Page 32 of Bite of Sin

Viggo glanced over Zan’s shoulder at me. “We gave her a job and a home that’s a hell of a lot better than the center. I’d say we did her a favor.”

“A favor?” Their audacity had rage heating my veins. “Does that mean I can decline the job you so fuckinggraciouslyoffered me? And I can leave?”

Zan chuckled. “You’re my responsibility now since you’re not going to the center.”

“Because you decided it,” I gritted out.

Instead of answering, he grabbed the chain of the necklace and pulled it out from under my shirt. He slid his fingers down the chain until he was grasping the round pendant, his eyes not leaving mine.

“Do you remember what I said this necklace does?” he asked in a low voice.

I scowled. “Your exact words? That it claims me as yours. But let me make myself perfectly clear—I willneveraccept that.”

He tugged on the chain, and I arched my back to keep from falling against him. My hand lashed up, grabbing his wrist to keep him from pulling me forward more. Not that my strength was anything compared to his. But he stilled, his gaze going to my hand before going to my face again.

“It also means that you can’t go anywhere without me finding you.” His words had my heart skipping a beat. “How do you think I found you here? Even if you did get out of the city last night, it wouldn’t have changed anything. I thought I’d let you know so you don’t waste your time trying to escape again.”

“What’s in the necklace?” I hissed.

“In a few months, once your senses are honed, you’ll be able to smell it yourself.” He let go of the necklace before taking a step back and motioning for me to start walking. “You’re late. I’m sure Gia is waiting. Let’s go.”

The walk to Impulse was silent, and I made sure to keep up with Zan and Viggo so they had no reason to touch me. How the hell was I going to keep this gun hidden? I remembered what Gia had said about finding me clothes. I wouldn’t be able to keep it concealed if the clothes were tight. Panic clung to me as Zan opened the front door, ushering me inside, just like he had last night. Only this time, the place was still empty. The red strobe lights that had shadowed the room last night were off and the overhead white lights were dim, but the space was still visible.

Gia and the girl who Viggo had fed on last night, Dee, were clearing the tables. Gia swiped an armful of empty bottles into a garbage can before straightening up and glancing at me.

“We open in an hour,” she told me with a cheery smile.

“It looks like the party just ended,” I mumbled.

Dee didn’t stop sweeping the floor as she responded. “We don’t clean up when we close. We do it before we open. Days are for relaxing and sleeping.”

The humans here must follow the same schedule as vampires. Dee was wearing sweats, and her dirty blond hair was thrown in a messy bun, looking like she just rolled out of bed. I stared at the tattoo on her neck, wondering what was so special about theKsymbol. Depending on how long I was stuck here, I might find out before I leave. Zan’s words clouded my mind, and I stiffened. Was he telling the truth about being able to find me with this necklace? I guessed I’d find out. Because his threat wasn’t going to stop me from leaving.

“Your clothes are in there.” Gia pointed to a door behind her. “Go change to make sure it fits.”

“I can just wear this—”

“No,” Gia interrupted me. “This club has a reputation, and what you’re wearing won’t do.”

I opened my mouth to protest, needing to find a way to stay in my own clothes so I could keep my gun. Before a word left my mouth, Zan grabbed my arm, stepping in front of me.

“I wouldn’t argue with her,” he murmured under his breath, leaning closer to me. “She might always be smiling, but she’ll be the first to rip your throat out if she gets annoyed. She has a short temper.”

“It’s not polite to gossip, Zan,” Gia chastised with a wink as I glanced at her over Zan’s shoulder. “And my temper is much better than yours.”

It wasn’t lost on me that she’d heard his words even though she was across the room. Anything I said here wouldn’t be private, and I’d have to remember that.

“You told me this necklace protects me from other vampires,” I said, tilting my head. “Or were your words lies?”

Shock lined his features for a moment before he masked it. With a grin, he leaned even closer until his lips were inches from mine. “I haven’t lied to you. But it’s still not a good idea to rile up vampires until you reach your full strength. Especially when you have no idea how this city works. Now go change like Gia wants.”

I gritted my teeth, his orders pissing me right the fuck off. But seeing as I was hiding a gun and a stake, I backed away a few feet before turning around and striding to the door Gia had pointed to. I quickly slipped inside, shutting the door behind me, grateful there was a lock. The room was small, with just enough space for two short couches pushed against the wall and a small glass table in the middle, where a pile of folded clothes and a pair of heels were sitting. I slumped against the door, sucking in deep breaths.

The lotion I’d put on should last the night, and if I didn’t fuck up, I should be able to walk out of here alive. I lifted my head, scanning the tiny room again. My stomach twisted painfully, not wanting to part with my gun. But one glance at the clothes Gia had laid out proved I wouldn’t be able to hide it on me. With a sigh, I stepped forward, grabbing a back cushion off one of the couches. It had a zipper, and I slowly unzipped it, hoping it wasn’t loud enough for any of them to hear through the door.

Once it was open a few inches, I took out my gun and stashed it inside. I closed the cloth back up, repositioning the cushion. I hoped to everything that whoever sat here wouldn’t be able to feel the gun through the cushion. I sat down, checking for myself, feeling a little better when I didn’t notice it.

Then I grabbed the clothes, my lips parting as I looked at them. I’d never worn clothes like this in my life. I lived in things that were practical and easy to move in. These were the exact opposite. The top was black leather and strapless. There was a corset-type tie that ran along the front, which I was grateful for. At least I could make it tight enough to keep from slipping down if I needed to run.

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