Page 29 of The Night Runs Red

My phone pinged, and I reached to pick it up to find Bri’s shining face. She’d sent me a selfie holding two cups and a bag of pastries from our favorite coffee shop, telling me she was on her way. I threw on a pair of leggings and a sweater before ambling downstairs.

I bypassed the kitchen, heading straight to the atrium on the outskirts of the massive lawn. The entire building was encased in enchanted glass that allowed the vampyres of the household to see the sun. I would sometimes sit there in the afternoons, drinking tea and watching the dogs run free as they were now.

Five massive black beasts bounded toward me, nearly knocking me to the ground as they pawed for my attention. “Sit. Sit!” I chided half-hearted, laughing as I pushed them away. “Have you missed me, babies?”

They followed obediently as I took a seat next to Anya. Each one waited patiently for me to greet them. “Nyx. Aurelia. Enyo. Poppy. Dex. Has Anya been spoiling you?”

I looked pointedly at the older woman, who held up her hands and smiled before pushing a plate of cookies my way. “They’ll never tell,” she said, giving me a quick once over. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine,” I lied. “Still sore, but I’m thankful for the fresh air.”

She scrunched her nose. “Let’s say I believe that bullshit you’re spouting; the way the master of the house has been stomping around all morning tells me something different.”

I picked up a chocolate chip cookie and nibbled mindlessly instead of answering her question. Rion’s issues had nothing to do with me. I’m sure he was upset at losing the moral high ground, given his mistress came calling while he was seconds away from ruining my body completely.

“I don’t know why his panties are in a twist, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Anya rolled her eyes. “Keep telling yourself that, girl. Maybe one day you’ll believe it.”

We both jerked our heads at the sound of a high pitch squeal behind us. Brielle ran up to us with her arms stuffed with breakfast snacks and coffee. I stood to help her, but she quickly tossed the food on the table and sank to her knees amongst the dogs, ignoring me altogether.

“OH. MY. GODS. THESE ARE THE CUTEST PUPPIES EVER!” she exclaimed as each dog clamored over the other to seek her attention. Soon, Brielle was completely submerged underneath them, only an occasional glimpse of her hand to be seen.

“You two are going to ruin them forever!” Anya chided, sifting through the bag for a lemon square.

I pointed at Anya. “Don’t pretend it’s our fault. You’re just as guilty.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Do too.”

“Oh, just like you don’t know what your husband is pissed off about?” She snapped her fingers, and the dogs backed away from Brielle, tails wagging and tongues lolling.

Brielle pouted. “Why’d you do that? Death by puppy cuddles is at the top of my list of ways to die.”

Anya shook her head. “You are both strange girls.”

I bumped her shoulder. “And here you are, hanging out with us.”

“Technically, I was here before either of you showed up. So much for enjoying the peace and quiet.”

Brielle pushed off the ground, taking a seat across from us. We quickly laid out the spread of food she’d brought, eating with our mouths full and laughing to our heart's content. After an hour, one of the dogs lifted its head and stared toward the main house. It wasn’t long until each dog sat at attention, their hackles raised.

My stomach dropped as the woman from last night walked out of the back door and began her trek through the hall toward us. Her black hair was cropped into a short bob that barely brushed the tops of her shoulders. It swung with each step she took, yet not a hair was out of place. She looked like the type of woman I could picture Rion with—beautiful, statuesque, and perfect in every way.

“Shit,” Anya muttered.

Brielle sat up straighter, pushing her hair over her shoulder. “Please tell me that’s not—”

“It is,” I said, forcing feelings of inadequacy into a tiny box inside my mind. Even the dogs sensed my irritation, their ears flattening back before emitting a low growl.

The woman stopped short, looking down at the dogs with disdain before forcing a smile and continuing toward us. She wobbled slightly, the heels of her shoes sinking into the fake grass. “Good morning. I was wondering if I could speak with Calia.”

Anya and Brielle looked at me, unsure if they should intervene or let it play out. Still, their eyes widened as I nodded and stood from the table. “Okay.” I followed her to a small grove of trees, obscuring us from the sun. Her sharp, blue eyes bore into me, scanning me for weakness. I wasn’t short, but she was at least four inches taller than I was in her shoes. “How can I help you?”

Her gaze dipped down my body, but I stood up a little straighter instead of shrinking in on myself as I wanted to. “I wanted to introduce myself, seeing as we will likely become… acquainted while you are here. My name is Senna.” She held out her hand, but I didn’t take it. Instead, I stared down at it and back up to her face. Her smile faltered, but she quickly covered it up with a chuckle. “I knew I would like you.”

“What did you want with my husband last night?”

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