Page 69 of Blood Illusions

Confusion clouded Justice’s features as he studied the symbol illuminated by my flashlight. “Because of that doodle?”

Tears welled in my eyes, but I quickly wiped them away. “Not just any doodle. It’s like Dad’s version of smoke signals. He taught this to Damon and me when we were kids. Means he’s out there playing hide-and-seek with the bad guys…and winning.”

“Do you think he left more?” Curiosity and doubt edged Justice’s tone.

I headed out of the cell. “If he could. So, let’s go look for breadcrumbs.”

He easily caught up with me and clasped my arm firmly. “Don’t go charging in like a bull in a china shop.”

I flashed him a reassuring grin. “I won’t. Dad’s crafty. If I move too fast, I’ll miss his smoke signals.”

Justice released my arm. “Good.”

What shocked me the most was, where his hand had touched my arm, it felt cold, as if I missed his warm touch.

Focus, girl. Focus.

I glided the flashlight over the floor and the walls, hoping to see Dad’s sign one more time, but for about ten feet, we didn’t see anything. Not Dad’s mark or even the vampires’ scary symbols.

“Two more tunnels ahead,” Justice grumbled.

He sniffed and headed toward one of them.

I held up my hand. “Wait.” My flashlight picked out Dad’s symbol in the other tunnel. It looked hastily drawn in the dirt. I pointed. “He’s this way.”

Justice stood at the entrance. “The other tunnel is stronger for fresh blood. I say we go down it. This may be a trap.”

I crossed my arms, a sly grin tugging at my lips. “Well, since when do we start playing it safe? Dad’s mark is here, not in blood-scented Mystery Lane. I say we take the risk. After all, what’s a good hunt without a little trap-springing?”

“I’m trying to protect you.” Something in his voice warmed my heart, but I couldn’t allow that. Not now. Not ever.

I squared my shoulders. “I don’t need protecting, especially from vampires.”

He stood too close, and as I inhaled, his masculine scent enveloped me. It was a complex aroma that seemed to slice through the musty, dank air of the catacomb. It replaced the oppressive staleness with a rich blend of earthy spice and a hint of smoldering cedar. The warm and unexpectedly comforting fragrance contrasted starkly with the chill of our surroundings.

“I know you don’t need it, but for once, I wish you would let someone take care of you.” His husky voice was like an aphrodisiac, which made it a huge distraction.

Without another word, I headed down the marked tunnel to clear my head from his scent.

“Sawyer, wait for me,” he grumbled behind me.

I ignored him as I moved the flashlight along the walls again, but I slowed my pace.

He and I walked cautiously down the tunnel, the flashlight cutting through the oppressive darkness. More cells lined the walls, each a small, barred chamber that spoke of despair and confinement. The farther we ventured, the thicker the air grew with an unsettling, metallic scent.

Every muscle tensed, and I gripped the flashlight tighter. I knew that smell. It was blood, and I hoped it wasn’t my dad’s.

“Stay frosty,” Justice mumbled.

He didn’t have to tell me twice. I knew the score. If I let my emotions get the best of me, I not only put myself at risk but also Justice and possibly my father.

“Just call me Mrs. Frosty.”

We carefully inched our way through the darkness, guided only by the narrow beam of my flashlight. The stench of death grew stronger with each step until I finally discovered the source, and my gut tightened.

Rows upon rows of metal cages lined the walls, each one containing a lifeless body. Their skin was eerily pale and tightly stretched over their bones, drained of all life. Claw marks were visible on their limbs, signs of a fierce struggle before their untimely demise. Unlike the decomposed skeletons we had encountered earlier, these bodies were still fresh, their faces twisted in terror and agony. The chilling, unsettling sight sent shivers down my spine.

I licked my dry lips. “Do you see…do you see my dad?”

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