Page 2 of Feeding Frenzy (Crimson Coven #3)

TWO

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I untangled myself from Asher and Ren’s heavy limbs, scooted to the bottom of the bed, and headed to the wardrobe. With a nudge from me, the large wood doors swung open. I rifled through one of the drawers for underwear and a bra. After yanking them on, I plucked one of the many neatly folded sets hanging on a velvet hanger.

The ribbed pants flared at my ankles, and I held up the matching top. My gaze kept drifting to his shirt intermingled with my stuff. I wanted to smell like them. A silent way to claim them. I rolled my lips inside my mouth and between my teeth. I wanted Imogen to smell them on me. I plucked one of Asher’s shirts and pulled it on. The oversized cream-colored, cotton fabric enveloped me.

I ran my fingers through my messy hair, but they stuck in the tangles. That was what I got for sleeping with my hair wet. I patted down the frizz as I headed to the bathroom.

I passed the hairbrush through my tangles, staring at my reflection as my hair increasingly became frizzier. I pumped some serum into my palm and worked it through the long strands, taming the mess. With a shake of my head, the tips of my hair fluttered around my waist. Wavy was the best way to describe it. Neither curly, nor straight, almost like it wasn’t sure what to be.

I hadn’t felt a need to pretty myself up before. I sighed and leaned on the sink with my head bent forward.

Imogen was really messing with my mind. She’d only been here a short time and I was getting ready like it was armor, but I couldn’t help but feel threatened. They’d been together for years.

I groaned.

Everything would be fine. Asher said so. And the way he and Ren touched me last night, the whispered words—I believed them. Time, just a bit more time and they would be all mine. I straightened with a huff and turned on my heel. I shoved my feet into my slippers near the door and closed it behind me with care. Sunlight spilled into the hallway where it opened to the staircase. I descended, sweeping my gaze over the foyer. There was no sign of blood anywhere. Like that night had never happened. If only it was a nightmare.

As I entered the hallway leading to the kitchen, the clatter of plates reached me. Once I rounded inside, Maddy stopped what she was doing and hurried to grab my hands. I blinked up at her worried face.

“I heard about her showing up.”

My lip twisted.

“From who?”

“Tobias, when he called me to deliver blood,” she whispered. “He seems all high strung about it.”

“Oh.” That was all I could come up with. She studied me, but I worked to make my face blank.

“You’re not okay.”

I tugged my hands until she let go. Going around her, I sank onto the island stool.

“That’s an understatement.” I sighed, clasping my hands on the smooth surface. Maddy leaned forward with the island digging into her stomach.

“Do you think they’ll act different around you?” Maddy murmured. My stomach clenched into a tight ball. They’d been different already, but all I offered her was a shrug. What else could I say? They were tiptoeing around her feelings, and completely disregarding mine? That I was a shit person because she’d obviously been held captive and hurt yet I still wanted to pitch a fit?

I groaned and dropped my head back, staring at the bright lights embedded into the ceiling.

“Enough about this ridiculous situation. How’s Sydney?”

“Oh, she’s great! A little upset that I didn’t bring her today, but I want her nowhere near Imogen. My parents are too old, so her aunt from her dad’s side agreed to keep an eye on her for me when I can’t be around.”

“That’s good.” She should keep her away from vampires.

“No choice,” she sighed. “Anyway, are you hungry?” She turned, grabbed something behind her, then slid it across the granite counter. I caught the edge of the plate with my pointer finger.

Chilaquiles . My mouth immediately watered. Tortillas cut in squares coated in a tomato-based sauce and beans on the side.

“I asked . . .” A strange expression crossed her features. “Um, I feel like I asked someone about your favorite foods after you didn’t give me a clear answer, but I can’t remember.” Her lips squeezed together. “Maybe I didn’t ask someone.”

She continued hemming and hawing while I stared at the food, trying not to let my emotions brim over the edge. The only person that could know I loved this breakfast food was Peter. If she didn’t remember him, one of my guys must have compelled her to forget about him. They were always three steps ahead.

