Page 20 of Betrayed in Blood
While I waited for his breathing to slow, I laid in the crook of his arm and stared at a spot on the ceiling. It was questionable how much Gregor knew of the fertility problem or, if he did know, how much he’d be willing to share. He’d allowed us to visit with dreamwalkers and baby vamps, but how much more was he willing to risk for his Family—his House?
It was time to leave, yet I wasn’t convinced Devon was ready to go home. His discovery that El Recinto didn’t have a fertility problem was something he’d need to come to terms with. The beast would rise, and it was only time before its rage would spark a light in Devon.
A soft tap on the door woke me, and I stole a quick glance at Devon. His eyes were open, and it was his turn to stare at the ceiling. I rose, grabbed a robe, and answered the door.
A maid stood outside with a tray. “Mistress Sonja thought you’d prefer a light meal in your room this evening. She wasn’t sure if coffee or wine was preferred, so she asked me to add both.”
“This is perfect.” I took the tray from her. “Thank your mistress for me. I’ll contact her later this evening.”
The maid nodded and waited for me to back up before she grasped the door handle and shut the door.
I set the tray down. The coffee was in a thermos to keep it warm, and the bottle of wine had already been decanted. I lifted the dome lids to find huge roast beef sandwiches, what looked like homemade potato chips, a tossed salad with dressing on the side, and oatmeal cookies for dessert.
Then I noticed the vial between the linen napkins. It was purple. A sleep potion. I glanced at Devon, who was still staring at the ceiling, his face a blank slate.
I closed my eyes, thinking back to how many doses I’d given to my vamp guard during my escape from Shadow Island. I added two drops to a small glass of water, surprised at how easily Devon drank it down without question.
He was either really thirsty or trusted me to do what was best. Yeah, he was out of it.
I laid with him for another hour, finishing my thoughts around a plan. Once I’d made up my mind, I got out of bed and searched for my cell.
I punched the third number on my contact list and listened to the ring.
“What can I do for you, Cressa?”
When I couldn’t get any words out, Simone asked, “Is everything all right?”
“There’s no emergency.” I paused. “But, no, we have a problem. Have Lucas and Ginger returned yet?”
“Sergi tells me it will be three or four more days.”
I sighed. Perfect. “This needs to stay between you and me. Well, maybe the cadre, but I’ll let you decide that. I need a huge favor, and I’m hoping you can help us.”
I woketo icy blue eyes that warmed as I turned to face Devon. I ran a hand down his cheek and snuggled closer.
“You drugged me.”
“How do you feel?”
“Amazed. Angry. Disillusioned.”
“What time is it?”
“It’s early.”
“Did you just wake?”
He nodded. “No headache. Physically, I feel good.”
I sat up and glanced out the window. Based on the soft rosy glow, the sun was just rising. I rubbed my face and stretched. “I spoke with Sonja last night, and they understood that we would miss dinner.”
“I vaguely remember eating.”
I grinned. “You woke for a short time. Ravenous, I might add. You ate a sandwich, potato chips, and an oatmeal cookie.”
“The chips were homemade.”
“You drank a cup of coffee?—”
