“I— Um. It’s fine.”
I’ve been reduced to a blubbering idiot. My eyes close as I try desperately to get a grip. When I open them, Julian is staring at me, a smile lighting his face.
“I’ll be around tomorrow, and I’d like for us to spend some time together.” He looks expectantly at me, as though I might refuse.
“I’m at your whim,” I say nonchalantly, but Julian cringes.
“Shall I serve her breakfast early, Sir Crown?” Katina asks, poking her head back in the room. I giggle at the exasperated look Julian throws her way.
“That would be great, Katina. Thank you.”
She bows and exits the room again.
“Katina is always . . . interesting.” His brow quirks and a small smirk graces his cheeks, showcasing his dimples.
A laugh escapes my lips.
“That she is,” I agree. Our eyes meet and warmth spreads up my neck. Everything stills, and I can’t pull my gaze from Julian. Breathing shallowly, I force my head to turn away from him, feeling suddenly claustrophobic.
Julian clears his throat.
“I have business to attend to, but I brought you a present.” His words come out sounding shy, unsure even.
“You did?” My head tilts to the side, a half smile lifting one side of my mouth.
He nods, smiling back.
“I’m sorry it took me so long, but when I make you a promise, Marina, I swear I’ll do my best to keep it.” He turns to go. “Bash,” he calls. “Bring her in.”
My nose scrunches in confusion, but before I have a chance to question anything, the door opens and Stacey walks in. I gasp.
Stacey runs toward me, arms stretched wide, while Katina follows with covered trays. She places it on the table and exits the room without another word.
Stacey and I embrace for several minutes before either of us speaks.
“Are you okay?” I hold her shoulders at arm’s length, so I can inspect her neck for any bites.
Her neck is bandaged, signaling she hasn’t fared as well as I have.
“No.” Her words are broken. “He’s a monster, Marina.”
I nod my head, not knowing what to say.
“He drinks from you?”
“Every. Day.”
It’s then that I notice the bruising around her neck and cheeks. My hands fly to my mouth and I will myself to not break down in front of her. I’ve had it so easy in comparison, and the guilt hits me immediately.
“I’m so sorry, Stacey.” The words come out as a cry.
Her hand comes up to halt my apologies, and she shakes her head, signaling for me to stop talking.
“I need to forget just for a few minutes.”
The request is not too much to ask, but I have a hard time ignoring what’s right in front of me. The truth of the matter is, we both are prisoners in our respective houses. Only, one of us is in dire danger. I don’t say anything. I’ll allow her to lead this.
“This place is . . . nice.” Her voice is hollow.
I purse my lips while widening my eyes.
“All things considered, I’d take this place any day.”
I instantly regret my complaining. She’s right. This place is heaven compared to where she’s come from. Julian has gone out of his way to make me comfortable; meanwhile she’s being tortured.
“Can we please pretend we are two normal girls having a normal day?” I beg. “It might be denial, but I need that, and I think you do too.”
She nods.
We sit and talk about our past lives as if we’re still living them. The fantasy of normal life feels good, if only for a short time. It’s as if I’m chatting with an old friend. I haven’t been this relaxed since before Maggie died.
“So, wait, you’re telling me that Andrea was the Tomato Queen? That’s a thing where you’re from?” Stacey asks, bemused.
“It’s definitely a thing. Every township in the area has a contestant, and she won it all.”
That was a great day. Shannon, Jill, Maggie, and I were so proud of our friend. She was radiant in her evening gown and smoking hot in her one-piece bathing suit. Guys never missed Andrea when she walked into a room. And I got it after that night, seeing her shine. She is beautiful.
Talking about the Tomato Pageant makes me think about the county fair, since that’s where it was held. It was the one thing I looked forward to each summer. It allowed me seven whole days of avoiding my parents. From the animal barns to the dozens of vendors, I could spend all day every day with my friends, having fun and being normal.
“I was with them the night I was taken,” I tell Stacey. “I left early because I felt so out of place.”
“Why?” she asks.
“They’ve had normal childhoods. They’ve experienced college. I haven’t. It was that night that I realized how different we were. How different I was.”
She frowns, looking sad, but she doesn’t say anything.
“I walked home. I tried to hide in a cornfield, but they found me.”
Going down this road isn’t easy for me, but at the same time, it might be therapeutic for both of us.
Stacey takes a deep breath. “I was at the mall, shopping for a gift for my mom’s birthday. It was dark out by the time I left. When I got to my car, I was unlocking my door and I heard the door to the van next to me slide open, but I didn’t even have time to turn around before someone pulled me into the back.”
“Did you have the feeling like someone was following you? Or do you think you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time?”
I’m curious to see if she has a similar story to Maggie’s and mine. We’ve been followed—more like stalked—our entire lives. Could she have endured what we did all these years?
“No. It was a case of parking too far out and next to the wrong psycho.”
I huff. “Psycho is a good word for the beasts at the auction.”
She smacks her lips together, nodding all the while.
“Julian said that it’s not random. He says that we were likely watched for some time.”
