Page 31 of Captive Hybrid

Chapter Thirteen

Zenna

I will never take a bed—a real bed—for granted again. Apparently, even vampires can appreciate a good mattress. To my surprise, Evelyn sets me up in my own room—her guest room. To my further surprise, it’s nice: dusty pink and crème scheme, with a double bed in the center, armchair, small wardrobe and bedsides. Not much, but perfect, really.

I had a good sleep for the first time in what feels like weeks. I’m even wearing pyjamas she left me—a satin green tank and long pants. A perfect colour match to the vines on my arms. Stretching, I sit up in bed.

This is much better than a cell, but I’m all too aware that I now have a vampire for a roommate, and while they could have easily broken into my cell, now all Evelyn would have to do is turn around and bite me. Even if she claims I’m not what she likes to eat. Drink. Whatever.

I will not forget that I am as much a prisoner today as I was yesterday. I will do everything I can to thwart those who hold me here against my will, whether they snarl at me like Callen, or smile like Evelyn. They are all my captors. So, for now, I have to keep my head in the game, and soak up as much information as I can.

I close my eyes, appreciating the privacy of my own room. I’d sent a quick message down the bond last night to Mordecai that I was okay—he freaked out a little that he’d felt the bolt of fear when Evelyn said she likes witches—which seemed to calm him.

Hey, are you there?Pain flares in my head and I wince. I’m wondering if Divina’s spell strains our bond, causing the pain, but I don’t have the energy to ask.

Good morning.Mordecai’s voice is calmer than last night, almost lazy. Actually, it would have been very early morning when everything happened. I stare at the clock on the wall. It’s a little after ten in the morning. How are you? he asks.

It’s such a bizarrely normal question. I have to fight back the sarcasm. Oh, you know, still captive with vampires. I’m fine, I say. Actually had a decent sleep.

So, let me get this straight. You’re now roommates with a vampire? Why?

Drusilla is trying to get me on her good side. As if she has one. And Evelyn has promised to show me around more. I’m hoping to basically send you schematics of this place—they call it the Tomb—over the next few days. There must be a way out of here. I plan to find it.

Mordecai pauses. I can feel his displeasure. I don’t like it. Don’t risk yourself.

I bite back a huff. I’m here. I need to know how to get out. I can use my vines now, you know. I could have killed Evelyn.

That’s amazing, Zen, but one vampire is different to a whole nest of them.

And Evelyn didn’t fight back. I know she didn’t, or she would never earn my trust. I run a hand through my hair, hoping there’s a shower in Evelyn’s place. I wonder where she’ll take me today. I hate to admit it, but Mordecai is right. I stare down at my forearms, willing the vines to shimmer over my skin. Then ask Divina how I can use them to take down more if I need to.

An impatient, disagreeable huff. I know you might find this hard to believe, his voice is gentle in my mind, but I don’t want you in danger. You scared the shit out of me this morning.

I blink. After a long pause, I did?

Another pause, a little awkward. Well, yeah, Zenna. You were scared. His voice deepens with anger. I thought someone was hurting you.

A dry laugh escapes my lips. I know he can hear it, feel it. Are you being protective now, Mordecai? I climb off the bed and pick through the clothes Evelyn put in the white wardrobe.

After a full minute, as I’m about to leave the room, a soft, low response comes. Yes.

Showered and dressed, I lower myself to the dining table across from Evelyn. I don’t know that I could ever get used to being this close to a vampire. Her unnatural stillness is unnerving as she watches me stare at my plate.

‘Please stop doing that. It’s really creepy.’ The words pour out of my mouth before I can stop them.

Evelyn’s fiery eyes blink. ‘Doing what?’

‘Staring at me, all still like a statue.’

‘Oh.’ Evelyn makes a show of sitting up straighter, blinking more, and visibly breathing. ‘Sorry,’ she murmurs.

I try not to roll my eyes at the stilted movements. She’s making an effort. I eat my fruit, avoiding her gaze. ‘So,’ I say, in an effort to distract myself, ‘where are you taking me today?’ I can’t imagine the depths of this underground maze, or what horrors I may witness.

The vampire busies herself with her nails. ‘What did Callen and Godric tell you of this place?’

I push the fruit around on my plate. ‘Godric isn’t very chatty. Callen mentioned something about women sitting on his lap while he bites them?’ I try to swallow the swell of nausea in my stomach. I can’t imagine a person wanting to do that.

‘Oh, yeah, the Den. We can go there first.’

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