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“They didn’t pass through any of the cameras. I have no leads on their escape,” Tristan said. “Butrumors are floating. Kaleb may have hired someone outside of the CEG.” His fingers motioned against his onyx tie and loosened it. “My opinion? I’d say it was Kaleb’s last client. He was the only visitor on the most recent log.”

Humans capitalized on all that related to vampires. Since they were our main diets, they had established an industry surrounding our livelihood. Private human businesses focused on vampire feedings, developing private clinics where some partook in illegal deals. A source of payment were vials of vampire blood.

When a Regal family member engaged with such establishments, they were highly esteemed. Our blood was the most potent, strongest kind to exist. It was known to be the greatest opioid to humans.

“It’s not the first time Kaleb dealt with under-the-table deals like this,” Tristan pointed out.

“My apologies, Tristan, but for now, focus on the intruder. The scheme will be my responsibility.”

Tristan swiftly straightened and bowed, then a smile slipped across his lips. “Have you made any progress with Katerina?”

The sound of her name involuntarily sparked a warm sensation in my stomach. It was irksome. “If we had, you would have been informed by now.”

“And she knows about the scheme that your brother is expecting you to continue with?”

The door beyond the grounds clicked open, and footsteps trembled across the inner gates as guardians motioned inside.

“Naturally,” I muttered. “Would there have been a reason not to?”

Tristan shrugged while he fixed his tie, his façade solidifying across his expression and physique. “Be cautious, Alek. We don’t want the roles reversing.”

“It won’t,” I stated as my jaw clenched.

Tristan’s shoulders straightened as he smirked. “Don’t make any promises you can’t keep.”

ChapterThirteen

KATERINA ELI

“What to do, what to do, what to do,” I whispered as I paced around my cramped room. Was it always this small? I never noticed. Or maybe it was all in my head because the sleepless nights were finally catching up to me.

Nope. Not possible.

I lost count of how long I’d gone without sleeping. Sure, it wasn’t unheard of for some guardians to go without sleep. But the maximum was forty-eight hours.

With how it felt as if I was hit by a semi-truck, my guess was I’d already surpassed the two days.

What will you choose, Katerina?

The hunger grew, now clawing through my insides until the pain vibrated against my bones. It was enough to numbhervoice into a whisper, but it only fueled my anger.

Choose, choose, choose.

I stopped inside the bathroom, the blinding white light shining directly on my reflection. One I was starting to recognize as less of my own. One I wanted to punch whenever I faced it.

If you don’t, you’re going to kill them all.

My hands tightened around the cool cast-iron sink as I stared into my eyes. The usual emerald green darkened into a mossy color that belonged toher.Even my normal circular irises had extended vertically like slits.

Or I will.

I needed to feed.

Especially that boy.

The insulated suitcase lay on top of the toilet, my nose flaring at the sight of it. Just the thought of it was enough to water my mouth. Practically ignite the need to swallow the blood down as if I needed air.

Shecontinued to remind me.