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“Word has spread. The gossip is gossiping since yesterday. If it’s true, you’re one lucky human.” Instead of focusing on the offended anger, I reigned it in. She seemed to know what she was talking about.

“Is there a way to get them to release a Pet? With zero . . . killing?”

She froze from cutting a knife through the tape. Her eyes rounded on me and she scoffed.

“You should be grateful they’ve chosen you. There is no human they’ve ever taken as theirs. The only one woman they’d entangled themselves with that wasn’t a quick fuck was the woman that ‘will not be named’ according to Talia.”

“Imogen,” I said grimly.

“I don’t know her name. Talia said it was safer for me unless I wanted to meet a quick end.” She shrugged. “Human to human, you need to be careful with how you speak to vampires, especially ones that have just taken you in. They value loyalty above all else. One hint that you’ve betrayed them and they’ll come after you before you know what’s going on.” She snickered. “I’ve seen it, trust me, it doesn't look like a walk in the park. They’re big on torture.”

“Oh,” I muttered, wrinkling my nose. The attacker’s head falling off his body flashed in my memory.

“Anyway, if you need anything from now on, just let me know. I’ll get you hooked up. I already ordered you some clothes. And get me a list of everything you enjoy eating.” She grinned. “I have to thank you for that, I was selected because I was a chef before Talia chose me. Now I get to feed you.”

“You’re talking about it like it’s some honor.”

She popped the top of the box open and met my gaze.

“Are you kidding me? I’m servicing the Crimson Coven Sires. One of the most powerful vampire groups on the western side of the United States.”

My lips parted.

“What makes them powerful?”

“You’re that brand new?”

I tugged the island chair and plopped down.

“Girrrrl, they’re a group of six incredibly powerful vampires who’ve collectively sired hundreds of vampires. All who are allied under them. They have an army at their disposal. From what I’ve heard, that woman brought them together and made them a powerful force. Her little experiment went as far as making other vampires attempt to form large Covens, but there have been very few successes.”

She said six . . . so including Imogen before she left.

“To put it frankly, you are one well protected human. And just a heads up, you would have never crossed the gates with that delivery driver. The place is surrounded with guards. They compelled them to protect the manor and you, with their life.” She snapped her fingers. “I also wouldn’t leave without protection. You’ve been perceived by other vamps. Other Coven Sires are waiting for a reason for Crimson Coven to have a weakness. There’s even a movement for it, so be careful when dealing with other vampires. They will come after you just to get at them.”

I sat back, blown away in the worst way possible. “And they won’t destabilize centuries of peace for one human woman, so your best bet is to just stay put and do what they ask you to.”

That was why the other guys weren’t sure who had Ren, so they’d had to tread with caution.

Dread settled in my belly.

TWENTY-TWO

catalina

After showering,I idled in the living room and knocked out on the couch instead of staying upstairs and brooding in the dark bedroom. I’d been awake a while now and sunlight no longer beamed through the slit in the curtain.

Jax rested on the settee a few feet from me. I wiggled under the blanket and sniffed the sweetness clinging to the soft yarn.

“Are you keeping watch to make sure I don’t steal from you guys again,” I muttered, grumpy from the shuffling paper that disturbed my rest.

The newspapers in his hand rustled again.

I glared over at him.

“You know people don’t read newspapers anymore.” No comment from him. I huffed and yanked the blanket under my chin. “That’s what phones are for.” He finally looked up, but he hid the hate he usually blasted my way, then returned his attention to the documents in front of him.

I clicked my tongue and lifted off the couch, curling my feet under my ass.