Blood That Binds: A Vampire Romance (Blood Legends Duet) Page 10

  “Here she is, Sir Crown.” Katina bows low, sweeping her hands outward in a graceful maneuver I’ve seen plenty of times in the movies.

  The Crown—Julian—quickly sits up, looking flustered at my presence. Didn’t he summon me here? Why is he acting out of sorts? It’s me who’s internally trembling.

  Lawrence snickers, quickly bringing his hand up to his nose to cover his laughter. My face remains stone, not giving anything away.

  “Please, Katina. How many times must I remind you? Julian will suffice.”

  Julian. It’s not news to me, but hearing it from his lips does something unwelcome to me. An unnamed emotion squeezes my heart, tightening, promising to squeeze the last beat from the steadily thumping organ. Why does he elicit such strong reactions from me? Is it that invisible magic—like at the auction—causing it? Whatever the cause, I won’t let it win.

  “Forgive me, Julian.” She beams up at my captor, who appears to have relaxed. “If that’ll be all, I have things to do.” He nods, dismissing her.

  Now I’m alone with them and my eyes are trained on Julian. He sits on a large throne-like chair, drinking from a golden chalice. His mannerisms here in this room are so different from the way he behaved at the auction. There, he was commanding and royal. Here today, he’s aloof and laid back, almost . . . cocky.

  “Well, well, brother, . . . she is just as stunning as I remember.” The golden-haired man sits perched upon an identical throne next to Julian, smiling wide. I don’t return his smile, continuing to fix my icy stare over their heads.

  “You find all things woman stunning, Law,” Julian says matter-of-factly.

  My eyes lower, curious about my captors. In this light and away from all the scary people at the auction, I really look at Julian and Lawrence and I get a strange feeling. There is something eerily familiar about Lawrence. Lawrence stares back at me, and every second that ticks by, the feeling grows stronger. I’ve seen him before. It appears to be a reoccurring theme here, and now more than ever I wonder if perhaps I was right. These were my monsters.

  “Marina, do you see that guy over there?” Maggie asks from behind me.

  “Which one?” I lift my eyebrows twice in a suggestive manner. There is a group of good-looking guys directly in front of us.

  “Not them. Him.” She nods with her head. “He’s following us.”

  I search for the perpetrator and my eyes land on a tall blond on the opposite side of the food court from us. He’s watching Maggie like she’s his next meal. Every step she takes, his eyes follow.

  “Yeah. I’d say he’s got it bad,” I joke.

  “No, Marina, you don’t understand. He’s one of them.”

  There’s nothing unusual about the man. His eyes aren’t red and his canines aren’t elongated. He doesn’t have overly pronounced veins, nor is he sprouting hair all over his body. We’ve had to deal with monsters our entire lives, but this guy doesn’t appear to be one of them.

  “It’s okay, Maggie. He’s just a normal guy with a hard on for you,” I giggle.

  “It’s not funny, Rina. He’s been following me for weeks.”

  I eye her suspiciously.

  “You haven’t said anything about anyone following you.”

  “Would you be surprised? I’ve been followed since I was three years old. And probably before then.”

  I frown.

  “You usually tell me these things.”

  “This one is different.”

  I shake the memory from my head. There’s no way. But the resemblance is uncanny.

  “Do I know you?” I say, quavering.

  His eyes narrow as he considers the idea. Bringing his finger to his chin, he taps twice before responding.

  “Yesterday.” He grins. “Although I’m sure you dreamed of my dashing good looks overnight. Don’t worry; I don’t blame you.”

  “That’s not it,” I say, shaking my head. “I’ve seen you before.”

  “I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” Law drawls, seeming almost bored.

  Julian appraises his brother with narrowed eyes, but eventually his features soften, and he turns to me, but I wonder. What is Lawrence Bellamy hiding? He brushed it off easily enough, but I saw the way he shifted in his seat. Julian sensed something was off too. His reaction is filed away for me to examine while I’m locked in my room later.

  “How did you sleep?”

