Page 88 of Inked & Bloodbound
“They were all willing participants, believe me,” Lazaro says, leaning back in his chair. “Perhaps the Fontaine girl was more of a personal vendetta, but her policeman father was too curious for his own good. He was interfering in our business, and he had to be taught a lesson.”
A chill runs through me, chased by a wave of blistering fury. “So that’s all Megan was?” I splutter. “Someone’sdaughter. Someone who grew up with hopes, dreams, and aspirations, drugged and left to rot while parasites fed on her blood. A human being reduced to collateral damage in some sick power play? What kind of creature would use a person like that?”
Lazaro looks half amused by my tirade, but I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me angry, so I turn away and face Cass instead. This whole time he’s been trying to catch my eye.
Megan is safe. I’m so sorry. I had to…
“Now, now,” Lazaro says with a condescending smile. “That’s not what we agreed, Cassini. Remember? Don’t do that again, or I’ll have Julian fire a warning shot. He’s usually very accurate, but he’s been off his game lately, so who knows what he’ll hit.”
My head snaps toward Lazaro, who watches me curiously, trying to gauge my reaction. It doesn’t make sense. Why would Cass tell this man about my abilities? I haven’t breathed a word to anyone—not even my stepfather—because Cass warned me my gift would put me in danger. There has to be a link somewhere. Paloma? Surely not.
Before I can process what’s happening, Lazaro’s velvety voice cuts through the silence, but this time it’s not in the room. It’s in my head.
I know what you are, Lily.
My heart speeds up, pounding itself into my ribs the second he confirms it. He knows. He knows I’m a medium.
You don’t have to be afraid. I won’t hurt you. You’re far too special. Just like your mother was.
“What the fuck? How did you?—”
Lazaro looks pleased with himself, like a cat who’s knocked a canary off its perch. “Lily, please. Do you think anything happens in this city without me knowing it? I’ve been watching you for quite some time. Waiting for your wonderful gift to develop.” He leans in and clasps his hands together, lowering his voice for dramatic effect. “Imagine my delight when I found out my two most prized assets were not only in cahoots, but were falling for each other. How predictable.”
I shake my head, and when I do, a hot tear that’s been welling in the corner of my eye comes loose and spills down my cheek. “I don’t understand.”
Lazaro rises from the table and stands behind me, and when he places his hands on my shoulders, I flinch. His fingertips trace over my collarbone, but his touch is firm. Another uneasy reminder of who has the power here.
Cass is silent, but his jaw is locked in a scowl, his fangs barely concealed as he watches Lazaro’s hands stroking me like a cagedanimal offered a chew toy. He flicks his eyes down to the laser on his chest and back to Julian. He’s weighing his odds, I can tell.
I pulse a single word in his direction. The first since the betrayal at the club.
Don’t.
“I don’t expect you to understand everything yet,” Lazaro says. “You just need to listen. That’s all I want from you. Your wonderful gift of listening.”
He crouches to look closer at me, his hand never leaving my shoulder. His breath is ice-cold on my cheek. “You’re going to listen for us. For me, specifically. Like your mother did before you. You’ll serve the Sixth Clan exclusively, and you’ll be paid well for your gifts. You’ll help me weed out traitors and get an advantage over our rivals and enemies. In exchange, I will offer you something that no one—not even that man who sits across from you at this very table—can offer.”
He leans in and brushes my hair away from my ear. With his icy lips just an inch from my skin, he whispers, “My protection.”
I can’t concentrate. I keep thinking about what he said. “Like your mother did.” I’m standing over Pandora’s box.
This is it. This is the moment of truth. All I need to do is open it.
I swallow, and my voice trembles. “You knew my mother?”
“Quite well,” he muses. “She really was one of a kind, until you came along.”
I swallow. “Did you… What happened to her? Do you know?”
“I do. Such a pity.” He fixes me with a steely look. “I’ll make sure to keep you safe. No mistakes like last time. You’ll be under my protection, with the finest, strongest vampires guarding you around the clock.”
I shake my head, and the lie tumbles out effortlessly. “I don’t need your protection. I’ll be fine. I’ve survived this long without it.”
“Beg to differ,” he says with a smile.
“And why’s that?” I shoot back.
“Because the stakes are different now. Soon every supernaturalcreature this side of the equator will be looking for you.” He pauses to let the threat sink in. “Trust me, I’ll make sure of it.”