Page 28 of Visions in Blood
When he’d settled himself at the desk, he found it difficult to concentrate.Unable to get it off his mind, he walked across the room and opened the safe, removing the necklace.He’d never taken the time to examine it.It was cold to the touch.He would never forget the warmth of it when he’d ripped it from Cressa’s neck, as if some energy or magical essence had heated it.But now it lay dormant, and somehow, Cressa was the link.
He turned it around and noticed the images were the same on both sides, but on closer inspection, they were the same images but arranged in a different order.When he focused on the images themselves, his knees almost buckled.The first image was of a poppy.It could have been a rose or any other blossom, but there was no doubt in his mind—it was the Blood Poppy.There was also an ibis and a dagger.The dagger seemed familiar, but he couldn’t place the symbol that had been intricately carved within the handle.It was all interesting, but something to worry about later.One problem at a time.He placed the necklace back in the safe and returned to open theHouses of Vampire.
He had work to do.
Butterflies careenedaround my stomach like skaters at the Friday night roller derby, and they grew frenetic as I trudged down the hall.Barely an hour ago, I’d woken in warm sheets, my body languid, Devon’s scent on my skin.
I’d smiled at the memory of his kiss, his fangs on my neck, and his hands stroking my body.Without warning, he’d stepped away, and the loss of his heated flesh left cool air rippling over my skin.Lines had formed across his forehead that I interpreted as confusion and uncertainty, though the spark of icy blue in the depth of his gaze radiated desire.Something had spooked him, and, at the time, I couldn’t guess what it could be.Now, fully awake, I still didn’t know.I’d been reassuring him about something, but it was hazy, just out of reach as my memory of the previous dream had been.
The only thing I was positive about was that this dream hadn’t been like the last one where I wasn’t in control.No.This had been like the first ones, which meant the necklace had been the difference.The only question that remained was whether it presented a positive or negative force.Based on my initial reaction in the dream, I would lean toward negative.But the necklace hadn’t come with instructions, so the first try might have been simple pilot error.
My other takeaway was that Devon had somehow changed the dream.One moment, he was passionate and fully engaged.I could still feel his erection pressed against my leg.Then it was like someone doused him in ice water.It was possible the dream was supposed to end that way.At first, I was the one in control, but not at the end, otherwise I should have disappeared from the dream first—not him.
My stomach flipped when I entered the dining room.Devon wasn’t there.I was chagrined when relief and disappointment clashed, but the butterflies had calmed so I took the small victory.Simone, Sergi, and Anna were the only ones present.Lucas must be away on an assignment.The table was filled with platters of food, and based on the steam rising from the eggs, breakfast had just been served.
When they all greeted me with silent stares, I almost chuckled at how much Anna imitated them—a true vampire in the making.I ignored them and sat, adding nuts and fruit to the oatmeal that waited for me.Before taking a bite, I filled my coffee cup and leaned back to stare at the group who still hadn’t moved.I took a long sip, appreciating the excellence of Cook’s brew before I let the cup drop and rattle the saucer.
Anna was the only one who jumped, but Simone’s tawny gaze flashed a brilliant yellow.
“In case you didn’t notice, no screams came from my room last night, nor did I fall into a semi-comatose state.I woke up all on my own, cross my heart.”I physically crossed my heart with an expression I was certain mirrored a petulant middle-schooler.
Sergi snickered before he returned to his pile of eggs.Simone kept her cool gaze on me, her flash of vamp eyes now gone.
“You’re not taking your episode serious enough.”Simone ended her chastisement with a tsk before returning to the fresh fruit and yogurt she preferred.“Psychic residue speaks of dangerous games.I take it you took the healer’s potion to stave off any unwanted dreams?”
This seemed like the perfect time for that first bite of oatmeal, and I piled so much onto the spoon, it barely fit in my mouth.I caught her look of disapproval through my peripheral vision.
“Enough, Simone.”Sergi spoke between bites of egg and toast.“She’ll either do the smart thing or she won’t.There’s nothing you can do about it.”
“We’ve put a great deal of effort into training her.It would be a shame for her to not wake up one morning.”Simone bit into a slice of mango and gave me a sickly sweet smile.
I swallowed the lump of oatmeal and winced as it slithered down my throat, ending with a thud in my stomach, effectively burying any remaining butterflies.“Point taken.But Devon agrees that the episode, as you call it, was most likely created by the medallion, which is now safely locked away.”
Simone snorted.“And now everyone is an expert on this questionable necklace.”
“No one is an expert here, and I was remiss in ensuring that Cressa took the sleeping potion.”Devon strode in, but instead of going to his chair, he stopped next to me.“I’m sorry to interrupt your breakfast, but I could use your opinion on something.”
If I expected some hint of what happened in our dream to register with a spark in his gaze or a twitch of his lips, I remained disappointed.His features were cool and practiced, but he’d piqued my curiosity with what I could possibly offer in the way of advice.
I picked up my coffee, but he stayed my arm.
“You can have an espresso in my office.”
I slurped the rest of the coffee and followed him out the door, feeling everyone’s eyes on me.Even they didn’t have a clue.
When we reached his office, he shut the door behind us and held an arm out toward the sofa in front of the hearth where only embers remained.I slowed when I saw theHouses of Vampireon the coffee table, the scraps of bookmarks still in place.The book lay open at one of the torn sticky notes.
The sound of the espresso machine startled me before I took a seat in front of the book.He set two cups down then retrieved a plate with blueberry scones, which he pushed toward me.
“My way of apology.”
A grin slipped out.“You made these?”This probably wasn’t the best time, but I couldn’t help teasing him.
“No.I had Cook make them for you.”He looked perplexed, then he huffed out a sigh.
I reached for his arm.“I’m sorry.I appreciate the gesture.”
“You can be a difficult woman.”