  The attempt at idle chit-chat is strange. Why on earth should I tell him anything? If anything, I should demand he return me to my room. Or get on with the blood drain.

  “About as well as anyone who’s been kidnapped would,” I snap, drawing a frown from him. Katina’s warning flits through my mind. Everything inside of me wants to yell, fight, demand to be released, but maybe she’s right. Maybe playing the game will help me out of here faster. He hasn’t shown any signs of hostility, and although he deserves every ounce of mine, I truly don’t have a death wish. It goes against every fiber of my being, but I decide to heed her warning.

  I lower my eyes to the ground, trying to appear apologetic for my outburst.

  “You don’t have to pretend with us, Marina. We know you’ve been through an awful ordeal, and I for one don’t expect you to embrace this situation immediately.”

  My eyes snap up, caught off guard by his acknowledgment of my inner thoughts. He couldn’t possibly know that’s what I’m thinking, but I’m sure it’s not too hard to guess. He’s undoubtedly done this before. How many times? How many other girls?

  “I’ll never embrace it,” I bite, deciding to be honest with him.

  “Right now, I’ll accept that, but I hope you’ll give us a chance.”

  He’s out of his mind. Never.

  “This isn’t . . . a habit of mine. I don’t partake in the auction.”

  “Then why did you this time?” I bite.

  “Politics,” he offers, but doesn’t elaborate.

  Screw his politics. Whether this was a one-time thing or a habit, attending for any reason makes him disgusting in my book.

  He frowns, biting his cheek and looking over my face as if he can read my every thought. Well here’s one for you, buddy. You’re a dick.

  Julian snorts, laughing as though he did, in fact, hear my thoughts. Oh my God. Is that possible? I’m internally freaking out, but doing everything possible to remain cold and unmoved.

  “Marina, I asked Katina to bring you down so that you could dine with us.” He continues to chuckle, but at what I’m unsure.

  “Is something funny, brother?” Law asks, with an amused smirk.

  If Law isn’t reading my mind, then Julian isn’t. What the hell is he laughing at, then? Julian clears his throat and schools his features. Perhaps he’s clinically insane? As opposed to before—when he was just abducting girls? Who am I kidding? Insanity is his middle name.

  He stands, showcasing an athletic body in a pair of grey chinos and a white Henley shirt. For a moment, my breath catches. He is incredibly attractive, and I hate that I think so. There is surely nothing appealing about evil. It’s only a glamour of trickery to fool unsuspecting prey. Serial killers have been known to lure their victims with their good looks, and I’d bet that’s Julian Bellamy’s superpower. No. I won’t be fooled.

  “Why are you dressed like that,” I say, motioning to his clothes, “while I was forced into this damn torture device?” I snap, as I realize that Lawrence is also dressed normally.

  “I was going to ask if we were having a ball I didn’t know about.” Lawrence’s eyes widen, looking me over. “You outdid yourself. And just for us?” he chuckles, and I glare.

  “I did not choose this,” I bite through my teeth. “That . . . vampiress did this.”

  They both break out into laughter at my expense and I’m pissed. To hell with playing at nice.

  “Vampiress? Katina will love that,” Law barks.

  “Let’s not give her any more reasons to prance around here like a queen,” Julian says, swiping at his eye.
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br />   “I’m glad you two find this so funny,” I say, placing my hand on my hip. “Did you know she came onto me? Did you? Well, she did. She said we could have so much fun together.” I crinkle my nose in distaste. “What the hell does that even mean?” I screech, losing every ounce of cool I’ve tried to harness. I’m losing my grip and it’s all because I’m so out of my damn element with these two . . . creatures.

  Jude and Law glance at each other before bursting out in hysterics.

  “Ugh. You two are acting like children,” I yell. “Why the hell am I even here?”

  “I’m sorry,” Law says, trying and failing to pull himself together. “It’s been so long since we’ve had a moment to actually enjoy ourselves. You’re funny.” He waggles a finger at me and I shut my eyes and count to ten, trying to calm down. I’m equal parts annoyed and angry.

