Page 37 of Blood Gift

“Regardless,” I replied, “your brother probably wants me dead because I exist—wants Holden dead, too, I’m sure. It’s for the best that we let things go, I think.”

“I’m going to kill him,” he replied.

Like it meant nothing. There wasn’t even inflection in his voice.

“You’re going to kill your own brother?” Holden chuckled in disbelief.

“He killed our mother this morning. I didn’t go up with him—I couldn’t be in the same room. I waited outside instead. She was dead by the time I got up there.” His nostrils flared, and his eyes looked a little watery, but that was as much emotion as he showed. It wasn’t easy for him to hold it back, though. I could tell.

“You think he’s capable of that?” I whispered, stunned. “I mean, he’s a monster. Just the way you describe him tells me as much. And his aura. I saw it all over his aura. Some of the darkest color I’ve ever seen. But that’s not the same as killing his mother.”

“I’m sure of it,” he insisted in a flat, emotionless voice. “He’ll tell himself and anyone who accuses him of it that he did it for her. To ease her suffering. But I know better.”

“How?”

“I’m his twin. I know him very well. Maybe better than he knows himself. In fact, I’d be willing to bet on that, seeing as how he’s become a self-deluded fool. And I know he killed her before I could get up there. He didn’t want Mommy to know what a bad boy he was.”

“You’re stretching a little, don’t you think?” Holden asked.

“No. I don’t think so. Don’t you think the coincidence is a little much?” He looked at me again, and there was no pleading there. No cajoling. He looked very tired. “I’ve already lost everything—and if I lose you, well, I’ll learn to deal with it. I have all the time in the world and nothing better to do. But I had to at least come to you and get it all down so you’ll know.”

“Know what?” I whispered.

“That I’m not evil. That I’m sorry for everything I’ve done, sincerely sorry. That I’m not that person anymore. And you would hate me if you knew the depths to which I was willing to sink back then. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for that.”

I waited. When he didn’t continue, I prompted. “Is that all?”

Don’t let it be all. Please. Tell me you want to fight for me. Tell me I’m worth it.

He took a deep breath. “And, if your Nightwarden won’t let me near you without ripping me to pieces, so be it. But I won’t stay away unless you want me to.”

Holden’s feelings on the subject were evident from the turn his feelings took. His red-hot rage and indignation hit me like a sledgehammer. He was smart enough to hold his tongue, however, probably because of what I’d done to him earlier.

“I don’t want you to stay away,” I replied. “But I don’t think you should be here right now. I have a lot to consider. Including my coven. And your brother is… your brother.”

“I understand. You know how to find me.” He nodded to Holden before turning to go.

I watched with a heavy heart. I wanted to throw myself into his arms. I wanted him to hold me. I saw so much pain in him that I wanted to take away.

I managed to wait until he reached the hallway before running after him.

“Wait,” I breathed.

He turned, surprised, and caught me just as I fell against his sturdy chest. His arms were almost strong enough to make me believe everything would be all right. He would save me, and I’d save him right back, if he’d let me.

His mouth was warm and rough and demanding against mine—but only at first, before it softened. He kissed me slowly, deeply, taking ownership of my lips and my tongue and everything about me.

For the first time in my life, somebody was stronger than me and I was all right with it. I rejoiced in it. I gladly gave myself over and would do it again and again if he would let me, so long as he always kissed me until my toes curled and my core burned with delicious fire.

He groaned just before his arms tightened like a vise and his kiss became desperate, breathless, the sort of kiss that made me want to lead him to the bedroom and strip him down before riding him. He pressed his hand to my lower back and pulled me in against him.

When it ended, I could hardly stand. He held me up until I could support myself, but that didn’t mean I wanted to leave his embrace.

I would’ve stood there until we both turned to dust. How had I lived without that sort of passion? How could I have tried to convince myself that life was worth living without it?

“Stay safe,” he whispered, kissing my forehead and squeezing me once more before letting go.

I waited until the elevator doors closed between us before marching back to the penthouse and locking the door behind me.

I wasn’t about to lose him.

“I’m calling a meeting,” I announced to Holden as I pulled out my phone.

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