Page 22 of Dark Desire
I screwed my eyes shut, a hiss escaping through my fangs as my body shuddered from the restraint I was showing. I couldn’t even question Ambroz’s disturbing mention of claiming her soul. That wasn't part of our plan. When the sink came loose from the wall because I gripped it too tightly, I knew I was in dangerous territory. Not only was I at risk of ruining everything on impulse, but I'd also expose myself to Beryl and others if I didn’t get a grip. I couldn’t be here.
Lifting my head, I opened the bathroom window and climbed out, completely naked. I shifted into Ambroz, allowing our black and red feathered wings to expand behind us before diving out the window, swooping low and then frantically beating our wings to rise into the clouds where we wouldn’t be seen. Flying in demon form was always risky, but even more so during the day. Still, I had no other option. I needed some distance from the witch to screw my head back on.
It took more than an hour before the Romano Castle came into view. Its hauntingly beautiful gothic structure stood out against the surrounding evergreen forest and vampire village. I descended, landing on the gravel driveway, and was immediately swarmed by twenty vampire soldiers, circling me.
“It’s fine! He’s welcome,” an authoritative voice commanded, and I turned to glance over my shoulder to find Arius Romano standing in the entrance to the castle. His blue and brown eyeslooked my naked, tired body up and down with amusement, and with a stern nod, he dismissed his soldiers, causing them all to fall back and leave me alone.
“Arius,” I greeted with a slight bow of my head as I strolled up the castle steps towards him. I didn’t like many people, trusted even fewer, but I owed this man my life. He was the one who sensed the raven curse on me and brought me back to my true self.
“Zoran. Good to see you. Though I didn’t expect to see quite so much of you,” he teased, folding his arms across his chest. “Do you mind if I put some clothes on you before you come in? You’re putting a lot of my soldiers to shame.”
“Carry on. More Luka’s style, not Leif’s though.”
He chuckled and snapped his fingers, dressing me in black jeans and a black T-shirt. I nodded my approval. “Come on in. Everyone will be happy to see you. Luka and Hana especially.”
We walked through the grand foyer and down to the family’s private quarters. We stopped by the kitchen and Arius gave me three blood bags to take the edge off my thirst, but if I was being honest, it barely touched the sides. It wasn’t just anyone’s blood I was craving. It was hers.
“Zoran!”
I spun around to see my little sister standing in the doorway. She was radiating with happiness, her smile beaming and her bright green eyes sparkling as she saw me. Before I had even taken the blood bag out of my mouth, she had bulldozed into me with her vampire speed.
Wrapping one arm around her shoulders, I lowered my voice as I spoke to her in Serbian, our native language. “Baby sister. Are they treating you well?”
“Yes,” she answered, pulling back from my embrace to peer up at my face. She was tall for a woman but still nowhere near my height. “I love it here. Everyone is so amazing, and Ronnieis treating me like a princess. I’m just so happy, Zoran. I never knew life could be like this.”
I smiled at her, tugging her back into my chest and kissed the top of her head. “That is good, Hana. That is very good. You deserve it and more.”
She squeezed me tight before stepping back. “What of the witch? Luka said you’ve found her, but she’s hard to get to.”
I nodded, not wanting to elaborate on that and thank the gods I didn’t have to because Ilaria came bursting into the room.
“Zoran! You’re back! Does that mean she’s dead?” she asked. I smirked because I really liked how blunt my brother’s mate was. Always to the point. No bullshit.
“Not yet. But soon,” I answered. “Where’s Luka?”
“He and Ronnie are hunting,” Hana answered. I frowned.
“Hunting?”
“Green list,” Ilaria clarified. I nodded. Good. Luka was teaching Ronnie how to be a vicious vampire, worthy and able to protect our sister. Not that she needed it. She could take care of herself if needed.
“I’m actually here to see Leif. Any chance he’s back yet?” It was Friday after all. Family night.
“Not yet. He’ll probably be here in an hour or two. You look exhausted. Do you want to rest in your room until then?” Ilaria asked. “I’ll get the cooks to prepare something for you, too. We have a few fresh organs in the fridge for Luka and Hana. I’m sure they won’t mind sharing.” Ilaria smiled.
I licked my lips, glancing at Hana’s hopeful and pleading expression. “Yeah. Sure. Thanks.”
I took the stairs up to what they liked to call my room. It wasn’t my room, just a room. A room they had designated for me and said was mine to help me feel more at home here. As I stepped inside, I looked around at the black, grey, and cream decor, the large king-size bed, and the beautiful furniture. None of it wasmine. Nothing in here belonged to me. I had no belongings. I had nothing, not even the clothes I was wearing, since Arius just spelled them onto me.
It was a freeing thought that I had nothing to tie me down, but also a gut-wrenching one. My life amounted to very little. I owned nothing. I had achieved nothing. I didn’t have a home. My siblings were moving on without me. And I was still stuck in my past, focused on my pain. Once I sought my revenge, then what? What do I do with my life knowing I will never have a soulmate? Knowing I will be destined to walk this Earth alone until my light fades, just like the stars. I should have died in that fire. I should have died with my father. I know that deep at my core. That was supposed to be my destiny. I had cheated death, and I’d felt lost ever since.
I lay on top of the expensive bedding and gazed up at the ceiling. A knock sounded at the door, and Ilaria peeked in, balancing a tray of food. I got up and took it from her, thanking her for bringing it to me herself. She knew I didn’t like strangers in my personal space.
Placing the tray on the table, I lifted the silver dome to find a very human-looking plate of food.
“It’s deceiving. That is stew but instead of slow-cooked meat, you have slow-cooked organs.” She placed her hands on her hips with a look of triumph, and I couldn’t hide the small smile that played on my lips.
“Genius. Now we can pretend we aren’t monsters and eat our dinner with a silver spoon.”
