Page 121 of Worse Fates

“I don’t regret becoming a vampire.” Weak as I am, I try to add steel to my words. “I mean, yeah the turning fucking sucked. But for you I’d go through it again—”

“Never, Golden.” His log burning scent flares, encapsulating me. “Ineverwant you to go through that kind of pain again.”

“Trust me, I have no plans to,” I joke—easier to laugh it off. Pretend it never happened. Push it away. Never think about it again. Ever.

Lucero must see some tell I let slip, something to let him know that maybe I’m not holding everything together as well as he thought. Which admittedly, wasn’t very well to begin with.

But before he can comfort me, I’m quick to add, “But I did expect to be somewhat cooler. Maybe lift a couple cars over my head.”

There’s a beat of silence, my mate’s gaze burning into mine. Silently, I beg him to just move on.

Lucero gently brushes away a curl that’s fallen into my eyes. “You are already very cool.”

“That’s probably the uncoolest thing I’ve ever heard you say, brother,” Ramy teases.

“Right,” I snort, beaming at Lucero.

“I’m glad I amuse you both. Now stop stalling and drink.” His voice may be tender, but he pushes the glass closer.

Sighing, I eye the cooling blood suspiciously. Glass tall and shining obnoxiously, like it’s daring me to do it.

Fuck it. No time like the present.

I don’t think about it—just shoot it back like it’s a flaming shot.

Thick warmth spills across my mouth and into my throat. My fangs, without having any say, drop down as I gulp deeply. A gnawing hunger that either I’ve been ignoring or just woke up, purrs in satisfaction.

This isn’t the richly dark flavour of Lucero’s blood, but something close.

When I’m done, I already want more. But…

I push the glass away, the sudden appearance of hunger vanishing with it. Now my stomach just feels weird and bloated.

“Well done, Golden,” Lucero praises, kissing my cheeks and stroking my jaw. “So proud of you.”

I grunt in response.

“Feeling better?” Ramy inquires.

I can’t lie as a cramp begins to twist knots in my stomach. “Urgh, feeling something,” I complain, hugging my middle.

Lucero rubs my back. “You drank it too fast. Breathe deeply, okay?”

I do, my face buried in his neck to get more of that log burning scent I love so much. “I need to take my mind off my stomach. What’s happening with the search for Emma?”

“I’ve alerted the other vampire families and Summer has informed her Sovereign. There is a kill on sight order for any blood mages in the city. Hopefully I find that monster first.” Lucero’s harsh tone contrasts with the gentle circles he’s rubbing in my back.

“She was desperate to get her hands on Jace’s spellbook.” Ramy leans back into his chair. “Summer’s trying to dig up any information she can, but nothing yet.”

I nod slowly.

“What about….” I swallow. “What about the warehouse?” Or Jace’s body buried under it.

“The police have ruled it a drug accident gone bad.” Lucero shrugs, uncaring.

Good for us, but fucked up. “A bunch of people barely in their twenties, who everyone failed, and they won’t even properly investigate it…”

“Do you feel badly for those who hurt you?” Lucero asks in my ear. “For those who tried to take you away from me?”