.” Gabriel’s facial expression darkened, his voice a low, threatening drawl.

“Relax, brother. I’m only here to answer her questions,” he said as he sat down on another chair just a few feet away from me. “Wouldn’t you like some answers?” he asked sweetly.

Deceivingly sweet.

I could hardly stand to look at his face anymore, and even though his very presence evoked tremors in me, I couldn’t deny the fact that I did need answers from him. Who knew if I’d ever get another chance to ask my questions?

My heart rate picked up.

“You just need to say the word and I’ll remove him,” said Gabriel. His moss eyes were sharp, promising to hold fast to every word. I couldn’t explain it, but somehow I felt safe being around Dominic when Gabriel was watching over me, like I knew I’d be protected from him—to the death.

I turned and faced Dominic, summoning every ounce of courage I had inside of me. It turned out there wasn’t much in there. “You bit me to see if I was a—” I gulped hard as the ball in my throat threatened strangulation.

“A Slayer,” answered Dominic, finishing my question. “Yes. Amongst other reasons.” His impish smile made me queasy.

“Am I?”

His smile widened. “Why, yes, angel, you are.”

“How do you know?”

“I tasted it,” he said, wetting his lips. “Your blood is nothing like human blood, love. It's richer, sweeter, more potent, an all-encompassing magical rush.” There was hunger and desire dancing all through his face now. “I imagine it is as close to Heaven as I’ll ever be allowed to get.”

My stomach twisted. “Were you trying to kill me?”

“No, but I suppose it was touch and go for a while there, wasn’t it?” he chortled. “Normally, I don’t have any trouble controlling myself, but with Slayers, well, you never know which way it’ll go.”

“So you knew there was a chance I was a Slayer, and you bit me anyway, knowing you couldn’t control yourself if I was?”

“Do you really want me to answer that?”

I glanced over at Gabriel who was sat unflinching in his chair, watching me intently. He knew the answer, and so did I. Dominic Huntington was amonster.

“Did you know who I was from the beginning?” I had to know.

“I did.”

I took in a breath. “Was that the only reason you…” I couldn’t find the nerve to finish the question, and I hated myself for asking it.

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