Page 66 of Barely Breathing

“You know they have big plans for us, don’tyou?” he continues, his tone soft like he’s not holding my neck. His smile reminds me of his father. It’s the same entitled smirk Francis gets when bragging about his latest mistress at supernatural gatherings.

I try to look out the window at the water but can’t turn my head. “Who?”

“Our parents.” Chester grins. “The wedding is practically planned.”

“Why?” I find the idea of marrying Chester utterly repulsive.

“Family alliances. Power. The usual reasons.” He acts like I should be grateful to receive this information. In reality, I just want to push him out the window. I wonder if we’re high enough to do any damage.

“I don’t believe you. I’m just a human. Why would you want to marry me?” The pain of his touch makes it hard to sound brave.

“To secure my family’s future.” He tilts his head, and his smug look fades into confusion. The flashing red lights illuminate his expression. “They really didn’t tell you?”

“I don’t believe you,” I repeat. My parents are a lot of things, but I don’t think they’d engage me to someone without telling me.

Or is that just naïve?

I already know the answer. Duty comes beforelove.

I’ve seen how Chester looks at me, just like he’s doing now. It’s why I’ve avoided him. To be completely cliched, I’d be nothing but another notch in his bedpost, and that thing has already been whittled down to toothpicks.

“Let’s end this. Marry me tonight,” he says, giving what he probably thinks is a charming smile. “Let’s join our families.”

He has to be joking. It’s not funny. The idea of having a life like Mabel and Astrid, turning a blind eye while my husband screws other women… no thank you. I’d rather dive face-first into those murky waters out there than marry this tool.

The thought of danger in the water brings me back to reality.

“I can’t play this game now,” I try to push him back, and my eyes go to the phone on my desk. I have to call someone for help. “The shipping yard is under attack. I have to?—”

“I figured that might be your answer.” Chester cuts me off. There is no love lost in his expression. He appears more annoyed than anything.

“The security systems—” I try to explain rationally before he cuts me off again.

“Are doing exactly what they’re supposed to.” His hands glow brighter.

“Ches—”

“You shouldn’t have come to work tonight.” His grip tightens on my throat. “If the council finds out about tonight, they’ll execute anyone who knows about this cargo. Even you, despite your family name.”

“Ches…” I gurgle for breath as I claw at his choking hands, struggling to be free.

“The wolves aren’t the only ones who can harness old magic. When the power shifts…” He gives a small laugh. “You know, never mind. I don’t have time for the whole Bond villain speech. Sorry, Tamara, you should have said yes to me while you had the chance. Too late now.”

The blue glow of his magic wars with the red security lights on his face. As his power intensifies, so does the burning on my neck. He presses closer. I feel his body brushing against mine. My position doesn’t allow much leverage, but I still fight. I slap his arms and try to knee him in the groin. My blows only seem to fuel his attack. His gaze narrows as he focuses on his deadly task, but his eyes spark with pleasure. He likes it.

My eyes roll in my head, and my vision blurs. A shadow appears to detach from the wall behind him. The temperature in my office drops so fast Chester’s breath fogs against my face. Costin materializes behind him, and my initial relief quickly turns to fear. What’s he doing here?

“Release her,” Costin commands. He’s one who is used to being obeyed.

When Chester doesn’t comply, Costin grabs his arm and jerks him back. Chester flies through the air and hits the wall.

My lungs feel as if they’re on fire. I drag in a ragged, loud breath, holding my bruised throat with protective hands. I feel the hot amulet dislodge from my skin, where the pendant pressed into my flesh. So much for my grandfather’s claim of its protection. A minute more and I would have been dead at Chester’s hand.

“This doesn’t concern you, vampire.” Chester’s voice shakes.

I turn from them, still gasping as I try to make my way along the window to a corner. There aren’t many places to escape to in the tiny office. Below, I see the water has gone completely black as if something’s swallowing all of the light. The merfolk are gone. Most of the runes on the dock have burned out. Suddenly, the water churns in the red light, and something massive rises to the surface. I can’t quite make them out, but the container appears covered in large symbols that match the writing on the manifest.

“What are you trying to smuggle in?” Costin demands, his attention fully on his prey.

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