Page 50 of How to Entice a Fiend

“Because… he doesn’t know much about her.”

“I really wasn’t… meaning to imply that I wanted to use you… if that was it,” Mads says. “I’m not going to lie. I’m using pretty much everyone in my life. While I know that’s wrong, I can’t fight worth a damn, so I’d probably be dead by now if I didn’t at least somewhat use people. It was dumb luck I ended up taking down that guy I stole the clothes from. I never wanted to be a vampire. I’ve never been good at it. You want to hear something hilarious? I really fucking hate vampires. I’ve just never met one who actually gives a shit about something worthwhile. I think most of them have lived for so many years that they get this sense of superiority. They’re convinced they’re better than everyone else. They’re older than me, so they expect that theyshould be able to control what I do. I was sent here by the UK council because they thought I was useless. Why waste their numbers when they could send someone useless like me out? They just needed people to go, ‘Yes, Callum SHOULD be the new council president. Callum is the best man I’ve ever met!’ so they can worm their way over here.”

I glance over at him. “How the fuck does anyone not realize you’re an intelligent and conniving man?”

“Right? Thank you! I’m over here double-agenting it and they’re oblivious! It’s because vampires focus on brute strength. They focus on who is oldest and who is strongest, which means I’m insignificant.”

“So if you don’t only work for the council, who do you work for?”

“See, I knew you’d ask me that. Would you believe me if I said that I don’t work for anyone in particular but am working for something I believe in? ThatIcare about?”

“I’m going to be real honest, if it doesn’t benefit me, I don’t care if you’re working for the British royalty.”

“I bet I’d look sexy in a crown and with a scepter. I mean… I have a scepter but a different one… if you get what I’m saying.”

I slowly look over at him and get the joy of seeing him trying to wink at me. It might have been considered sexy if he didn’t look like he’d gone through hell and back. “Are you calling your dick a scepter and have any belief that’s going to turn me on?”

“Well… a man willing to carry my naked body across a forest might be interested in my scepter jokes. The very man who stripped me. I’m just saying…”

“Go back to talking about being a double agent. Not that I care, but it’s leagues better than this shit,” I say as I keep walking, really wanting to get back to Rylee.

“Do you forgive me?” Mads asks.

“I was never mad at you.”

“Maybe not mad but disappointed,” he says.

I glower at him. “You honestly think I care enough about what you have to say to be disappointed?”

“I could hope. And I really think you do, even if you act all prickly on the outside. I generally leave a giant gap between me and others. But there’s something about you that I like. Now others, I just pretend to like so they will lower their defenses. You should try it sometime!”

“No. I’m not acting like anything or doing any of that shit.”

“It’s okay if you can’t act. I never was good at acting. I tried to join a theatre group once. They told me that I really had the heart but not the skills. I might have shed a tear of embarrassment.”

“Should have threatened to eat them. Literally anything I want, people give it to me,” I say, feeling like we’re not getting anywhere fast at the pace we’re walking. It’s like the small high from his blood is already wearing off.

Mads trots in front of me and kneels down. I’m not quite sure what this move is but it creeps me out and makes me want to boot him in the ass so I don’t end up staring at it. It’s the lack of blood causing my eyes to wander.

“What the hell are you doing?” I ask, well aware threats are the best way to hide any of these issues.

“You look tired, so hop on.”

“HA! There’s no way I would ever get on your back.”

When he looks back at me, his face is scrunched up. “What the hell? You carried me for miles, let me carry you for miles.”

“I would have to have lost at least four limbs to even consider it, and even then, I’m confident I’d still roll my way through these woods instead of relying on someone to carry me.” I hurry past that foolish idea.

He zips in front of me and kneels down again. “Have you really never had anyone to rely on, Ender? And don’t say Rylee.She’s as cute as a button but you cannot rely on a child. I’m here for you.”

“I wish you weren’t.”

“I will carry your load.”

My mind drifts back to him showing me his ass not even a minute ago. “I just feel uncomfortable about every second of this conversation,” I say as I walk around him.

“You’re the one with the dirty mind. My mind is full of innocence.”

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