Page 63 of Addicted in Blood
“I could use some help to the bathroom.”Once I had privacy, I worked each of my limbs, testing their strength.When I was satisfied, I performed a few squats while holding onto the sink and managed to get back up easily enough.
A knock on the door preceded Bella’s shout.“I’m heading to Simone’s office.You’ll stay here, right?”
I waited a heartbeat.“I’ll probably drown in the tub while you’re gone.”
Once the outer door closed, I took a quick shower.I glanced around the bedroom, hoping the towel wrapped around my body wasn’t the only choice of attire.I opened several drawers before I found a pair of sweats that fit well enough.The windows faced the back of the estate.With the oak tree to the right, and the edge of the private garden wall to the left, I wasn’t far from Devon’s room.The problem was the chaotic interior design.I’d have to traverse a few hallways without getting caught.
Devon’s room would be easy enough to determine.I searched for rooms with double doors at the end of halls that faced the correct direction.If this didn’t work, there was always another plan.Maybe there was a staff person who didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to see Devon.Or maybe the gate to his private garden was unlocked.
After checking two halls and running into a pair of humans who smiled as they passed, I found the double doors at the end of the third hallway.I was relieved there wasn’t a guard.If the guard was inside, he’d block my entrance.More to the point—he could try.No one was stopping me from getting to Devon.Not after everything I’d gone through.I had to know if the beast was still with us, or if Devon had put it to rest.
I closed my eyes, counted to three, then tested the knob, which turned easily and quietly.The room was dark, the thick drapes pulled across the sliding glass doors that led to the balcony.A gas fire glowed on the left and the bed was to the right.I remembered this room from our shared dreams.
The lamp on the nightstand emanated a low, yellow light and revealed a form in the bed.I crept over and was only a couple feet away before I could see his face.
I sucked in a breath.My dreams had given me the answer.I hadn’t been sure, and it was more than I could have hoped for.Devon’s facial features had returned to his normal beautiful visage.His skin appeared tinged with bruises, but with the physical transformation he’d undergone, it wasn’t surprising.More blood would erase the last of the beast.
He looked so peaceful.After a bath, with his hair washed and dried—it was like the last week never happened.
When I stepped closer, I noticed three vials next to the lamp.The pink liquid was the headache remedy I had been given.The purple liquid was also familiar.Something about inducing deep sleep to prevent psychic dreams.Or, that was the case for me.There was no question he could use a solid night’s sleep.The third vial was clear with bits of rainbow-colored fragments floating in something thicker than water.I’d be interested in knowing its purpose.
I slipped into a nearby chair and watched him sleep, then felt awkward, unsure that I should be here.We’d been so close a week ago, and now, even after giving him my blood in such an intimate moment, I felt like an outsider.Ginger would help put this all in perspective.Whether I was still weak from blood loss or recovering from my dreamwalker training, I was beginning to question my actions.I should find someone to take me back to the manor.
Now that I was assured Devon was safe, it was best to let the cadre take care of him and clear him of Boretsky’s murder.Unable to stop myself, I moved a lock of hair from his forehead, my knuckles gently touching his skin and finding it cool to the touch.Another positive sign.
I leaned back to leave when his hand snaked out and grabbed my wrist.Rather than pull away, I moved closer and stared down into his warm blue gaze.All trace of the beast was gone.
“Don’t leave.”His voice was raspy from disuse and sleep.“Lay next to me.”
“I don’t want to make things worse.”Though I’d be happy to slide in next to him.
“I’ll heal faster if you do.”Was that a smirk?
“Really?I didn’t know I had such magical powers.”
“You tamed the beast.”
He wasn’t wrong.
“Please.”His soulful gaze and pouty lips played to my heartstrings, until a twitch developed at the corners of his mouth.He was up to something, but when he lifted the covers, revealing a good portion of his naked body, I didn’t care if he had an ulterior motive.I licked my lips, and he pulled me down.I needed to hold him, so I slid in next to him.
The bed was warm, and his familiar scent washed over me.We held each other—no kissing, no roaming hands—only arms hugging each other close.
“Thank you,” he whispered in my ear.“The beast thanks you.”
“I’m glad you’re both back to normal.”I lifted my head to look at him.“You are okay, right?”
“I need blood, but the healer wanted to wait until her potions had time to settle.My head is clear if a bit achy, and I’m fully in control again.You’ll need to tell me how you thought to do that, my brave little thief, but later.I think we could both use a little more sleep.”
We slept peacefully in each other’s arms, until his bedroom door burst open.Four vamps rushed the room before coming to an abrupt stop.
Devon swore and rolled over me in some protective gesture.When he saw who’d stormed in, he rose on an elbow so I could breathe again.
Lucas was the first to crack a grin before backing up to stand next to Bella, who gave me a sly smile, leaving Sergi and Simone out front.
“I’m sorry, Devon.”Simone, who shot me a glance, had to be second-guessing her actions.“When we discovered Cressa wasn’t in her room where I’d asked her to remain, we grew concerned.”
“And what?After risking herself to save me, she decided to sneak in my room and stab me with her dagger?”Devon stood, uncaring about his nakedness in front of the cadre.He searched the room until he found a robe that had been tossed on a chair.
