by J. J. Bonds
“I found out that Anastasia had entered into a relationship with one of our servants, a vampire of mixed-blood. I was afraid of what would happen if someone else told my father, so I did it myself. In hind sight, I don’t know if I was trying to protect her or myself.” I glance at Viktor to see if he’s as engaged in the story as I am. His stony face gives nothing away. I quickly return my gaze to Aldo.
“My father was so angry with her when he found out. He tore his chamber apart. I was immediately sorry I’d told, but the damage could not be undone. He would not stand for such a betrayal.” Aldo pauses again turning to face me. “Back then this type of scandal would have cost him his reputation. Imagine how it would have looked if he couldn’t even control his own house. His own daughter consorting with de sange amestecat? It was the worst kind of betrayal.”
The implications are obvious. The story would have spread like wildfire and would have been used to undermine his authority. Still, I’m disturbed. Maybe it’s because I was born human, but I really don’t see what difference it makes. Purity of blood has nothing to do with strength of character or the bonds of love. Crossroads has shown me that.
“I’ve never known for certain, but I believe my father had Anastasia killed that very night by the Linkuri. I never saw her again and was forbidden to mention her name. Eventually stories spread about her running away.” He shrugs, raking a hand over his closely cropped hair. “I’m certain my father perpetuated them.”
Aldo’s guilt is tangible. Living all these years with the death of his own twin sister on his conscience couldn’t be easy. I guess that explains his fondness for me. And his need for redemption. I feel the full weight of his need descend upon my shoulders.
Anya was right. His judgment is clouded when it comes to me. Not that it matters. This revelation does nothing to shake my loyalty to him. Aldo gave me a second chance at life, and I intend to make the most of it.
“Enough of this gloom,” he orders, strength returning to his voice as he stands. I join him, straightening up as well. “This is a day for celebration. You are free of that abysmal creature Luka and those horrific nightmares.”
“Aren’t you forgetting something,” I ask, eyeing him skeptically.
“What’s that?”
“Blaine. He isn’t going to stay quiet about what’s transpired here. He knows everything.”
“Ah, yes. Blaine. I’ve taken care of that. As I said, I visited with the others while you slept.” His tone is ice cold. It sends a chill down my spine. Again, I’m reminded of Aldo’s powerful persona in the outside world. Surely he wouldn’t have taken action against Blaine? My gaze slides to Viktor. He is a punisher by trade. It’s what he does.
Both men begin to laugh.
“Not to worry, Katia. Blaine is fine. I had a little chat with him about how nice it might be to have the head of the Consiliul de Batrani owe him a favor. He was beside himself to comply in light of the traitorous acts that he committed against you. He’s sworn an oath to me that I can assure you he will not break.”
I don’t even want to think about the threat that would make Aldo so confident in Blaine’s loyalty, given his open dislike of everything related to me.
“Besides,” he chuckles. “I planted a suggestion in his subconscious that will be difficult for him to overcome.”
I’m intrigued. I’ve heard of vampires that are able to influence the weak minded and wonder if this is a talent Aldo possesses, but don’t ask. Some things are better left unsaid. Whatever it is, it’s between Blaine and Aldo.
“Sir.”
Viktor says only this one word, but its meaning is clear to Aldo. Time to go. Our time together is always so short as of late. I resign myself to that fact and hug them both tightly, knowing I’ll be home in Romania in just a few short months. Besides, I have a few loose ends of my own to tie up.
Epilogue
The warm spring breeze caresses my arms and lifts a few strands of hair from the collar of my shirt. This mornings’ rain has left the campus fresh and clean. I stroll about among the roses, imagining that the rain has also washed away the tragedy of recent weeks. I inhale the scents of the garden and smile. I feel as light as air.
I’m relieved to have finally told Shaye the truth about my past. She deserved to hear it from me. The lies had gone on too long, and Anya was right: I do need friends. Besides, I know that I can trust Shaye with my life. I have no regrets about sharing this piece of myself with her.
I reach out to pluck one of the blossoms from its thorny branch and stop suddenly. I am no longer alone in the garden.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?”
Nik. What’s he doing up so early? And why is he wandering around in the garden? “Are you following me?” I look over my shoulder and give him a casual smile, letting him know I’m only half serious.
“Maybe,” he returns coyly. There’s a twinkle in his eye. As usual, he’s goading me.
“Oh? I see your manners haven’t improved.” I twist the rosebud from the bush and bring it to my nose, inhaling deeply. The scent is heady and intoxicating.
“You owe me a rematch,” he says simply. “We never did get to finish our last session. Unless you aren’t up to it?”
My pulse quickens at the thought of our last match. I recall the slap that ended things early and the sensuous kiss that brought it on. I part my lips to reply and think better of it. I feel a grin spread over my face, confident for the first time that it will be Nik who yields.
About the Author
J.J. Bonds is an avid reader, writer, and blogger. J.J. grew up in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and, after a few years of city living has returned to her quiet hometown, where her passion for writing and all things paranormal keeps life interesting. Crossroads is her debut novel and the first in the Crossroads Academy trilogy. J.J. is currently working on book two of the series with the loving support of her husband and the many distractions provided her two rambunctious dogs.
To connect with J.J. online, visit http://www.jjbonds.com or http://www.facebook.com/jjbondsfanpage.
Table of Contents
Crossroads
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Epilogue
About the Author
