Page 77 of The Biting Bargain

Every time Vincent drank from me, I tried to file away a little shred of that sweet ecstasy coursing through my neural pathways. Like I’m trying to capture a string of moonlight for the dark, lonely winter nights that inevitably lie ahead of me once this is over.

He asked me to stay, yes. But to what end? He didn’t answer. And I know he won’t.

Because there is no answer. And I know I’m not gonna stay.

I’m just his companion. It’s not like there’s any kind of future for a witch without magic and a vampire with a curse problem. Once my purpose is fulfilled, I’ll get paid and sent home.

This is just an interlude.

And unfortunately, it’s over far too quickly.

ChapterThirty-Five

Vincent

I stareat the parchment on my desk.

I'm a sucker for tradition, but why theSocieta Vergiliiinsists on this completely outdated form of communication remains a mystery to me. They might as well have sent a herald along to read the message out to me.

"Hear thee, hear thee, the honorable Vampire Vincent Renard hath returneth to our ancient circle!"

Then again, the effect would have been half as dramatic via email.

"Your request has been permanently accepted. We are delighted to have the noble blood of the Renards back in our ranks ofSocieta Vergilii."

I read the words over and over, leaning back in my leather chair and swirling my glass of blood in my hand. Waiting for the feeling of triumph that should surge through me any second. After all, I have reached my goal. Really achieved it. The Club Elders have accepted me into the Lodge. Two hundred years of shame are erased. My family is finally back in the right light.

However, all I feel is a slight headache. And a pit in my stomach, telling me that I can no longer put this off.

"I guess the second good news is a reply from the witch?" I sigh.

"All the tests came back positive," Aidan says, smiling from ear to ear. "And the honorable witch Yli-Pekkala has confirmed that the counter curse has been reinstalled. Your werewolf is back in check. She was actually quite impressed with the craftsmanship."

"Ha," I mutter, staring into my glass. What excuse do I still have to keep her here? My knuckles turn white around the glass.

"You’ll be able to safely participate in the welcome ceremony, sir," Aidan goes on, pulling out a tablet. "No danger of you accidentally shifting."

"Terrific," I grumble and stand.

"Congratulations, sir." Aidan ticks something off on his tablet. "The ceremony will be held at the Royal Casino. We’ll make sure you make an entrance no-one in vampire society will forget for centuries to come. Would you like me to make a new appointment for Ms. Bukowski at Chez Pierre?"

"That won't be necessary."

Aidan's smile falters. "Excuse me, sir?"

My mouth feels terribly dry. I turn away from Aidan and step to the vast bookcase on the back wall. Countless ancient folios stare mockingly back at me.

"Her services are no longer needed now that my counter-curse has been reinstalled." My voice sounds strained in my own ears.

No, I no longer have any reason to keep her for myself. Can no longer justify withholding her freedom. To continue forcing her into a situation she would never have voluntarily gotten herself into.

She deserves better.

My assistant is stunned, his perfect features slightly flushing. "Of course not, sir. But I thought..."

"You don't have to think to do your damn job, Aidan," I say to the books. "Get everything ready for Ms. Bukowski's departure."

"Her… departure?"

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