Page 20 of Forty Deaths Till Us Part

Fire was one of the few ways to kill a vampire. Once the heart was incinerated, it was over for any creature, including the undead. “Can you rein your power in Raven?”

I focused on the flow of power within me, attempting to moderate the micro surges that pulsed within me.

“I am trying.” The pulse felt strange, and I had read all of Magda’s writings. This magic was unfamiliar. “This wasn’t Magda. She could not have added this spell.”

“Who was it?” Rene asked.

I concentrated on the magic I felt. It was powerful, and I had only come across one person who had that level of power. “It had to be the high priestess at the time. I am having trouble counteracting her spell.”

Rene hissed. “The coven has been working on their own agenda this entire time. And it ends with the extinction of my species.”

Manu frowned. “Why would they do this? Mass genocide is pretty dark, even for the coven.”

Rene huffed. “They fear our evolution. The lycan king taught them that every being must eventually die. They are ensuring it happens sooner than later.”

My stomach rolled at the implication of his words. “Do you think Ursula is responsible for the vampire murders?”

“Yes. As well as the multiple murder attempts on your life.”

My heart squeezed, and the fire died in my hand. Apparently, complete despair was a mood killer that even my magic couldn’t overcome. “Are we going to confront her?”

Rene nodded. “As soon as you rest. We will visit the coven building at dusk.” He led me from the room and I walked like a wooden statue back to our suite.

I woke to Rene caressing my back. I remembered returning to the suite and him feeding me a glass of blood before removing my clothes and tucking me into bed. He sat on the side as I drifted off, and I was sure I heard him head to his office once I was close to succumbing to my slumber.

It was thoughtful of him to watch over me and I felt cared for when he should hate me for being a witch. My species was trying to eradicate him, and he held no animosity toward me. I wished I had given him the benefit of the doubt when the tables were reversed. Prior to my death, I would never have considered a vampire as anything but a plague. How ironic.

I rolled onto my back to find Rene lying on the covers in a fresh suit and I sighed in frustration.

“What is wrong, Raven?”

My hand slipped to his black silk tie, and I allowed the velvety material to slip through my fingers. “I am rocking total bed head while you look like you just finished a photo shoot.”

He moved an errant strand of hair from my forehead with his fingers gently. “I assure you that you are the most beautiful creature in the world to me. There is nothing I value more.But I will inform my personal tailor you appreciate his effort in making me presentable.”

I almost laughed at his use of the word presentable. Humans walked into things because they were busy staring at Rene when he was in public. But his words to describe me sunk in and I smiled at him. “I still don’t know why you are so nice to me.”

“Yes, you do; you just aren’t ready to accept it. But I do not believe anyone has ever described me as... nice.”

“Well, they haven’t gotten to know you well enough then.”

He stared at me for some time. “Most people are more interested in my power than in... getting to know me.”

“I suppose that is accurate of many successful people. Regardless of species.”

“I imagine that’s true. Are you ready to head to the coven building? It is late in the afternoon and by the time you’re ready, dusk will be upon us.”

“Sounds good.” I got up and ready quickly, and we were heading down the stairs in half an hour.

Cassara was in the foyer speaking to Val when we descended the steps, and she winked at me as we approached. While she always wore a similar leather outfit, this one was actual pants with a leather tank top. “Hey chickee.”

“How do you get sexier every time I see you?” I asked.

“It’s a gift. You thinking of swinging for the other team?”

I choked. “No, but thanks for the offer.”

She laughed and headed for the door. “There is still a bit of sunlight, so stick to the canopy. It’s going to prickle a bit until we get in the limo.”