  “So, I’m here for your amusement?” I say offhandedly. “I thought I was here to be your personal blood bank.”

  They both stop laughing immediately. Julian’s eyes narrow on mine and I internally smack myself. Why did you have to go there?

  Law clears his throat. “You’re not here for that, Marina. We simply want you to dine with us.”

  “I’m sorry, but I’ll have to pass.” My tone leaves no room for argument.

  Stubborn woman. Just play nice.

  “You’ll . . . have to pass?” Julian repeats, sounding confused.

  “I’d rather eat alone or not at all.”

  I’ve gone this far, might as well thoroughly piss off the king . . . or Crown . . . whatever the hell he is. Vampire.

  Julian sits down once more and leans back into his throne, smirking. “Then I’ll have to change your mind, I suppose.”

  My arms cross over my chest in indignation. There is nothing he can say or do to make me change my mind. The idea of playing the game has come and gone. Now I’m back to hostile.

  “Well?” he presses.

  I clear my throat. “Well what?”

  His eyes shine a brilliant shade of blue-green. “I asked you earlier if you like your accommodations. I put you in the best room in the house. I hoped you’d sleep like the dead.”

  I pale at his words.

  “My preference is to stay amongst the living, if you don’t mind.”

  My body is shaking at the mention of death. Is that his prelude to draining my blood? Is he about to kill me despite Law’s insistence otherwise?

  He barks a laugh.

  “Will all of our conversations be like this? Will you always think I mean you harm?”

  “Yes,” I deadpan, feeling the need to be truthful.

  “I assure you, I didn’t bring you here to hurt you, Marina.”

  My name on his lips brings goose bumps to my arms. The way it glides off his tongue like a whispered prayer makes me shiver. For the first time ever, the word sounds beautiful, sensual even. I detest my reaction. I’m allowing his charm to get under my skin. He’s my captor. He’s taken me from my life. Even if it was a half-assed one to begin with. I can’t allow him to warp my brain.

  “Do you have magical powers?” The words sound stupid the moment they leave my lips.

  Lawrence snickers. “He’s full of all sorts of charms. Of that I can assure you, Marina.”

  “What my idiot brother means is I do possess some abilities. Mostly persuasion. I’m able to heighten emotions.”

  “Did you do that at the auction?”

  Julian’s head cocks to the side, as though he doesn’t know what I’m talking about.

  “When you arrived, the crowd became . . . aroused.” I grimace, hating that we’re somehow talking about sex in any capacity.

  “You noticed that, did you?” Julian’s voice is thick.

  I clear my throat, needing to not choke on the words.

  “It was hard not to.”

  Julian smiles. “It was only to distract them long enough so that I could talk to you. If I hadn’t kept them . . . preoccupied, I never would’ve had a moment alone with you.”

  “Why did you need time with me?” My words are whispered. Something is happening. The room is abnormally warm—or maybe that’s just me—and an electrical pull pulses between us. That magic.

  “I don’t have an answer for that, Marina. I’m still trying to figure that out myself.”

  “Are you doing that magic thing now?”

  I pray he says yes. Every synapse in my body is firing. Tingles trail a line from my fingers to my toes. If it’s not his magic, it’s something else mystical. It’s not normal.

  “No.” He says the word like a promise.

  Lust. Plain and simple, it’s the only explanation. It’s no wonder why—he’s easily the best-looking man I’ve ever seen. A-list actors don’t hold a candle to Julian Bellamy. It’s ridiculous and unfair. Why would the first man I’ve ever had this reaction to be the single worst person to fall for? Karma for lying all of those years.

  I must stare for too long, because his eyes twinkle with mischief and a cocky smirk lines his face. Internally berating myself for being so loose with my attention, I huff out an indignant breath, determined to shield myself more effectively.

  “Why did you bring me here?”

  I need to know why I’m here. The suspense of what’s going to happen is worse than anything. Being on unequal footing because I’m clueless as to what’s going on is really getting to me. I almost feel as if it would have been better if I’d died in the cell back before the auction. At least there, I knew my life was in danger. Here, with Julian’s promise not to harm me, I’m confused. I feel my defenses slipping, and that’s even more hazardous.

