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“Looks like they found Raoul dead late last night.”

One more member of the old disciples has been killed. If I’m correct, that leaves only two more of the original twelve that betrayed him before he comes after me.

“The royal families are panicking. Most have fled the city,” Tech goes on to say.

“They should. He’s coming for them too.” I let out a deep sigh, rubbing my forehead.

“What’s wrong?” Tech ask picking up on my tension.

“He’s playing in my dreams. This morning, I could almost feel his caress against my skin.”

Tech is silent on the other end of the phone. Finally, he speaks again.

“You need to break the bond.”

“I know that. But I can’t. He made it damn near impossible.”

When Markis first suggested we do a soul tie and not just a mate bond, I was ecstatic. I thought it meant he truly loved me. I was young and dumb. Now, I have a connection with a man that would damn near kill me if I tried to break it. It would take an act of the gods to break our bond.

“Maybe you should ask someone.”

“There is no one to ask.”

“You could always seek out the store.”

I pause. “Absolutely not.”

Tech laughs. “Oh, come on. She can’t be that bad.”

“She’s worse. I will not summon that chaotic, insane, meddlesome enchantress.”

His laughter pierces my ear. “Is it true no one knows what she is or how she truly looks?”

“Yes. Moira is ancient. She’s been around longer than any of us. Some say even longer than the fey. Her appearance changes depending on who is talking to her. No one knows exactly what she looks like.”

“That’s so cool. I’d love to meet her.”

Rolling my eyes, I shake my head. “If nothing else gives away the fact that you’re only half vampire, it’s your desire to meetthat woman. I would have to be completely out of options before I summon her and that damn store.”

Tech laughs again. “Well, you need to figure something out. Markis is occupied now, but as soon as he’s done here, he’s coming for you.”

I knew this. It’s why I’ve been trying to buy time. Unfortunately, I haven’t figured out my next move.

I’ve been here for over three months now. Although a lot has changed since the time I first arrived, my presence is still not desired. For a moment, I allowed myself to believe that things could work out here. However, when the Beta showed up on my doorstep two weeks ago and told me not to come to training, those hopes were dashed. At least Marley doesn’t seem as miserable anymore.

After saying bye to Tech, I got dressed for the day. I spent the first part of my morning trying to track down those vampires. I’m starting to believe they’ve moved on. There hasn’t been another case of people being drained and I haven’t been able to find them. Maybe they were just passing through.

Now, I’m sitting beside my sister in the cafeteria. We still aren’t getting a warm welcome, but at least there aren’t any more dead rats.

I lock eyes with the Beta across the room. Since the night he banned me from training, he’s kept his distance. I can always see him lurking, but he doesn’t speak to me anymore. Part of me wants to know why the change.

Look, I had no belief that he and I would be besties, but we were cordial. I can’t lie, as if I didn’t kind of miss it. It was disappointing when he told me not to train with them. I actually liked the idea. It would’ve given me something to do.

His golden eyes narrow, before turning away to listen to whatever the green-eyed female said. I’ve noticed her presence at his cabin has increased.

I turn back to Marley. Her energy is buzzing beside me, even more than normal. It has been since we walked in.

For the first time, I pay attention to her. At first glance, it looks as if she’s looking around the room, but after watching her, I notice her gaze keeps landing on a particular wolf.