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Chapter 43

Kali

Igrabbed Rowan’s arm, yanking hard enough that he flew off his feet, and landed on his back next to me. Keeva’s scream was filled with panic, but she didn’t touch me as I kept an inescapable hold on his throat. He choked out short breaths as I glanced to the side. Rya and a couple other Shadows were holding her back as she fought against them.

“Feed,” Rya urged gruffly.

“No,” Keeva shrieked. “Don’t touch him. I swear Kali?—”

I turned my attention back on Rowan, ignoring how my body was screaming in agony from my movements. He was struggling weakly in my hold, his injuries so bad that it wasn’t difficult to keep him in place. Fear flooded his eyes when I met his gaze, using all my strength to entrance him.

“What do you plan to do with me if I don’t obey you?” I asked.

His face fell blank. “Put you back in that chair.”

“Why?”

“So we can use your blood.”

I tilted my head. “Blood? Amaros is not a threat anymore. Why would you need my blood?”

“For other vampires, and for Shadows who don’t fall in line.”

“Get off,” Keeva snarled, anger laced in her voice. “You all are supposed to listen to me.”

“And my sister?” I asked quietly, holding his gaze. “Are you in love with Keeva?”

He clenched his teeth, sweat appearing on his forehead. He was fighting this question and had more control over his mind than I thought. I sucked in a deep breath, pouring all my energy into gaining back control.

“Answer me,” I demanded, squeezing his throat.

“No,” he choked out.

“You don’t love her?”

“No.”

“Are you using her?”

“Yes,” he answered hoarsely.

That was the only answer I needed. Letting my fangs slide down, I lowered my head and tore into his throat. He screamed and thrashed, his hits doing nothing as I sucked and sucked. His blood soothed my pain and warmed my chest. Already, I could feel it bringing my energy back. My strength. I didn’t stop, ignoring Keeva’s threats and commands.

Listening carefully to his heartbeat, I continued to drink as it slowly changed rhythm until it was nearly nonexistent. Pulling away, I licked my lips, finally feeling sated. Rowan didn’t move a muscle, but his eyes were open, and he was glaring at me with as much hatred as he could muster.

“You don’t get to die that easily,” I murmured, vengeance smothering my voice. “Not after what you did to me. What you did to Zan.” I locked eyes with him again. “Tell me. Do you plan on killing Zan?”

He didn’t even have the energy to speak, so he only nodded.

“Would you torture me again if I don’t listen?”

He nodded again.

“Leave him alone,” Keeva screamed, her voice higher than normal.

“Didn’t you hear him?” I asked, not looking away from him. “He doesn’t love you.”

“Don’t kill him.”