Page 35 of Deceived

Anna laughs softly. “Well, you’re the only one here who has offered me their blood so you don’t even have to worry about that.”

I stiffen. Why does it feel like I’m being called out? Blaze’s face is stone as usual but Griffyn looks guilty as fuck. If they’re together why wouldn’t he have done that with her?

Unless… no. He wouldn’t keep that from her, he wants a relationship, unlike me. If he had that connection to her, he would be screaming it from the rooftops.

Felix leans in to give her a thorough kiss.

I get up, needing space from the rest of them. I have contacts to reach out to and get updates from. Plus, a vampire to bring breakfast to.

I could delegate it, but I use these feedings to get a read on him. With my empathy gifts, I’m best suited to ensure he has no ill intentions towards us.

I grab a bagel from the fridge and a glass of water before heading down.

The lights are off when I open the door. I click the switch, bathing the stairs in light.

Ryan, or I guess it’s Rion now, is leaning up against the wall. He doesn’t look good. His face is sallow and pallor with dark purple circles under his eyes.

“Oh good,” he says sarcastically.

I don’t react except by tossing him the bagel. He catches it, ripping a bite off with his teeth.

“You know I’m starving, but this won’t satisfy me.”

I feel him out, noticing tendrils of annoyance, distrust, and dislike but nothing powerful enough to be alarming. It’s the default for most people when I’m around.

“I can’t give you something that will make you stronger,” I reply.

His eyes narrow. “You know no matter how much blood I drink, I wouldn’t be able to escape these chains.”

He’s right. I’m still not getting him blood so I just shrug.

I release him from the wall so he can make use of the bathroom down here, then reattach him.

I’m glaring at him while he resettles.

“You certainly seem to hate me,” he says,

I nod, not denying it.

“Because you think I’m Killian?” He asks.

“No.” Then, before I can stop the words, I admit the truth, “You hurt Anna whether intentionally or not. Being around you put her in danger and changed her life. She died and now you’re back, a constant reminder for her of the pain she went through.”

He winces, pressing a hand against his heart. Good, I’m glad the truth hurts.

I turn on my heel and leave.

Eleven

Anna

Everyone is getting antsy as the ball gets closer. It’s making me more nervous than I want to be.

Griffyn and I are hanging out watching TV in the living room, snuggled together on the couch.

Felix walks in from giving the hospital another call.

“What’s happening with Michael?” I ask.

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