Page 63 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

“House Sorin.”

“Why does that sound familiar?”

“Because that’s Larissa’s house as well.”

If I were the swearing type, I’d definitely say something really bad right now.

I glance around to make sure no one is close enough to overhear us. Thankfully, they’re all distracted by the murder.

“When were you going to tell me?” I demand.

My conservator looks uncomfortable, like he doesn’t want to be having this conversation. Well, too bad.

“Cassian,” I warn.

“I’ve been waiting for the right time,” he finally says.

I yank him to the side of the room, away from the chaos. “I don’t know those people, but now I apparently belong to them?”

“It’s going to be fine.”

“Do you know them?”

“Not well. They keep to themselves.”

“Cassian.”

“I’m working on it.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’ve figured out a way to adopt you into my house, all right? Just give me some time. And for now, we’re going to keep you away from House Sorin so they don’t realize you’re one of theirs.”

“How can you adopt me?”

He sets his jaw, refusing to answer.

“Cassian!”

“Patience, bunny.” Just to be annoying, he pats my head. “I’ll reveal everything when it’s time.”

“Never mind, I don’t want to be in your stupid house anyway.”

Cassian laughs. “You lost blood. You’re going to need an extra dose tonight.”

Suddenly chilled even though Miami is freaking hot, I hug myself. “I feel so gross,” I admit quietly. “I can’t believe Ethan managed to bite me again.”

His eyes flash. “If he weren’t dead, I’d kill him.”

“Did you see the security footage?” I ask quietly. “There’s a camera in this room. It caught the whole thing.”

That feels gross, too. There’s a video of my attack—a record of it happening. I’ll never be able to put it behind me because it will always exist in some digital record.

Sensing I’m near my breaking point, Cassian wraps his arm around my shoulders. I lean against him limply, arms hanging at my sides. We exist in silence, two vampires tired of the world we’ve found ourselves in.

A few minutes later, Noah joins us.

“Why don’t you two head back to the hotel?” Cassian suggests, giving my arm a brotherly squeeze and then letting me go. “I’ll finish up here.”

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