She chews on her cheek. “It’s possible. I was so into myself I probably wouldn’t have even noticed,” she admits.
“How did you get here?” I ask, hoping this question will divert us onto a different path.
“Julian came for me. All I know is that he made a deal with Marcellus.” Her eyes darken as she says his name. “I’ve been here for a few hours. I was hanging out in the throne room with a vampire named Katina.” Her eyes widen, and her brow rises in an exaggerated expression that screams the eccentric, over-the-top vampiress.
“Has she put the moves on you?”
Stacey’s mouth drops open slightly and the confusion on her face has me giggling.
“Why the hell would she put the moves on me?”
I shrug.
“I think she swings both ways.”
“She’s a vampire, Marina. I think they’re all batshit crazy.”
“Good point,” I agree.
“Just for conversational purposes . . . how exactly did you come to this idea that she likes girls?” Her brow rises.
“It’s just a feeling. I don’t know. She . . . looks at me like she wants to eat me.” I crinkle my nose.
Stacey snorts.
“Duh. She’s a vampire. Of course she wants to eat you,” she says through her laughter.
I can’t help but follow suit. We’re both practically rolling around on the ground laughing. Not that our conversation regarding Katina is particularly hysterical, but the ridiculousness of the entire situation has us each at our manic breaking point. When we finally calm ourselves, I decide to get to the bottom of just what’s going on over at Casa de la Pain.
“When do you have to go back?”
The air seems to chill by ten degrees at the thought of Stacey leaving.
“I’ll die before I go back there, Marina.”
I contemplate her words. I don’t doubt it would be better for her, but the thou
ght of Stacey dead sends a shock of sadness deep within my core. I might not have known Stacey long, but we’re kindred spirits through this hellish ordeal, and I can’t let anything happen to her.
“Do you think you could talk him into letting me stay here? I can’t go back there. I’ll die.”
Her words have my blood running cold.
“I’ll do whatever I can, Stacey.”
She takes a deep breath.
We sit in silence for a few minutes before either of us breathes a word. It’s me who finally caves.
“Where did you live?” I ask, out of curiosity and a need to talk about normal things one more time.
She frowns at my sudden change of subject, but answers anyway.
“Indian River, Michigan.”
“I’ve never been,” I say. “But I hear Michigan is beautiful.”
She smiles warmly.
“It is. I love it.”
Channeling all the Pure Michigan ads I’ve seen on the television over the years, I recall the beautiful lakes and sand dunes and send a silent prayer to any god listening that someday I’ll be able to visit Stacey’s home.
“We’ll get you back there. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
The lie rolls off my tongue so easily I almost believe my own words.
Stacey and I spend the day hanging out in my room. Katina brings us snacks while we try on every ridiculous dress in my armoire. Stacey’s two inches taller than me—making all the dresses a little short for her—but it’s a good distraction. Around dinnertime, Katina brings us in pizza with two Cokes, at which we both squeal. Apparently, we share a love for greasy pepperoni and a cold Coke.
We end the day with a card game of War, and part only when Katina forces us to, saying we need rest. She’s right. I only agree when Katina promises that Stacey will be here in the morning. Even though she’s only been here a day, I can’t go back to the loneliness I had before Stacey’s arrival. I’d rather be dead. I spent the past year—prior to my abduction—being painfully alone, and it almost broke me.
I almost beg for Stacey to sleep curled up next to me, but I don’t want to sound pathetic. This will likely be the first time since she was abducted that she’ll actually sleep. She deserves her own comfortable bed. She deserves what I have.
Chapter Sixteen
The next morning, I rise early, eager to see Stacey again. I shriek when I find her already in my room, grinning at me from the table.
“Morning, sunshine.”
“You scared the hell out of me.” My hand is resting over my beating heart, trying desperately to convince it to calm down. “When did you get here?”
She checks her watchless wrist. “I’ve stopped caring about things like time.”
I frown.
“Katina let me in about an hour ago. I ate while you slept.” She plays with her fingers. “Sorry for the intrusion. I didn’t want to be alone.”
The happy girl from moments ago is replaced by someone who’s been through more than I can imagine over the past few weeks. I’ve been living in luxury in comparison, and the guilt weighs heavily on me. What did he do to her?
“I’m glad you’re here.”
She smiles.
“Get dressed. We’re going exploring.” Her excitement is contagious.
I do as she says and dress quickly. Before long, Stacey and I are being escorted by Katina to meet Julian. We’re practically skipping, we’re so giddy for fresh air. The small things in life are what I miss most, like the freedom to choose where and when I come and go.
“Ladies,” Julian says as we round the corner. “Thank you for joining me.”
I nod, feeling tongue-tied at his presence. Just as every other time, he takes my breath away. Stacey nudges me in the side.
“Stop ogling and move. I want to see the sun.”
My lips purse and eyes narrow at her insinuation. The fact that my emotions are so obvious is annoying. If she can tell how affected I am, can he?
“Where are you taking us today?” I ask Julian as we walk out the back door.
