Page 107 of Betrayed in Blood
She refilled her teacup and added a sugar cube she hadn’t added before. When she noticed Remus and him watching, she shrugged. “I’m diabetic. My vampires monitor what food I eat, what I drink, and how often I consume the juice.” She slid her bodyguards a glance with a sweet smile. “Worse than mother hens, but they only have my best interest at heart. I believe this discussion allows me some discretion.”
She stirred the tea and leaned back. “I’m not a scientist, but based on the lab results, I would say the marker you’re seeing is definitely the Blood Poppy. And yes, the juice has Blood Poppy in it. Not in a large amount, but in combination with other herbs meant to strengthen the mind and focus our natural mental energy.”
It was beginning to make sense, but Remus spoke first.
“This is what you explained about the Blood Poppy being the bringer of life. It’s the missing piece to the vampire’s fertility.”
She nodded. “And dreamwalkers as well, as it turns out. However, we didn’t know for sure until the vampires destroyed most of the poppy fields. Our own birth rates dropped except for those Tribes who still had access to the Blood Poppy. Isn’t it strange that the vampire and dreamwalker species both require the Blood Poppy for its survival as a race, yet the shifters don’t?”
“It seems that makes the shifters more kin to humans,” Remus offered.
“Or another species without the dependencies,” Colantha agreed.
“You said the juice was addictive.” Devon sat forward, remembering the taste of it and Cressa’s withdrawal symptoms.
“It’s quite addictive. That’s why I only use the bare minimum of Blood Poppy and why the juice can’t be drunk for long intervals.”
“I’ve suspected that Magic Poppy was derived from the Blood Poppy, yet there doesn’t seem to be much evidence to support that theory based on the lab results.”
“I noticed that.” Colantha set down her teacup. “I agree the two are linked, but we need a sample of the Magic Poppy to validate those assumptions. Something else would have to have been added to the Blood Poppy. That alone, regardless of the amount, wouldn’t create madness in a vampire or force the beast to take control. There must be other chemicals involved.”
Remus ran a hand through this hair. “There were other unidentifiable markers in the blood sample of Devon’s beast. They could be anything. I agree we need a sample of the Magic Poppy to determine any connection to the Blood Poppy.”
“We need to find Venizi’s lab.” Devon was positive all the answers were there.
“That was something I wanted to share with you,” Remus said. “We have a strong lead regarding the lab, and I’ve sent a team to investigate.”
ChapterThirty-Two
I slipped on my jeans,a sleeveless blouse, and sneakers and ran out the door, surprised it was almost time for lunch. It wasn’t that I didn’t need the sleep, but there was too much going on to sleep half the day away, even if we hadn’t returned to the manor until almost dawn.
I found Letty coming out of the room next door. It had been empty since I first came to the manor.
“Oh, Miss Cressa, I was just dropping off some food for Jacques. Your mother is still asleep.”
My mother. Devon must have put her there so I could be close to her. “Thank you, Letty. I just woke up and wasn’t sure where she was.”
Letty nodded and moved down the hall with a spring in her step. The house was crowded with vampires, humans, and shifters. Cook must have the kitchen staff hopping. It wasn’t often they got to show off their skills.
I was shaking my head when I gave the door a light tap and then entered.
Jacques wiped his mouth from what looked like a bite of a roast beef sandwich. “Sorry, I hope you don’t mind. I haven’t eaten since yesterday’s lunch.”
“Don’t you eat more often, or did the blood donation curb your appetite? I’ve always wondered and never seem to remember to ask Devon. He always ensures Cook provides three meals a day.”
Jacques wiped his hands and picked up a baked potato chip. Baked chips were the only kind Cook allowed in the manor. “The three meals are more a way to bring us together as a Family. I haven’t decided whether Cook is happy with that or not.”
“Why’s that?” I glanced at Mom, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully. It was an improved condition from how we’d originally found her.
“We never know who will be around for the meals, so Cook has to make meals based on who he thinks might be there. He could plan his own menus, then everyone either eats what’s served or not. But you know how he is. He wants to please everyone and surprise them with their favorites.”
I laughed. “Like my blueberry scones.”
He grinned and bit off the end of a pickle. “Exactly.”
“Has she stirred at all?”
“I’ve only been here an hour. We’re taking four-hour shifts. Bella said she’s been in the same position as when they put her in the bed. Madame Saldano gave her one of her potions that should calm her mind, even in sleep. Now it’s just a matter of waiting for the drugs to leave her system.”
