Page 82 of Of Mercury and Mist

If I’d been in any position to, I would’ve pursued her. As it was, I was bleeding too much and weakening by the second. I yanked the knife out and wiped it on my pants before tucking it inside my jacket pocket. If I didn’t feed quickly enough, I’d be in a world of hurt.

Conveniently enough for me, a fresh body laid at my feet. He was getting stale, but he did the trick, restoring my body to half its normal operating levels. I let the man go, his head hitting the floor with a hollow sounding thud when a pair of shoes entered my field of view.

Kiam held his hand out for me to grip and I rose to a standing position, wary of whatever would happen next. “You know you're the biggest fucking asshole, right?”

“What did I tell you about calling me that?” I snapped at him.

Kiam raised his gaze like I was the most difficult person he’d ever come across. “Moody fuck. You might want to pay attention. Ashley ran straight to Samuel.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Or he conveniently placed himself in her path at her time of need, who knows.”

“Blond pig,” I muttered and strode down the hall.

He grabbed my shoulder. “You look and smell like a butcher shop.”

“I don’t care.”

“Maybe you don’t but you do realize the nature of the crowd here, correct? It's not all friendly.” Kiam had a good point. Over half the crowd was human—which meant the people were easily shocked and horrified and generally had an issue with blood and torn flesh being splattered about. Inconvenient but a frequent occupational hazard.

“I don't care who I upset, Ashley is out there, and she’s upset. She needs me.”

“She’s not, man. He disappeared with her. Interestingly, she placed her hands in his like she’s transitioned before.”

Rubbing my face with my hands, I tried to calm my pounding heart. “Well, I’m going to have to get changed and go after her. You coming?”

There was only one place she could be. I’d brought her there in her sleep before, unable to stay away and craving her blood. From what Kiam was telling me; it seemed she’d made some visits on her own or she had company. On one hand, this was good. It meant she wouldn’t be as scared or confused, perhaps even had some sense of direction.

On the other hand, it meant she’d been exploring another dimension with a man other than myself.

It should’ve been me; Samuel should not have taken that liberty and at this point he damn well knew she was mine. He’d have to have smelled me all over her. There was no excusing his actions and the next heart I ate would come straight from his cracked open chest.

After hemming and hawing, Kiam muttered, “Maybe. If so, I’ll meet you at the bar.”

I turned around and found an alternate exit to avoid sullying or disturbing the public with the sight of biological waste. Even if I’d not had a run-in with the disrespectful stranger, Isaac would’ve continued to be greatly overlooked among the mingling guests. Now, I’d likely drawn attention.

As Micha, I didn’t have the luxury of anonymity and would be expected to entertain, converse, and be the epitome of civility.

“Sir?” Mason trotted around the car, slightly aghast.

“I’m fine,” I said, waving my hand over his face. His countenance reconfigured to his normal appearance. The magic I’d used on him had been a simple glamour the lower level demon would not be able to sustain on his own for any significant amount of time. Hence, my assistance with the matter.

Not waiting for door service, I hopped out of the vehicle the second it pulled up to the curb.

“Sir,” someone called to me as I breezed past everyone. Probably security. “Sir?” My key opened the elevator, and I stepped inside.

I’d set up everything as Isaac Astilbe and not Micha Carnea, and was essentially trespassing. It was only a matter of time before Josiah got wind of the disaster of my own making and I had my doubts as to whether he’d accept Ashley’s innocence.

Then it struck me. I pulled out my phone, tapping a quick message before the door opened to deposit me in the penthouse foyer.

The groove in the floor left by the marble table’s leg was permanent. I remembered taking Ashley against the table, caging her against it as I rammed my cock inside her pussy. A sense of satisfaction filled me knowing the marks on the floor could no more be erased than the indisputable fact she’d soon be back here where she belonged.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, but I didn’t touch it.

I had a woman to bring home, no matter where in the universe she’d run to for safety.

TWENTY-NINE

Ashley

My chest felt like it was splitting open and heaving out my insides. He’d lied to me. Lied, and tricked me, taking advantage of my vulnerability and my attempt to start a brand new life.

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