Page 124 of Blood as Sweet as Roses

I pace back in forth in my coffin room, trying to consider my next move. “For now, the security of the mansion is the top priority. Keep everyone there safe, and we’ll return to you as soon as we can.”

“Of course.”

“Ifanything else occurs, notify me immediately.”

“Yes, Crimson.”

I hang up the phone, and try to collect myself. It’s our last night at the Respite hotel, and I was not expecting to rise to a phone call like that. I hate the idea of the mansion being breeched, although I knew that things weren’t over with the eastern shifter alliance.

I need to consult with Murad and Sabina immediately. With vampiric speed, I exit my coffin room. When I come into the bedroom of the suite, Paige is there, sprawled out on the bed while reading a book.

“Oh, hello!” she says. When she sees the look on my face, her expression darkens. “Is everything all right?”

“I’ve just received some bad news,” I answer.

“What’s going on?” she asks, putting her book aside and sliding off the bed.

“It’s not your concern,” I reply. “I have to consult with the other vampires…”

But to my surprise, she hurries between me and the door, putting her arms out.

“Wait,” she says, her breath quickening. “I want you to tell me what’s going on. I don’t like it when you leave me in the dark.”

I frown at her, frustrated at this sudden shift. “You don’t tellme…”

“Yes, Ido,” she replies. She looks up at me fiercely. “If you want me to share your suite, I want you to share what’s happening.”

“Fine,” I growl. I have to admit, I find her boldness admirable. “There was an attack on the mansion last night. The shifters turned on us and staked several of our younger vampires.”

She gasps, putting a hand to her mouth. “Oh, Crimson, I’m so sorry…”

I shake my head. “I have to discuss this with my inner council.”

“Can I help?” she asks. “At least let me come with you…”

“No,” I say, firmly. “You’re not a vampire. You belong here, where you’re safe.”

“I’m safe when I’m withyou,” she insists. “Please, let me be a part of this. I promise, I can…”

“You’renotsafe with me, Paige,” I answer, surprised at the sudden tightness in my chest. The stress of the evening is getting to me, and before I can stop it,my fears come tumbling out. “You’ll never be safe when you’re with me.”

She moves toward me, blood rushing through her veins.

“Is this because of that stupid prophecy?” she whispers.

My heart hardens. “Who told you about the prophecy?” I demand.

“It doesn’t matter,” she replies, shaking her head. “Crimson, you can’t keep me out forever. And you can’t deny the connection between us. Iknowhow I feel about you, Roslyn Night…”

“Stop,” I snarl, fixing my red glare upon her. But it’s not enough.

“Iloveyou, Crimson,” she says, her eyes glistening. “I love you, and I’m not afraid to tell you. I don’t care about some stupid magical prophecy, or about what the other vampires think. I want tobewith you…”

Everything is happening so quickly. And although I want to deny it, I know that she’s telling me the truth. That she truly, deeply cares for me. Cares for me the same way I care for her.

But I can’t accept what that couldmean…

“The prophecy, Paige,” I whisper, fangs descending as emotion overtakes me. “If you love me, you’ll…”