Page 69 of Infernal Hearts

“Come on.” I press my hand into his lower back, guiding him inside the truck. “Let’s go home.”

Jay leans against the door as we wind down the dirt trail. I can tell something’s on his mind, but I don’t want to push him. But he finally speaks up on his own. “You shouldn’t have made that deal with him.”

My head jerks toward him. “What are you talking about?”

Jay’s jaw goes sharp. “He would still be alive if you hadn’t.”

I can’t believe I’m hearing this. “Says who?”

His eyes go steely as he peers into mine. “I do. He was a powerful vampire that could have defended himself if he had his powers. You basically signed his death warrant by taking all of that away.”

The fact that any of this is coming out of his mouth makes medizzy. “That’s not fair to say. He asked for this.”

The volume of his voice shoots up through gritted teeth. “It doesn’t matter. You should have said no. Offered something else. Anything else.”

I don’t even know why I should defend myself to someone who has no idea what they’re talking about. “You don’t understand. I’ve only been alive for a hundred years, and that already feels like an eternity. But five thousand? Do you know what kind of pain comes with that? No family, no friends, and all because you outlive them. It’s so lonely, it’s not even funny.”

And it’s true. I may not show it, but deep down, I ache for someone to be by my side. Gorgons can live for a thousand years, but even Rani will die eventually. I’m trapped in an endless cycle.

The indignity of Jay putting this on me without trying to understand slices my heart. What he’s saying isn’t fair in the slightest.

He stares at me for a few moments before taking a deep breath. “That sounds truly awful, but I just can’t believe what happened. A man isdead, Levi, and it feels like there’s something we could have done.”

He blames me, and my nostrils flare as soon as the words leave his mouth. While it’s making me want to lash out at him, I’m not about to fight about it. “Me, too, but whoever did this is the one we should be blaming.”

Jay sighs, running his hand over his face. “You’re right. I’m sorry for putting this all on you.”

My temperature drops to a normal level, and the tension in my muscles lets up. “Apology accepted.” I blindly reach over and put my hand on his thigh. “It’ll be okay.”

Deep down, I truly hope that.

Chapter Twelve

Jason

“Blackwell Veterinary, please hold.” Andrew clicks a button on the phone. “Welcome in. How can I help you?”

The thought of Mr. Aranda still plagues my mind. The sight and the smell was too much to handle. I’m embarrassed for getting sick in front of Levi, and I honestly hope he doesn’t think I’m a weakling. At the very least, he was kind and patient whether he meant it or not.

The flashbacksstill paralyze me. Not to mention that we weren’t able to follow up on the lead about my dad disappearing outside the country.

I barely have time to relax when the door to the office flies open. A woman in a strappy black dress, heels, and sunglasses storms in. Her long black hair is writhing against her russet skin.

“Where is he?!” She slams the door behind her.

Shit, there’s only one person she could be looking for, and I think I know who this is. Luckily, there are no clients inside to witness the scene.

I hold up my hands carefully, trying not to make any sudden movements. “You must be Rani. Levi’s—”

“‘Safe and sound’ had better be the next words out of your mouth or you’ll be a chunk of useless rock before you know it. He hasn’t been answering his phone all day.”

“If you’ll just let me answer—”

“I know he’s here! Bring him to me!”

The door opens behind her, and Levi walks in. He clears his throat to get her attention. “It’s all right, Rani. I’m right here.”

Her head snaps around to him, and she pushes off the counter. “Thank God. Where the hell have you been?” She stops, eyeing him up and down. “And what the fuck are you wearing?”

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