Page 26 of Bound in Blood

Xavier lies back on the bed, locking his hands behind his head.I say go for it, Cupcake. Your mind is strong enough to hold him, and if it’s not…

We’ll be ready for him, Axl says.Whatever happens.

I look to Kai, who’s staring at me while chewing his bottom lip.Are you okay with this too?

He shrugs.I guess so.

I was looking for a little more enthusiasm, and the nonchalance stings. Especially coming from him, the one who’s most likely to be on my side. Does he think this is easy for me?Kai, do you really think I’d do this if I didn’t think there was no other way? You think I want to have my heart cut out by some psychotic killer who hates my entire species?

He crosses the room, wraps me in his arms, and rests his chin on top of my head. Despite my annoyance at him, I melt against his hard body.No, sweet girl. I’m sorry. We’ve got you. Tell us what you need.

I roll back my shoulders, so much more confident about trying this with all of their support.Just some quiet is all.

Malachi winks at me.Then we’ll be quiet as church mice.

I sit on the bed, my back against the headboard, and close my eyes. Again, I search for something in Lucian that I can use as a bridge. I’ve seen his face in Alexandros’s memories, so I start with that. Aside from his hazel eyes, his features are so similar to his father’s that it throws me off balance. Instead of focusing on my target, I recall Alexandros’s voice. His scent. His power. The fire of his blood running through my veins. I do my best to block him out and search for Lucian, but it’s impossible. He is everywhere. In every memory. In every thought. Every sound and smell and sight is him.

Ophelia Hart.The voice is deep, sinister. Mocking. Familiar, yet unknown.I wondered how long it would be before youattempted to contact me. Your feeble grasping in the dark is almost comical.

Not all that feeble. I found you, didn’t I?

His laugh bounces around my head like it’s trying to escape—as though aware it doesn’t belong there.Perhaps I simply allowed myself to be found.

Fear snakes a path up my spine. The solid, reassuring presence of the boys’ heartbeats soothes me, but otherwise they remain silent.

You know who I am?

Of course I know who you are, Ophelia Hart. I have known you for longer than those boys you bonded with. Longer than my father.

My stomach rolls. My heart hammers. I have so many questions to ask, but I have no idea how long this connection will last—or how long I want it to last. Instinct tells me the longer it remains open, the greater chance he has of finding me. Finding us. I channel all my emotion into the light in my center until it’s a dazzling bright orb.

Giorgios told me you killed your father.

That does not surprise me. You would be wise not to trust my uncle.

So you didn’t.

Are you asking me or telling me, little elementai?

Goosebumps break out over my flesh.I don’t think you did.

As pleasant as our little chat has been, is there a purpose to it? I’m a little busy right now.

Probably tearing out the hearts of some innocent women and children.

Now, that’s not a very nice thing to say to someone whose help you’re seeking, is it, Ophelia?

Damn, he heard that. I have to break our connection and fast.Where is Alexandros?

I don’t know.

Are you lying to me?

If you were as strong as they say you are, then you would know the answer already. But no, I am not lying, Ophelia Hart.

I have no idea if he’s telling the truth. Operating purely on instinct, I’d say he is, but I no longer trust my gut. He’s unlikely to help me, but I ask another question anyway.If he’s not dead, why are his sireds so sick?

There are few things that are toxic to our kind.

---