Page 19 of Barely Breathing

I trusted Conrad.

Anthony isn’t Conrad. I need to remember that and not let Conrad’s betrayal mess with my head.

“Fine, Lord Constantine,” I finally agree. I can’t put Anthony in danger with the werewolves. My brother is the future of the Devine empire. As much as I might hate it, that idea of familial duty is rooted deep in me. “We’ll do this your way. But no more mesmerizing me. No more secrets.”

His answering vampire smile is dangerous. I see the hint of fangs in his mouth.

“I’m serious, Costin,” I warn. “You mesmerize me again against my will, and that’s it between us.”

“I won’t mesmerize you.” He is suddenly closer, though I didn’t see him move. I gasp in surprise. “But secrets, little castoff? Secrets keep us alive.”

The amulet pulses a heated warning against my chest. I still can’t tell if it’s warning me about Costin or the werewolves. Maybe both. Maybe neither. I haven’t been able to determine if Draakmar is my friend or a beast I have to keep subdued so he doesn’t spew lava over the world.

Anthony clears his throat. “If you two are done with your twisted courtship ritual, can we please get off the street? We’re drawing attention.”

I start to agree, but another wave of heat floods through me. This time, I hear Draakmar’s growling in my head. Somehow, I am able to translate wordsfrom the ancient sounds telling me that blood will flow under the moonlight and old powers are stirring.

I shake my head, trying to get the noise to stop. I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want another complicated prophecy or supernatural ritual. I just want to save Paul and send him home to his daughter.

When I look up, Costin is watching me with an intensity that makes me wonder just how much he knows about what’s coming. His calculating gaze reminds me of chess pieces being moved into position.

Why can’t Draakmar either say what he means or just keep quiet? The distractions are not helping me stay calm.

Not for the first time in recent months, I feel as if I’m straddling a large crack in the earth. On one side is the supernatural. On the other is humans. The crack slowly spreads, and soon, I’ll have to choose where to jump or fall into the dark chasm below.

“Then it is decided,” he says as if coming to a decision. “I’ll take you to the Alpha tomorrow night.”

“Why not now?” I insist, not wanting to wait. “The night is young.”

“He’ll need time to request an audience for us,” Anthony says, clearly expecting he’ll be going too.

“You need time to consider what you want toknow,” Costin adds. He strokes my cheek with the back of his hand, and I feel our connection pulling me toward him. “And remember, some questions are better left unasked. Wolves do not carry the best of men.”

“That’s cryptic,” I mutter.

Costin’s lip twitches like he’s going to smile, but then he disappears. I quickly look around but can’t see a trace of him.

Anthony touches my shoulder. “You certainly like them domineering.”

I frown at him, and he laughs.

“Hey, no judgment,” Anthony adds.

I ignore his attempt to lighten the mood. “What do you think this ritual is all about?”

“We shouldn’t talk about it out here.” Anthony pulls me with him down the sidewalk toward home.

I take a deep breath, trying to process everything. Draakmar seems to have calmed, but I fear it’s only for a short time. The dragon’s ominous message of blood and moonlight feels like a threat. I can’t help but feel that I’m walking straight into another prophecy. Only this time, I’m unsure if I’m the hero or the sacrifice.

Chapter

Six

“We had a visitor to the house while you were out.” Astrid’s voice drifts from behind her book as I pass through the penthouse living room toward the kitchen.

I don’t want to hear the end of what she has to say, so I pause just outside her view. It takes me a moment to slowly reverse my steps to face her. I’ve just changed my clothes after returning from the haircut appointment she foisted on me earlier in the day. Normally, I’d be annoyed, but at least I had something to pass the time. Not that Cosette’s chatter took my mind off of meeting the Alpha.

The sun is setting outside the wall of windows behind her. The light paints the balcony in shades of amber and blood.

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