Page 41 of Obsessed in Blood
“Considering our current relationship with vampires, most have practiced the technique to prevent such situations. Although Cressa has never trained for this, she has great power, and I believe I can guide her through the basics needed to free herself of Venizi’s hold.”
They stopped at Newberry Park on their way home. It was a decent-sized park for being close to the heart of the city, complete with a small lake that allowed paddle boats in good weather. There were three fountains in the park, and after a quick review of them, Devon was positive the second one they’d visited had been in Cressa’s construct.
Once back at the manor, they met in the library until Letty called them to dinner, where they discussed music, art, and Lyra’s paintings. After dinner, they went to their rooms to rest, agreeing to meet at two a.m. in the library. Instead of going to his room, he went to Cressa’s and locked the door behind him.
He strolled through her closet, stopping occasionally to smell a blouse or a dress, catching the soft remnants of her scent. They’d been through so much in the last two weeks. A true test of their commitment to each other. She had stuck with him, even when he’d blamed her for his fugue state. She might have backed off to give herself space from the cadre and him, but she hadn’t planned to run away. Instead, she wanted to move to Oasis until they worked through everything that had happened. It wasn’t fair that this would happen to her—to him—to them.
He picked up a quilt from a chair and laid down on her side of the bed. What was she doing at this moment? Dinner with Lorenzo? Something more intimate? He pulled the blanket close, her scent drifting over him. He turned on his side and tightened his grip on the quilt. “Wait for me, Cressa.”
I wokewith a start and sat up. No one was in the bedroom, but I’d felt a presence. I was sure of it. Minutes ticked by, and I sat quietly, barely breathing, waiting for someone to take a step. After five minutes, I released a sigh and fell back onto the pillow.
What had woken me?
I closed my eyes, trying to remember my dream. It seemed so real. There was a grotto with green grass, a stone bench, and a tangled hedge of roses. Deep red roses. Their scent was familiar, but I couldn’t place from where.
The scene changed to a bedroom. Again, it seemed familiar, but where I’d seen it was just out of reach. A cold hearth was off to the right, a door that probably led to the bathroom on the left. In the center of the room was a king-sized bed with a man curled on his side.
Curious, I tiptoed around the room to get a better look at him. He appeared to be asleep, and, with the low light, it was difficult to discern his features. His clothing was casual but high-end, and his hair, which covered most of his face, appeared dark blond, maybe light brown. He hugged a blanket to his chest.
I suspected he was a handsome man.
No.
He was a vamp. I don’t know why I thought that, but I was certain it was true. Something drew me to him, and I stepped closer—unafraid. This vamp wouldn’t hurt me.
Open your eyes, pretty vampire.
For a brief moment, I thought it would happen.
Then the door burst open, and I sprung up, eyes wide. I must have fallen asleep again.
Lorenzo stood in the doorway, and he looked mad.
I scrambled off the bed. It was evening, and I’d laid down with a book and must have fallen asleep. My blouse was wrinkled, but my pressed linen plants survived unscathed.
“Lorenzo. I’m sorry you caught me napping.” I held my hands clasped together in front of me. Guilt crept over me, but it had little to do with anything I might have done and more because of the dream.
He studied me, which only made me fidget. His steps were light as he strode toward me, scanning the room as he grew closer. When he reached me, he lifted my chin with a single finger, and I forced myself to remain still.
“I don’t want you spending any more time with Brigette.”
“Alright.” My voice held a slight tremor. “I wasn’t aware I was to avoid her.”
“She returned early from a trip, so I hadn’t concerned myself with those details.”
I forced my shoulders to relax. “Can I ask why? She seemed nice.”
At first, I thought he’d tell me, but then his face went blank. “It’s enough that I said it. I won’t have you questioning my orders.”
I stepped back. “Of course.”
He stroked my cheek, then marched out without another word.
I crawled onto the bed and grabbed a pillow, hugging it close. Something had changed, but I wasn’t sure what. And only one word kept running through my head—run.
ChapterFifteen
Colantha meandered around the library,moving from one artifact to another, perhaps preparing to create a construct. The fire blazed, and a tea service with light refreshments had been brought in along with a cooler filled with bottles of her special juice. Frederick and Jamison were stationed at the closed door but could easily reach any of them in seconds if the need arose.
