Page 20 of Prey

Tessa’s thoughts came back through. “If I tell them to go away, how pissed are they going to be? They’re vampires. Do they want to kill me, too?”

“I’m sorry, I’m late. I have to go.” Tessa sounded winded.

“Surely you have a little time. Beatrice, lean in closer and tell me what you think. Is that two exchanges?

My eyes flew open and the door hit the wall at my jerk. My feet wouldn’t move fast enough as I pounded down the hall and broke into the main room. People were out in droves, walking amongst the stores. I felt for Tessa, spotting her as two of the members of le Cercle led her toward the table.

“Tessa.” My voice was deep, controlling, as I approached, grabbed her arm, and pulled her toward me. The fear of me was in her eyes, but she didn’t stop from slamming her elbow into my side.

“Don’t you even start. I’m going home.” She turned back to the members. “It was so very nice to meet you both. I hope you have a wonderful day.” With that, she turned and walked at a fast pace toward the stairs.

Beatrice shook her head. “Your blood is strong within her. Should we be expecting her at your feet soon?” Valencia’s stare was hard and Beatrice’s wasn’t any different as they waited. My gaze fixed on Tessa just as her feet disappeared into the darkness. If I said yes, there was no going back on my word. There hadn’t been a slave amongst members for as long as I could remember. Most had concubines who sat at their designated table, but a slave…they were so beneath us.

“Hesitation. You haven’t decided.”

My jaw clenched and I jerked my gaze back to them. “No, I know what I want. She’ll be dead before the month is out.”

Chapter 9

Hunter

My hand clenched around my gun as my eyes stayed glued to the television. Surely there was panic in the streets. This couldn’t be true. How? But I knew it was. The announcement was on every station. And from the President, no less.

This has been a big year of a change. Of growth. We’ve come so far in both understanding and adversity. What we thought was unacceptable fifty years ago has shown in these days that we can do anything. Be anyone. I know the uncertainty is there. It was for me at first, too, but I ask that you try to be understanding. Everything will go on as normal. The term vampire may sound scary, but these people are already here. They work at our hospitals. They teach at our colleges. Night classes, of course,” he said, laughing. “But, in all fairness, I ask that you refrain from judgment or panic. We’re an accepting generation. Keep that in mind.

I hit the power button, shaking my head. I’d seen the same clip at least half a dozen times. Still, it was hard to believe.

“We’re an accepting generation.” The sarcasm was thick in my tone. “Ridiculous. Accepting, my ass.” I reached forward, grabbing my beer. The door opening had me pushing to my feet.

“Tessa. You’re home early. Did they let you go because of the news?”

Her eyebrows drew in, confused. “What news?” Her purse fell to the counter and she was already heading for the hallway. I stood, following.

“The vampires, of course! Tell me you haven’t heard about it?”

Her feet stopped, but she didn’t turn around. “Vampires?”

“Yeah, they exist. Our President wants us to be accepting and allow them into society. Can you believe that shit? Fucking vampires.” I took a drink, laughing and shaking my head at the same time. “Are they insane? I think our government has lost their fucking minds. Vampires. As in fanged individuals. And they want us to just go about our day as if nothing is the matter.” I couldn’t stop saying it. The shock and fear was present and my laugh following was doing a good job trying to hide it.

“I knew,” she whispered. “I…” Tessa turned around, a pained look on her face. “I knew.”

My smile faded and I tried to process her words. “You…knew? You know a vamp…” Flashes of the blood on her mattress sent my eyes going wide. “Your boyfriend?” I spat. “Marko? Marko’s a vampire?” Of course he was. It explained the weird feelings. The blood. The way he looked at her like she was a fucking steak.

Deep breaths left me as I stepped closer. “You begged me to leave. You begged me and I didn’t help you…and he came. You insinuated killing something that couldn’t die. Jesus fucking Christ, Tessa! Why didn’t you tell me? He’s not your boyfriend at all!”

Tears clouded her eyes, but didn’t fall. “I was physically incapable of telling you, Hunter. As in, the words wouldn’t leave my mouth no matter how hard I tried. Even now, I can barely talk about it. I feel a lock in my jaw. A lack of air in my lungs. You have no idea how hard this is for me!”

In all the years I had known Tessa, in all the fights we’d had, never once had she raised her voice so loud or forcefully at me. I put my gun at the small of my back, pulling her in close. “I’m sorry I didn’t help you. I didn’t know.”

“It’s fine. It doesn’t matter anymore anyway.”

“Why is that?”

Silence left her parted lips and she shut her mouth, letting her forehead drop to my chest. “I’m in trouble, Hunter. Let’s just leave it at that.”

My frame stiffened and I brought her head up with my finger. “Trouble, how? With vampires…or Marko?”

A sorrowful expression crossed her face and I hated how she couldn’t just say it. “The first?”

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