I cleared my throat and blinked away the sheen. My parents died when I was too young and to my shame, I didn’t remember much of our time together. Other than this—my favorite meal mom would make. After they passed, my aunt had taken us in. She’d been a good enough guardian, if a bit distant, because she had her own kids. Overall, she provided the basics, which was a roof over our heads and frozen meals.

“I followed the instructions on my notes app, down to every little detail, so hopefully it tastes good.” She reached to hand me a fork.

I wordlessly took it and stabbed it into the chilaquiles , then dipped it in some beans. It smelled just as I remember. I hadn’t cooked this in so long, but Peter still remembered I loved it. I really didn’t give him enough credit. The savory taste spread on my tongue, literally bringing tears to my eyes. Just as I remembered.

The little bits of tortilla crunched with my chewing. I preferred them a little less stiff, but for a first time, Maddy did amazing.

She watched me with her eyebrows raised, waiting.

I put my thumb up and scarfed some more down. So freaking good. It didn’t take me long to clear the plate. I scooted it away from me and leaned back.

“I’m stuffed.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you eat something so fast.”

I smiled sheepishly.

She looked over my shoulder. “They’ll be rising soon.”

I followed her attention to the thin window lining the top of the wall.

The sunlight was extinguished and only the faintest purple hue of the dusk hinted.

Clipped footsteps echoed down the hall, lighter and unfamiliar. There could only be one pair of footsteps that I wasn’t familiar with.

My stomach turned and soured. She was barefoot and in Jax’s shirt. I was going to vomit. Her willowy figure seemed even slighter because of his clothes. Her long, pin straight hair hung around her shoulders.

As she approached, it almost seemed like a glide. She stopped right beside my stool.

“Off, human,” she flicked her hand, shooing me away like a fly. My spine straightened. Blood and dirt no longer stained her face. Had Jax bathed her? A sharp hurt stabbed my chest. I breathed in and out slowly. “Hello?” She snapped her fingers in my face. “Where did they find you—wait, I do not care.” Her hand wrapped around my throat.

“Stop,” Maddy cried, while I struggled to drag in a breath. Imogen’s fingers dug into my throat. Her sharp nails digging in hard.

“Freeze.” Imogen snapped her fingers at Maddy. “I’ll feed on you, once I drain this one, do not worry.”

With a sudden rush of motion, Imogen’s head was yanked back. I followed the grip to Ren’s wide shoulders looming over both of us.

“Ren,” Imogen hissed. “Release me.”

“Not until you release my human.”

“Your human?” She mocked, her eyes wide.

“We keep her. No discussion.” Ren yanked her head back even more. Imogen bared her teeth and shoved me back so hard I went flying. Someone caught me and upon impact, air puffed from my lungs. I peeked over my shoulder.

“Asher?” I whispered.

He squeezed my hip.

“Oh!” Imogen exclaimed, dragging my attention back to her. Her eyes narrowed in on me. “You are the one that fed me.” She licked her lips. “You tasted delicious.” Her eyes flashed red, but Ren dragged her back by her hair and shoved her away from where I stood. Imogen caught herself, her eyebrows high on her forehead.

“You’re not touching her,” Ren announced, leaning a hip against the island. He seemed at ease, but fire played along his fingertips.

Imogen huffed, staring at the flames with a sneer curling her lips. Tobias’s clipped steps entered. He was dressed in loafers, slacks, and a cable knit sweater. By the look of his damp hair, he’d showered.

His gray eyes assessed the room.

“What have you done, Imogen?”

His voice held no inflection, as if he was used to asking the question. Imogen smirked and crossed her arms.

“I was only trying to feed on the human.”

Tobias’s frown deepened.

“Do not touch her, Imogen. She is off limits.”

“You too?” She whirled. “My saintly brother wants a woman?” Her head fell back and laughter exploded from her mouth. “A lot has changed while I was captive.” She wiped invisible tears from the corner of her eyes.

“I put the best courtesans in front of you, and nothing, but this human made you falter?”

The way she stared at me made me want to huddle into myself and die, but I stared at her in silence, gripping Asher’s arm.

“Well, if you lot are so possessive of your blood-whore, I’ll give you time to get used to the changes that will happen. You.” She waved over Maddy. “Come here to feed me.”

