Page 58 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

“How did you even know I was here?” I demand, not budging.

“I put a tracking device in your purse earlier.”

“You didwhat?”

Ethan frowns like he can’t understand why I’m not following him out of the building like a good little vampire lamb. “Atracking device. You can put them on keys or electronics—any object you don’t want to lose, really. The only downside is you need to be close to other cell phones in order to?—”

“I’m an object you don’t want to lose?” I interrupt, my voice weirdly calm despite the anger building inside me.

Ethan laughs, unaware of the storm brewing. “My most prized possession.”

I huff out a breath, shaking a little. All my anger, my fear, and myragebubbles to the surface, escaping from whatever locked box I’ve been keeping them in.

“I’m not a possession, Ethan!” I suddenly yell, startling even myself. “I’m not athingto collect!”

Startled, Ethan’s eyes fly wide. Quickly, he collects himself and thensighslike I’m being a troublesome female. In a tone that’s both patronizing and too soothing, he says, “I suppose I phrased that badly. Just come with me, and we’ll figure this all out?—”

“I’m not going anywhere with you—not now, not ever. Noah and Cassian didn’t hold me hostage. Tracking you wasmyidea.”

Ethan works his jaw, and I can see how he’s trying to twist my words to mean something else. He keeps doing that—placing me on a pedestal, pretending I haven’t shown him repeatedly that I don’t want to have anything to do with him.

“Let me make this very clear,” I say. “We are not together, and we willneverbe together. You stole everything from me—my freedom, my humanity. I can’t even eat a cucumber.” I clench my fists at my side, tears welling in my eyes. “And donuts, Ethan! You tookdonutsfrom me. What kind of monster does that? I have to drink blood, eat steaks, and I’m freaking teething at twenty-eight years old! I’ll never be a mom or have a real family of my own. And I misssunshine.”

I hiccup past a sob.

“You’ve ruined my life,” I finish in an angry, shaking whisper.

“Piper.” Ethan’s losing his composure. His eye twitches, and he stands a little taller. “I understand you’re upset, but we’re going to get through this adjustment period together, my love?—”

“Don’t call me that,” I snarl. “You have no idea what love is. You don’t love me, and I certainly don’t love you.”

The words hit him just as hard as I intend, and his face contorts into something ugly. “You don’t mean that.”

“I do,” I swear. “I don’t want to see you again. I don’t want you to call me or show up out of the blue. We’redone.More than done—we never even started.”

“That’senough,” he finally snaps. “I understand you’ve had a traumatic day, but once you come to your senses, you will realize how ungrateful you’re acting.”

“Ungrateful?” My voice rises to a hysterical screech. “Ungrateful?”

“I gave you the gift of immortality. You are mine—my progeny.” He takes a menacing step forward. “And you will show me the honor I am due.”

“Ethan.” Sam’s tone is patient, but there’s a warning in it. “Calm down a little.”

“I owe you nothing,” I respond. “You’re not the head of my house—that honor belongs to Cassian.”

Ethan crosses the room so quickly I end up bumping into the uncomfortable couch while trying to get away from him. He grabs my arm, yanking me toward him. His fingers dig into my flesh, painful enough I’m sure they’ll leave a temporary bruise.

“You arenotCassian’s,” he snarls, his eyes wild. “You’re mine.Say it.Say you’re mine.”

I pull against him, struggling to get free, refusing to give in to him even though I’m scared now. My outburst felt good, but it wasn’t smart, not while I’m alone in this room with him and his assassin.

But I can’t bring myself to say what he wants to hear, not even to save myself.

“No,” I grit through my teeth.

“SAY IT!” he yells, shaking me so hard my neck hurts.

I turn quickly, trying to wrench myself free like Noah taught me, but Ethan is expecting it. He crushes my back against his chest with an iron-like grip, and then he digs his fangs into my neck.

---