Page 7 of Infernal Hearts

My memory floods back to all my magical training I tried to forget for the last three months. Green blood, blue blood, purple or black. It all means the same thing. No, it can’t be. I’m not doing this again.

“You’re a creature.” The scent of the blood finds me from here. It has a licorice and alcoholic scent, like the world’s finest absinthe.

He laughs and tips his head toward me. “Well, of course I’m a creature. What tipped you off?” He gives me a wide grin to show off his perfectly straight, white teeth. Might as well be fangs for all I care.

Nope. Not doing this. Not a chance.“You’ve got the wrong Dr. Blackwell. You’re looking for my father. He’s the one that works with magic.” Son of a bitch, this is just my luck. He needs to get out of here.

His face goes entirely flat, voice dry. “Seriously? There are two of you?”

“Yes. And if you could find me, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding him. Good night.” I push the door, but he slams his hand against it before it closes.

A sharp intake of breath before he clears his throat. “Are you really saying you can’t help me?”

I bite my tongue so hard that a copper taste ensues. “Can’t and won’t are different things. He deals with magic. I don’t. Now get your hand off my fucking door.”

He tips his head to the side, with a throaty laugh and severe eye contact. “My favorite part.”

His irises suddenly flare purple with a soft glow, making his tan skin look paler behind the light. “Oh, come on. You know you wanna help me. I’ll make it worth your while.”

Magic pours off him and fills the air. The fucking audacity of him to come to my house in the middle of the night and then try to use his powers to coerce me. “Are you done yet?”

The smile suddenly slips off his face, and he furrows his brow as he finally retracts his powers. “Wait… Why didn’t you say yes?”

“Because I already said no. Or did you not hear me the first time?”

His expression widens, and his words get sharp. “There’s no way. That works on everyone. I’m irresistible.”

I draw myself up to full height, and my ribs tighten. “No, you think highly of yourself. Have a good night.”

He pushes against the door again. “Okay, fine, listen. I’ve lost a lot of blood gettin’ to you. Whatever attacked me is still out here somewhere. I won’t make it on my own. Can you at least bring me to your dad? Or get him here?” His turns with a quick motion, eyes darting around the dark forest.

His breath grows labored, and a bead of sweat drips through his jet-black hair and down his forehead. He glances down at the pool of black liquid around his shoes. “Please.”

Goddamn it.

To say I’m rusty in magical healing is an understatement. My father would be the best person to handle this, but there’s no fucking way I’m calling him now after months without speaking. I’ve come this far on my own. I’ll just have to manage this, too.

But I swore an oath, just like all vets do.Primum non nocere—first do no harm. It applies to humans and creatures, and I suppose that means magical ones, too.

With a heavy sigh, and against my better judgment, I step aside. “Get in here.”

I’m a lot of things, but cold and callous isn’t one of them. Still though, the change of heart is giving me a flush of adrenaline and a fluttering feeling in my stomach. I can’t believe I’m doing this.

He jerks his head back, and his mouth falls open. “Really? Just like that? I actually convinced you?”

“Maybe you should try using your big-kid words next time instead of just jumping straight to magic.” I close the door behind him and motion for him to follow me to the back, avoiding looking at him as my face overheats.

What an asshole.

I don’t actually know how old he is—you can never tell with creatures—but he must be at least my age. I take a long, hard look into the night, but for now, my anxiety abates. I don’t think the attacker would be bold enough to break in here with a witness.

He shrugs as he steps farther into the lobby. “My way was more fun.”

“Your way was duplicitous.”

“That’s what I said. More fun.”

I ignore him, poking my tongue lightly into my cheek. I take a quick glance at my source of irritation. I was already tired to begin with, and now his verbal gymnastics are making me utterly exhausted.

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