“No,” I retorted, struggling to keep my voice even. “Maddy is not a meal.”

Asher’s grip on my hip flexed. Imogen stilled and slowly turned to face me. Stunned and shocked that I would dare to speak.

“Excuse you?” She stilled preternaturally. It made the hair on my body rise. She was creepy.

Asher tsked and gripped the back of my neck. His fingers pressed into the column, like a warning.

“We’ve allowed her free reign, Imogen. We enjoy the little human’s outbursts.” His thumb rubbed the side of my neck. I lowered my eyes to the floor. How humiliating. When he said I would need to give them time, I didn’t know it meant that I would be reverted to a simple blood-whore.

Tobias cleared his throat.

“Imogen. I’ve contacted Alistair. He’s opening the department stores for you tonight.” Tobias focused his gray eyes on Maddy. “Madison, take her to Crimson Nights once she finishes with her purchases. Imogen, this human can escort you to feed to your hearts content.”

“Yes, Mr. Crimson.” Maddy tugged the apron tie from behind her back and pulled the fabric off. She hung it on the hook next to the stove.

I opened my mouth to say something, to say no, but Maddy shook her head slightly.

“And do not kill this human. She is our housekeeper.” I relaxed at Tobias’s order. At least Maddy wouldn’t die while with the crazy bitch.

“Fine,” she huffed, crossing her arms. “You will have to brief me, once I return. Especially about that parasite, Bastien?—”

“It didn’t take you long to get back to your charming self,” Ren drawled. He seemed almost derisive, but she didn’t react like it was abnormal.

“Have you done away with him?” she continued like Ren hadn’t spoken.

My lips thinned and I couldn’t control my eyebrow’s furrowing. “Oh, the human is glaring at me.” Imogen’s eyebrows raised and the corner of her mouth tipped up. “Go ahead, speak up, human. I can tell something is just bursting to come out.”

“Keep Bastien’s name out of your mouth,” I said the words quietly, without too much force behind them. Asher exhaled, oh so quietly, near my ear. He said something in his language, and it didn’t sound good.

“You new-age blood-whores are another breed.”

Everything happened in the blink of an eye. Imogen lunged at me. An arm banded around my stomach and pulled me back. I flinched, peeking through my slitted eyes. Ren, again, had a hold of her hair which stopped her midway toward me, while Tobias held her arm. Everything went scarily still.

“Fine.” She huffed. “That disgusting emaciated blood-mad vampire doesn’t deserve my time.”

Bastien? He was the furthest thing from emaciated. She yanked herself free of the two vampires and shook her hair out.

“You.” She snapped her fingers at Maddy. “Let’s go.” She strutted out, her hips swaying provocatively.

That was hot. Maddy mouthed as she left, her gaze flipping from me to my vampires.

I had to agree.

Their footsteps retreated; the hollow thump of the door slamming echoed down the hall.

“She’s left,” Tobias announced, his tone sounded unsure, weak.

“You,” Ren snarled, lunging toward me, his strides wide and angry. “We let you get away with things, but remember, you are human—weak.” His lips raised in a snarl again.

I flinched, clamping my lips into a thin line. My eyes filled with tears. It dragged me back to when we first met. When he’d been so cruel.

I deflated, feeling helpless. Talking back wasn’t me, being bitter wasn’t me— jealousy caused all of it. A tear trekked down my cheeks. Tobias was suddenly in my space, clasping my hands in both of his. I stared up into his smokey gray eyes. “Imogen’s presence must be hard for you.”

Understatement of the century. “Asher explained everything he said to you. Do you understand we are yours?”

I pursed my lips and hesitantly nodded. He must be talking about Asher’s spiel about needing time.

“I am working on finding a safe location for her to go, but she doesn’t want to be alone.” He grimaced. “I would go with her, but I do not want to leave you. My selfishness is causing you pain.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “Imogen is part of a past life. Having her around, puts all of us on edge.” I peeked at Ren’s angry downturn of his lips from the corner of my eyes. “Ren and Asher are remaining patient because of me. Nothing will change your position in this Coven or with us?—”

“Why wasn’t I part of this conversation?”