  “Yes, brother. Do tell. What are your plans for the lovely Ms. Drake?”

  Julian considers me for a few moments, which doesn’t help with my unease. His eyes are hard and focused.

  “You were brought here for safekeeping. So, I intend to keep you safe.”

  Safekeeping? From what? I’m not safe with him. My shoulders slump under his intense gaze. He has no intention of allowing me to leave, which means death is inevitable.

  Something swoops through the room, narrowly missing my head. I duck with a shriek.

  “Gah,” I screech.

  “Aw, that’s just Mosely. No need to fear a basic crow,” Law says, amused.

  The crow sits perched atop Julian’s throne, peering down at me with such an intense gaze, I shrink back, unsettled. Slowly, memories of the night I was taken assault me. That crow . . . it was there.

  I point at the crow. “That thing was there the night I was taken.”

  Lawrence throws his head back with a laugh.

  “Mosely? Doubtful. He’s a crow . . . they’re a dime a dozen, and besides, ol’ Mose here doesn’t leave this estate.”

  I drill Julian with a glare. “You.” My finger slides to point at him. “You did this to me. You took me from my home and made that bird follow me.”

  I’m not sure what gives me such gall, but my fear has evaporated, and in its wake is nothing but anger. Perhaps it’s the easy demeanor these men possess today, or maybe I just don’t give a crap anymore. I’m at the end of my rope with nothing to lose.

  Julian sits up straight, leaning toward me as though he’s going to bestow some secret on me.

  “That’s not my bird. I didn’t have it or any other thing follow you. Be careful with your accusations, Marina. I don’t take people from their homes. I simply saved you from a shortened life of being drained of blood.” He sits back. “I believe a thank you is in order.”

  “Never.” I stand tall and drill him with a glare that promises retaliation.

  “You’d do best to not challenge Julian. He’s a bit of a hard-ass at times.” Law winks at me, trying to soften his words.

  Every second of every day, I’ll challenge him. My survival instinct has kicked in, blanketing me in a fog-like state. Everything is happening on autopilot, and I can’t be sure what’s real and what’s not. It’s my brain’s way of protecting me. It’s sh
utting down fear and replacing it with numbness.

  He might not have sent that thing after me, but it was there. I know it. I’m learning there are very few coincidences in my life. Everything that’s happening now has to be linked with all the monsters from my childhood. How could it not be?

  “I’m sorry you think the worst of me already, Marina. I don’t have anything to do with the . . . acquisition of the donors.”

  I cringe at the use of the word donors.

  “Those girls were not donors. They didn’t choose to give your kind anything. It’s being taken from them by force. That makes them victims.”

  Julian stands from his throne, stalking toward me. Slowly. “I’m not a monster, Marina,” he says, reaching out and grasping my hair in his hands. He doesn’t pull, only strokes the locks between his fingers with a faraway look. Perhaps he can read my mind, for surely, he can see that a monster is exactly what I think he is.

  Julian winces, signaling I might be on to something. The only reason he would have to react that way would be if he heard my thoughts.

  A throat clears and Julian steps away from me, dropping my hair as he goes. “Right now, I’m starving. Will you eat with us?”

  The change of direction is jarring. Julian seems to enjoy keeping me off balance, and I don’t like it. Now he wants me to eat with him? My eyes go wide, imagining all sorts of morbid ways that these creatures eat. Law notices my expression and laughs.

  “We’re not beasts. We enjoy the same meals that humans do.”

  I make an effort to make my face blank, unwilling to allow them any more insight into what I’m feeling. I have a habit of wearing my emotions, and I can see they are good at reading me. Katina said they could smell emotions too. I’m doing everything possible to snuff all of it out. Embracing the numbness is what I need to do.

  “We don’t require human food, nor does it provide the nutrients that we need, but we enjoy it nonetheless,” Law continues.

  I’m relieved to know I won’t be forced to watch them drain someone of blood or worse, become the meal myself.

  Chapter Ten