Page 28 of Blood Illusions

“Damon, stop.” I took the worn leather book from Justice. “This is Dad’s. He never goes anywhere without it.”

Damon grabbed Justice by the neck. “Where is my dad?”

“I don’t know.” Justice struggled to breathe, his eyes watering. “But that’s…not the only…thing he left.”

“Damon, let him go.”

I had no idea why Justice allowed Damon to practically choke him to death. He could have easily broken free and attacked my brother without a second thought.

“Talk,” Damon growled.

Gasping for breath, Justice reached behind him and pulled out a white envelope.

Damon snatched it from his hand and ripped it open. I ran to his side and looked over his shoulder at Dad’s elegant handwriting.

Damon,

By the time you read this, I’ll be gone. I’ve received a lead on the vampire who killed your mother. It’s a chance I can’t ignore, and it’s too dangerous to involve anyone else.

I’ve left my journal for you. Inside, you’ll find everything I’ve learned about the new breed of vampires. They’re unlike anything we’ve faced before, so be careful. There’s a list of reliable contacts in there, too. They can help you.

Remember, these creatures are more cunning and lethal than usual. Your instincts have never led you astray. Trust them. And take care of your sister. You’re at your strongest together.

Don’t try to follow me. Your fight is here, and mine is out there. I’m doing this to make things right and to keep you safe. Stay focused on your mission.

I’m proud of you. Stay safe and stay strong. We’ll reunite when the time is right.

Love,

Dad

Damon’s face twisted in frustration as he clenched his jaw. “Why the hell didn’t he wait around for us? He shouldn’t be out there hunting that damn fang all by himself.”

I ran my fingers over the letter one more time. Damon had always been so protective of me, ever since Dad made him promise to look after me.

Justice shifted his weight between us uncertainly. “Your father was trying to hunt a vampire?”

Damon shot him a hard stare, warning him off any more questions, and I sighed.

“Yes. The vampire who killed my mother.” The memory sent a chill down my spine, but I pushed it away.

Justice opened his mouth to ask more, but I quickly held up a hand in protest. “We don’t need to talk about that right now.”

Damon gave him a death glare. “Especially not with a fang.”

Justice wisely shut his mouth and sat on a barstool.

My brother shook his head firmly. “We should go out and look for Dad. He has to be somewhere.”

I disagreed with a shake of my head. “He’s an Elder, Damon. If he doesn’t want to be found, no amount of searching is going to uncover him.” I suggested softly. “I say we figure out what he’s doing from his journal and go from there.”

“No,” Damon insisted. “We need to go now.”

Overwhelming emotions poured over me like a bucket of water. “No.” I raised my voice. “Damon, look at us. We’re covered with dust and gore. We’ve only had a few hours of sleep, and we haven’t eaten anything.” I raised my hand. “Not that I want to eat anything after what we just did, but give it a rest.”

Damon looked around in disgust. “So, you want to stay here?”

“You’d be safe,” Justice told us. “And you’d have use of our library. It’s quite extensive.”

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