Page 22 of Cryptic Dreams
I nod. “I’ve already put a few of our more trusted members on it. They’ve been instructed to find the humans and deal with them, tie up my loose ends before Atticus decides to call for a formal investigation.”
“Fuck,” he grunts. “I take it thatdealing with themis code forkilling them and making it look like an overdose?”
“Of course. It’s less than a handful of humans and their deaths are for the greater good. If my sire uncovers my plan,ourplan, not only will it be my head on a pike outside the Hall of Vampire Affairs, but yours and anyone else linked to our group as well. Sacrificing a few disgusting humans in the name of the Uprising shouldn’t matter in the long run.”
“Let’s just hope our members get to them first.” Orion sighs. “This could be bad, Wraith. If they find out—“
“They will not,” I growl. “Atticus will find nothing out because I will make sure he doesn’t. This is but a minor snare in the tapestry of change.” I finish my second Bloody Mary and slide from the booth. “That being said, I think it is wise that we do not have anymore meetings until this blows over. I will continue to frequent your club because it is a normal part of my routine, as is sharing drinks and conversation with you two, but I think it is unwise for us to gather in larger numbers for the time being. Our members have been made aware and those tasked with disposing of any baggage will report back to me when the deed is done, then wait for further instructions when the time comes.”
They both nod but Orion speaks after a brief silence. “I really think you should talk to Zephyr.”
“And why, pray tell, would I want to engage with your weak and fearful cousin?” The lie is bitter on my tongue, but it is necessary.
Anger flares through both males, anger hot and fierce, their love and protectiveness toward that most precious female something I will appreciate in private.
“I don’t know if it’s this shit with your father or if you really are just a fucking prick, but Zephyr is not weak or any other derogatory thing you might spit, and you fucking know it.” Orion’s fists clench on the table as he glares at me. “She has a gift, one that could be incredibly beneficial to you and the Uprising, and if you’d just—”
“Enough,” I snap. “I do not need a female interfering with my plans, nor do I need her perceivedgiftbecause I am a Descendant with unlimited power of my own. I will not discuss this again and it would do you good to do the same.”
I drop a wad of cash on the table then turn on my heel, decidedly having my fill of the things I covet and cannot have, and as I push my way through the throng of twats dancing on the floor, I can’t help the way my eyes wander to the booth that female should be occupying.
But she is not.
No, my beautiful goddess has taken her leave and with it, she has taken my heart, the useless organ belonging to no one but her in this life and the next.
7
Heartbreaker
ZEPHYR
This is probably the stupidest thing I’ve done in a very long time, but I have to do it.
I have to be sure.
I don’t know why the need for confirmation is eating at me so strongly, I’m almost one hundred percent positive already, but I need to know or else it will drive me insane for the rest of my life.
Doesn’t mean this isn’t a stupid idea though. One I will most likely regret immediately, especially if he acts like a complete asshole again.
Which is really why I shouldn’t be doing this at all.
I can handle assholes, can handle jerks that think they’re better than everyone, bastards who are pretentious and condescending, who think they shit gold and roses. That’s a pretty standard part of my day considering the fact that I’m viewed as maybe one step up from pond scum, but what I won’t be able to handle is what is clearly going to happen when I confirm what I already know. It will definitely break my heart and shatter my dreams of a better future, of the life my parents wanted for me when I get that confirmation I so desperately seem to need.
I pull my sweater tighter as I pace along the back of the club, my stomach twisted in knots, anxiety swirling in my chest like a category five hurricane.
At least he’s beautiful.
Even if this goes the way I expect, I’ll be able to say without a doubt that at some point the Gods of Old smiled down on me because they gave me a mate that is more beautiful than any male I’ve ever seen before.
And he’s a Descendant.
I have no idea why the gods paired me with a Descendant but they did, and my mother would be beside herself if she were here to see it. Then she’d definitely sayI told you soat least a million times before I crushed her dreams of any gorgeous young made with a beautiful Descendant when I broke the news that he rejected me.
He’s going to, that much is clear, and while I don’t blame him, I can’t honestly say it doesn’t still hurt.
It’s strange, though.
Really strange, because if Wraith is so hellbent on rejecting me, then why did I feel our bond? Why did I recognize him almost immediately as my mate?
