Page 327 of Halfblood Deceived

“They didn’t inject while she was in her cell,” Aiko said. “I was keeping an eye on her.”

Zeydan felt a void, uncomfortable sensation in his chest. Evan closed his eyes for a moment, teeth clenched.

Aiko cringed at their combined attention.

“I’m sure Mari will figure out what’s happening to Aella,” Gabby said a bit too loudly.

Zeydan nodded. “So am I.”

“You look terrible, mate,” Lex commented, examining Zeydan.

“Andreas isn’t winning any beauty contests either,” Zeydan pointed out.

Andreas flipped him the bird.

“You both need to find hosts,” Kerian said. “I could connect you with more than willing males, or females, as you prefer.”

With his peripheral vision, Zeydan saw Isaiah go very, very still.

Andreas’ nose twitched. “I’m fine. Kamilla fed me. What I need is a shower.” With that, he left.

Luce sighed. “He’s so stubborn.” She smiled at Aiko. “Would you like to come to my room? You can shower, and I can give you some clothes to sleep in.” She caressed Aiko’s cheek. “You look tired.”

Aiko’s face turned faintly pink. “I’d like that very much.”

Gabby gave Zeydan a squeeze and then let him go. “I’ll come with you girls in case you need my help. Er, if that’s alright.”

Aiko nodded.

Gabby and Luce kept Aiko’s slow pace as they disappeared down the hall.

Kerian arched a brow at Zeydan. “So?”

“So what?” Zeydan asked.

Evan huffed. “This one is just as pigheaded as Andreas.” He met Zeydan’s gaze. “You can feed on me if you want.”

It wouldn’t be the first time. But Zeydan felt guilty over threatening Evan with a beating after Aella got hurt clearing Diana’s name. He had apologized for it already, but the remorseful discomfort remained.

“I’ll have some of Sebastian’s masterfully spiced sheep’s blood,” Zeydan hedged.

Kerian rolled his eyes.

Sebastian chuckled. “That won’t be enough this time and you know it. I’d volunteer, but my battery is low.”

Lex lifted his chin. “Don’t look at me, Zeydan. I’m saving myself for my beloved wife.”

Zeydan wrinkled his nose. “I was definitely not looking at you, Lex.”

“Perhaps I can offer an alternative,” Aroth said in that particular tone that made his rich voice sound inviting and unnerving as Hell all at once.

“Are you this creepy on purpose, or naturally?” Evan blurted. His eyes widened in a silent, ‘Oh, fuck,’ way.

Aroth gave Evan a slow once-over that was seductive and creepy. “Would you like to find out, pretty wolf?”

“Ooh,” Sebastian chanted, all too entertained.

Lex’s eyes went comically wide.

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