Page 32 of Mostly Shattered

“Anthony.” Costin nods back.

My brother walks backward several steps, keeping his gaze steady on the vampire. When he finally turns, I want to call him back to my side. I watch a trail of smoke follow him into the shadows.

“You surprise me,” Costin admits when Anthony is out of earshot.

“Oh?” I keep my eyes on my brother’s back for as long as I can see him. He disappears into the mausoleum.

Chilled fingers touch the side of my neck, and I shiverat the contact.

“I don’t know many humans who would willingly walk into a boneyard to meet a vampire in the middle of the night.” I watch him in my peripheral, not meeting his eyes.

“If that’s true, then why invite me into your lair?” I point out. “Why not just come back to the house?”

“Lair? Hardly.” He chuckles. “Your house is crowded tonight. I thought we’d have more privacy here, on neutral ground.”

This place hardly feels neutral.

If anything happens to me, Anthony knows I’m with the vampire. I’m safe.

Why don’t I feel safe?

The light scratch of his nails moves over my pulse as if contemplating my artery. I tense.

“I owe you an apology.” Costin pulls his fingers away from my neck.

“Okay?” I hug my arms across my stomach.

“I should not have lost my temper with you earlier. I thought George would have explained things better to you, but it is clear you don’t know, and I have taken you by surprise.”

I have to admit, his new approach doesn’t bring me much comfort. Apologizing doesn’t feel natural on the vampire. I can’t help but wonder if this is some type of manipulation.

Did I mention I have trust issues?

“Thank you for the apology, but my mind hasn’t changed. I want nothing to do with supernatural prophecies.” I think of the last paranormal adventure I went on. Vampires chased me across the country, a fairy waitress had a temper tantrum, and Conrad killed the man I love. “They won’t make sense to you, but I have my reasons. I’m mortal. I accept that. I can’t change the world. Now I’ll kindly, and with the most respect possible, ask you to leave me be.”

“No.”

No. Just like that.

“I don’t want to do your stupid prophecy.” My voice sounds loud in the quiet cemetery, and I take a calming breath. “Find someone else.”

“The way you speak to me.” Costin comes to stand in front of me and lifts his hand to nudge my chin with his bent knuckle. He forces my face upward to meet his. I stare over his shoulder. “And you won’t do me the courtesy of looking me in the eye when you do it.”

“I don’t like it when you mesmerize me.” I glance at his face and back to the side.

“When have I mesmerized you?”

That doesn’t make sense. I couldn’t resist him when he held my arm in the library. I wonder if he’s attempting a joke. It’s so hard to tell sometimes with his kind.

I feel like he’s daring me. Lifting my gaze to stare at his eyes, I hold my breath and wait to be taken over.

He gives a slow smile. “There you go.”

I keep very still, aware of his nearness. The dark silence of the cemetery surrounds us. Even the normal sounds of the city seem at rest here. The moment feels intimate. He looks at my mouth, his expression unexpectedly soft, and I wonder if he’s going to try to kiss me.

“Take a breath,” he orders, his voice smooth and unbothered.

I do. I try to step away but can’t.

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