Page 39 of Fated In Ruin
I would put everyone I loved in danger.
If Ravok was truly only after me, and I suspected that much, at least, was true, then I couldn’t go anywhere near Crimson House. Not until Ravok was dead.
I hated keeping things from my mate, but sometimes Blake was over protective to a fault. Not that I minded, only that in this case, I had to make the decision that kept everyone safe.
So what if Ravok, the mighty Elder who saw the future, was hunting me?
He would soon be added to a long line of arrogant, overly confident males who’d underestimated me and found out how badly they’d fucked up.
I blew out a long breath, thinking back to my totally inappropriate response to an unmuted Malachi earlier. Lapse of his power or not, some things… yeah, there were some things Blake didn’t need to know.
I took a slow breath, forcing my hands steady, and resumed typing.
Silas, Alistair, and Dante are gone. Ravok turned them into thralls.
I clenched my jaw, shoving back the surge of…I couldn’t call this feeling grief. Regret, maybe. After a lifetime of hate, I should have rejoiced at what they’d become, but I only felt sadness. Regardless, I didn’t have time for regrets.
My magic manifested and even though it was my first time using my power, I almost killed Ravok. All I need is another chance. One more day, Blake. Let us track him down while he’s still weak. Then I’ll come home and we can have that life we dreamed about.
I didn’t mention the truth.
That my dark fire was no longer a tiny flame cradled in my chubby hands. That my magic wasn’t just manifesting—this power was unpredictable, volatile, possibly even evil. That every time I touched that churning darkness, I felt like something inside me unraveled a little bit more.
No, my mate didn’t need to know that, either.
I hit send and let my phone drop into my lap. My head swam as I sat deeper into the pillows, a wave of dizziness washing over me.
I pressed a hand to my cold temple, the room spinning uncontrollably.Damn it.
Of course, vampire biology was going to fuck me yet again. I’d signed up for immortality, unlimited strength and speed, and I’d gotten sensitive skin and pointed teeth.
But my real problem—it had been too long since I fed. A week, maybe. Between the battle and tracking Ravok and wielding my magic not once, but twice, I’d drained myself to the dredges. All the signs were there, the sluggish limbs, the constant chill, the way my senses dulled around the edges.
I needed blood. Soon.
The phone vibrated violently, the screen lighting up with Blake’s name. I barely had time to pick it up before his reply came through.
No. That’s unacceptable. You’re coming home. Now.
I exhaled, knowing where this was going.
Blake, I only need one more day?—
Absolutely not. You asked for two days and that killed me, but I gave those to you. You’re my mate. You belong here with me. Not chasing after some monster alone.
The wordmatesent a sharp pang of want through me, which I ignored. And reminding him I wasn’t alone would only send him over the edge. Best to leave Malachi out of this.
I can end this, Blake, before anyone gets hurt. I have to try.
His reply was instantaneous.
Try? What happens when you get yourself killed, Evangeline?
I clenched my teeth, my grip tightening on the phone. Nobody except Blake had ever told me what to do, and honestly, his overbearing male attitude rankled a little. Why couldn’t he trust me to get the job done, without him swooping down to save me?
As if in response, fear trickled down the mating bond, fear and sadness and wild panic and I ran my hand down my face.
I typed slowly, choosing my words carefully.I get that you’re scared for me. I’m being careful and learning everything I can about my magic and about Ravok. If we don’t stop him now, there’s a chance we never will. I saw him. He could destroy us, Blake. All of us.
