Page 76 of Blood as Sweet as Roses

This makes me pause. “What do you mean?”

He opens his mouth to answer, but then the doors to the library open with a loudbang.

CHAPTER 26: A SOFT HEART

Paige

One of the vampires rushes in. He wears a dark outfit, typical of the younger vampires who usually guard the mansion.

So quickly I don’t even perceive it, Murad is on his feet, staring at him with a concerned expression. “Alin, what is it?”

But to both of our surprise, the vampire addressesme, not Murad.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” he says with a frown. “Do you…know a breather named Blake? Dark hair, pale, a little whiny?”

My stomach drops. “Yes…”

“Well, he’s at the front gates, yelling your name. And if you don’t want Crimson to drain him, you’d better come fast.”

Murad, Alin and I hurry down the stairs (well, I guessI’mthe one hurrying, I’m sure they’re both slowing down their natural speed to keep pace with me) and out the front door of the mansion. There are already several vampires and living humans standing around, watching the situation unfold with keen interest. The Night vampires love a little drama.

But I’mmortified. As soon as I step outside into the crisp evening, I can hear the sound of Blake’s voice.

“She’smygirlfriend, and I won’t let you charm her with your vampire tricks!”

The gates are already open. Standing on the cobblestoned path is Sabina, holding Blake by the collar of his shirt, her other handgripping his bicep tightly.

“Let mego!” he whines, more confidently than he should. “You have no right to treat me like this!”

A smooth laugh chills the air. Crimson stands on the porch of the mansion, watching Blake with malicious delight.

“Yourrightshave no bearing here,” she says. “Trust me, little breather, you’ve bitten offmuchmore than you can chew…and perhaps you’ll realize that when Sabina takes a little bite…”

Sabina’s eye shine, and her fangs begin to curl over her lips.

“Wait! Stop!” I shout, rushing out of the mansion and down the steps. I position myself between Crimson and Blake, holding my hands out in surrender. I address Crimson. “This is all my fault, my king. Blake is my ex, he…”

“How couldyoube at fault?” Crimson asks, crossing her arms. “Did you call him here?”

“No, I…”

“I came torescueher!” Blake declares, attempting to twist out of Sabina’s grip and failing miserably. She pulls him in, her claw-like fingernails digging into his skin as he squirms. “I won’t let her be corrupted by vampires!”

“I’m not being corrupted,” I snap over my shoulder irritably.

“What other explanation is there?” Blake hisses. “You broke up with me, just because I’m not some hot vampire?”

“I didn’t break up with you because you’re a human!” I reply. For some reason, his words strike a nerve, and for once, I’m not giving him the benefit of the doubt. I’m not dealing with this bullshit from him anymore. I don’t have to. Emboldened by this new feeling, I turn around properly to face him. “I broke up with you because you’re anasshole. An asshole who never appreciated me, who took me for granted, and who disrespected my mother’s memory!”

“And you think thisvampireis going to treat you better?” Blake huffs, looking at the bite marks on my neck with disdain. “She’ll drain you dry, and then you’ll wish you’d stayed with me!”

“I think I’ll take that chance, thanks,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

Crimson snaps her fingers. “Well, with that said,” she hums. “Sabina, go ahead.”

Sabina’s eyes glow red. She bears down over Blake as he trembles with fear. My stomach tightens. Even though I’m angry with Blake, he doesn’t deserve to be murdered by a vampire just for being an idiot. I run over to Crimson, and throw myself at her feet.

“No, wait!” I tell her, giving her a beseeching look. “My king, please…I know he’s being stupid, but don’t kill him. He’s still my ex-boyfriend.Pleasecould you let him live?”