Page 72 of The Curse Trilogy

“Please,” I mutter.

He smirks a little, and then he steps on the gas to mimic Hale’s crazy ass driving. We had left after everyone this morning, and we were the first ones on scene. He’s so fucking hot when he drives so damn fast. I should have just ridden with him and fucked him like the damn crazy bitch I am until we made it there.

I’m officially psychotic all over again because of him.

The gates to the Metropolis are incredibly intimidating, and the wild scene behind them holds a whole different world. It’s not the rigid, militant air I’ve grown accustomed to. It’s how the carefree members of the world outside the United live. The streets are using far more energy to light them than necessary, and it reminds me of old world books I’ve read when lights, dazzle, glamour, and fun was the way of life.

There’s a gallant hotel that looks straight out of one of the old magazines I found once. It stretches tall into the sky, and the balconies overlook the chaotic laughter and dancing all around as each person guzzles their intoxicating drinks.

“They do a lot of drinking here,” I speculate.

“Very much so. Besides blood, alcohol is the only thing a full blood can appreciate. It’s their way of letting loose, and they do a hell of a lot of it in places like this. Until we have made our presence known, stay close.”

“I will. Don’t worry,” I grumble, and then I see Brazen has already gotten here when we pull into the hotel parking lot that is actually paved. “How the fuck did he beat us, old man,” I grouse.

“I drove like Hale for part of the way,” he chuckles out.

“You drove like Hale for three minutes, and then you about shit yourself,” I tease, and he gives me a smirk complemented by a shrug.

As soon as he puts it in park, Brazen is opening my door for me.

“You could have ridden with me,” he sizzles out, and then his arms wrap around me, pulling in the scowling eyes of the full bloods around us taking notice.

“I think you’re drawing unwanted attention,” I grumble. “Your kind frowns upon species mingling… remember?”

“I don’t give a damn what they think,” he sighs, and then his lips threaten to envelope mine before I pull away.

“You should. We’re in a city full of nothing but your kind, and I’m on the most hated list. I just want to find my room,” I mumble, and then he takes my hand in his before I walk away completely.

His touch has been so comforting for so long. He has always made all of my pain, anxiety, and fear subside with something as meaningless as holding my hand.

“I don’t fucking care about anyone here, and I dare them to say something. Stay with me tonight, please. I promise I won’t do anything. I just want to see you, and I’d feel better if you were with me in this place. It can get vicious even for my own kind,” he murmurs, and I feel his lips on my forehead.

I look up into the genuine pale eyes staring into mine, and I huff out my own frustration. I feel so terrible for not telling him, and I feel even worse for still wondering if I’m making the right decision by choosing Hale.

I’ve always felt drawn to Hale in so many ways, but Brazen loves me so differently. I’ve never had to worry about lies, deceit, or betrayal. The first time he hurt me was directly after I had fucked up, and I used it as an excuse to break free. If he ever said anything like that again, I could seriously or fatally hurt him, and I couldn’t bear that burden.

“I think it would be best if I slept in my own room with my own space. You keep forgetting we’re broken up,” I grumble, and then I dart by him to find where to obtain my room number.

I expect to see Hale in the lobby, but he’s nowhere to be found. I suppose I pissed him off with my earlier rejection. Clay follows me in, and then he interrupts Brazen’s second attempt to corner me when he brings me a key.

“If you have any problems, dial someone right away. I’m not crazy about you staying alone. You’re welcome to bunk with me,” Clay suggests.

“I don’t want to stay with anyone. I need a minute to unwind, and I want to breathe in fresh air before the stale breaths suffocate me,” I exasperate. “Besides, if anyone tries anything, I’ll fucking rip them to shreds,” I menace.

“I don’t doubt that. Just try not to rip the rest of the place to shreds with them. Have you got emergency olophine?”

I pucker my lips in distaste for the need I could have later, and I nod.

“More than enough - at least ten vials or more.”

“Good,” Clay says with a smirk, and then he follows me onto the elevator along with Brazen.

“You’re still struggling with whatever this thing inside you is?” he asks softly.

“This thing isn’t inside me,” I growl. “It’s me, just a part of me I don’t care to talk about… especially not right now,” I scold, and my eyes point to the elevator full of snarling full bloods in disgusted disbelief for my presence.

Clay turns to face the encroaching crowd, and he displays his commander’s symbol for the United.