Page 12 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

“Finding the Golden Serpents will be a demanding venture. Time and resources probably spent needlessly. If you want me to commit to this, I need something in return. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m at war. And I need to win this war.”

I had to accept whatever demands he made because he was my only chance to find the serpents, and I hated being in this position of constant vulnerability. I’d been dependent on him from the moment we’d met. “There’s something you should know…about my abilities. Your previous assumption was incorrect.”

His handsome face tightened slightly, his eyebrows askew.

“I can’t read minds. I can feel emotions.”

His expression remained frozen in place.

“I have no idea what you’re thinking. And I can only feel emotions when they’re intense. Everyday emotions that people feel…I don’t register those. But if someone is really angry or really happy, I can feel that.”

“How long have you had this ability?”

“Ever since I can remember. I always knew when my parents were angry at each other, even if they didn’t speak in my presence. That sucked. So if you think I can read the minds of your enemies, I can’t. I can feel their intentions—at best.”

“Have you tried to do more than just feel?”

“What do you mean?”

“If you can feel my emotions, I don’t see why you can’t do more. Push your mind harder and break whatever barrier there is.”

“I mean…I guess that’s possible. I could try.”

“If you’re unsuccessful, your ability is still useful to me. If I’m ever in a discussion with the Ethereal, it would be nice to read the room.”

“Do you guys have discussions often?”

“We have in the past. I’m not sure if there will be more in the future.”

I stared at the side of his face, watched him think deeply. “Viper said you were going somewhere?”

He turned his gaze on me. “I need to organize an alliance among all the vampires. Now that Cobra has seen firsthand what the Ethereal are willing to do, I know he’s on board, but I still need to convince the others.”

“You think it’s wise for both of you to leave?”

“Our original plan was to leave Viper in Grayson, but I’d grown so weak that Viper insisted he come along and leave one of the commanders in charge of the city in our absence. Now that I’ve regained my strength, I imagine he’ll defend Grayson in my stead.”

“And what about me?”

“I want you at my side—always.”

I was scared to be among other vampires, ones that Kingsnake didn’t necessarily get along with, but I was more afraid to be without him.

“Once I secure their allegiance, we’ll begin our search for the serpents.”

“Where?”

“Honestly…I have no idea. There’s only one person who may know where they still exist.”

“Who?”

“My father.”

“That’s great. You can just ask him—”

“It’s not that simple, Larisa.” He looked uncomfortable, rubbing his knuckles with the other palm.

“Why?”