Tobias didn’t turn to the voice behind him, but I leaned around him to glare at Jax. He stood near the kitchen exit, mouth pressed into a thin line. No one responded to him. Jax glared at Asher.

“Everyone knows your choice,” I said in the most even tone I could muster. He scowled and a line appeared between his eyebrows.

“My choice?” He sneered. His fangs had descended at some point, and they flashed. “I wasn’t given one.”

“Your choice is clear with the shirt she was wearing.” Petty of me, but I didn’t care. “Where did you sleep last night?” Even saying the words caused my stomach to twist like my intestines had been grabbed and yanked.

His eyes thinned. He suddenly appeared feet away from me, too fast for me to track, and shouldered Tobias to the side. I gasped, stumbling back and hitting Asher’s chest. Ren had a hold of Jax’s shoulder.

“I won’t hurt her,” Jax spat, yanking free of Ren. “You fuckers don’t think much of me, do you?” He stepped in front of me and reached over my shoulder to shove Asher. “I expected more from you.”

“Jaxon, you haven’t left her side.”

I stiffened.

Jax hissed and grabbed Asher’s shirt and yanked him, leaving me squished between them.

This was not the type of twin sandwich I enjoyed. The cotton of Jax’s shirt pressed against my cheek. His sweet scent enveloped me. For a split second, I teetered forward, toward him. No, I had to snap out of it, Jax did not deserve my care anymore. He’d crossed the line. He had what he wanted now, anyway. Why was he kicking up a fuss?

“Get off him,” I snapped at Jax, shoving him. He didn’t budge, so I wiggled out from between them to face all of them. I pointed at Jax. “I’m done with you.”

I didn’t like what this jealousy was turning me into. My lower lip warbled and Jax stepped forward, but I put a palm up.

Asher’s eyebrows furrowed and he collected me to his chest. I breathed him in. He was my Asher, the one that always looked out for me, in his oddly psychotic way. I didn’t want to lose them to Imogen or to age.

I was ready to be with them. For good. I couldn’t let her take all of this from me, especially if they were serious about choosing me.

Taking a deep breath, I lifted my eyes to Tobias, resting my temple against Asher’s chest. His shirt was open at the front, so my face rested against his skin warmed by my blood.

“Turn me into a vampire.”

Desperation burst the words free. I’d been playing with the idea for a while, but I hadn’t had the guts to ask them. Was it a fear of rejection? Highly likely, but now that the words were free, it was easier to breathe.

This was the only way we would have nothing between us, and Imogen wouldn’t be able to kill me so easily.

My announcement caused every single vampire to still. Tobias exchanged a look with Ren. That cautious look wasn’t the reaction I expected. I pulled away from Asher, taking a step back.

I rubbed my sweating palms against my thighs.

“I mean . . . if you guys were serious, and Imogen showing up doesn’t change anything. I want forever with you.” I breathed in shakily. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Too much happened to me, and I wanted to fight for what I had with them. I never belonged before—more importantly, I’d never felt safe. I would hold onto it with both hands.

“Catalina,” Tobias started. He went quiet. My gaze bounced from one vampire to the other. They all looked like a stiff wind could topple them over.

“What is it? Spit it out.” My stomach hurt. I hugged myself like I could keep the pain at a manageable level.

“You can’t be turned,” Ren announced, obliterating my bloom of hope.

Tobias’s jaw flexed.

“It’s impossible. Female turn rate is in the low twentieth percentile,” Tobias said, taking a step toward me.

Asher wrapped himself around me. He tipped my chin up to look into his eyes.

“And if you did survive, you would be blood-mad,” he whispered.

Like Bastien.

What. My lips were so numb I could only mouth the word.

I . . . couldn’t be turned into a vampire?

“Oh.”

“ ?lskade .” The corner of Asher’s lips turned downward. I could hear the pity in his tone. My face heated, and I extricated myself from his arms.

“I need some time,” I croaked, shaking my head as he moved toward me again. I peeled my eyes wide to keep the tears from spilling. I needed to get away—now. The closest exit was down to my room.

I sped to the metal door and slammed it shut behind me.