“I thought I would share something with you. Something that might help you understand my kind.” His hands are in his pockets and he’s rocking back and forth on his toes as if he’s excited. He looks young and carefree. It’s a look I love to see on Julian.
“I’m intrigued.”
He looks triumphant. Turning to Stacey, he asks, “Do you mind if I borrow her for a moment?”
She looks at me, mouth pulled to one side, as if she’s debating whether or not she should leave me with him.
“It’s fine, Stacey. Go enjoy your sun,” I laugh, hoping she’ll feel all right with going off on her own.
“I’ll just be over there.” She points to the flower garden. “If you need me, yell.”
She narrows her eyes at Julian. His hands raise in surrender.
“She’s safe with me, Stacey. You both are.”
Her body sags in relief and a smile forms on her lips. She doesn’t say another word as she bounces off to enjoy a moment of freedom. I can’t contain my own smile at her momentary happiness. In truth, Julian made it happen and he deserves my gratitude.
“Thank you, Julian. This means . . . everything.”
His head bobs, but he doesn’t say anything, hands in his pockets as he walks ahead of me.
We walk for a few minutes in silence until we approach two gravestones worn with age. My head turns to Julian, the question dying on my lips.
“These are the memorial stones of my mother and sister.”
He leans over, wiping away dust and dirt from the stones. One is engraved,
Sylvia Bellamy
beloved mother and wife
September 20, 1321 – October 4, 1346
The second reads,
Winnifred Bellamy
cherished daughter
March 14, 1341 – March 17, 1341
“What happened to them?”
“My sister died shortly after birth from the plague. She was one of the earliest victims, at three days old,” he says sadly. “She would’ve been the oldest of us all.”
The plague. The reminder that he isn’t mortal is a kick to the gut.
“My mother died during childbirth with the three of us boys, just five years later.”
Triplets. Just like me and my sisters.
“I was a triplet too,” I confide, feeling like I should share something, since he’s showed me this.
His head pops up to mine, eyes wide.
“You . . . were a triplet?”
“Yeah, it’s not that uncommon,” I titter at his surprise.
“Where are your sisters?”
My face falls at the question. I wanted to share a piece of me, but this feels like too much too soon. There are some things I hold close, and the story of my past is one of them. Julian must read this on my face, because he continues on quickly to get an answer.
“Were they taken too?”
I shake my head vigorously, thankful they weren’t auctioned off to a monster like Marcellus.
“Molly was stillborn, and Maggie died a few months ago.” It’s all I’ll offer. I won’t go into her death, and the fact that I’m finally admitting that she’s dead isn’t lost on me. It breaks me in two.
“I’m sorry, Marina.”
My shoulders lift. Words escape me.
“It appears we have a lot in common.” He peers at me out of the corner of his eye. Mine are lasered on the tombstones as I try to prevent myself from breaking down.
We’ve both lost people we love, but where I’m alone, he still has Law. I’d give anything to have my sister back.
Julian turns me to him.
“You’re in pain. I can feel it.” My eyes squint as I try to understand how he’d know that. Is it that obvious? “What can I do to help? Name it. I’ll give it to you,” he promises.
I stare at him for several moments, not knowing what to say. Why is he being so kind to me? How long will it last? Then somethin
g occurs to me. Stacey.
“Can Stacey stay here with me?”
Julian frowns, not appearing happy with my request.
“That isn’t something I can give you, Marina. If I could, I would.”
“He’s evil, Julian. He will kill her. She’s my friend. The only one I have,” I channel every ounce of sadness into my words, hoping he’ll take mercy on me.
He sighs.
“It wasn’t always like that. Over the centuries, a lot has happened to him. His heart has hardened.”
The shift in conversation isn’t to my liking, but it has me wondering what did happen to Marcellus to make him what he is today.
“He’s lost much over the years.” His eyes are sad as he relays his brother’s story. His hand is at his heart, as if he’s trying to stave off his own pain.
“Someone he loved?” The question comes to me out of nowhere. What else could turn someone so cold?
“Yes. The one person who would’ve held his heart for a lifetime.”
That kind of love is foreign to me. I’ve never felt anything stronger than lust. At twenty years old, I have less experience with the opposite sex than most. Love has always seemed unthinkable.
“I’ve never been in love. I wouldn’t know what that’s like,” I admit.
“Love can be harsh. Especially for vampires.”
The pain that crosses over his face forms a pit in my stomach. What has he been through over the centuries? That kind of pain can only be from personal experience. Who has he lost?
“The brother I loved is lost. This Marcellus wants to overthrow me. He’s protested my standing to the Council.” He brushes his hand back through his blond hair. “I’m under a microscope these days.”
“Can he do that?”
“He has.”
I wonder what that all means. Who does the Council consist of and what can they actually do to Julian? In the end, I don’t ask. It doesn’t matter in the scheme of things. My only focus for today is to secure Stacey’s safety.
“Is there any way to keep Stacey here, Julian?”
He grunts.
“Outside of demanding it, no. He hardly agreed to one month.”
Blood That Binds: A Vampire Romance (Blood Legends Duet) Page 15
