Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
He pats my bottom gently and rubs it in slow circles that I think are supposed to be soothing. They are also actually soothing. I feel very contained by Damon. Very kept. The fact that he doesn’t speak actually makes me feel more like talking.
“So he’s going to try to kill me, and the rest of you because you’re all targets now. Anybody close to me is in danger. If anything, you should let me go. We should get to the next big population center and you should go your ways and I should go mine. It’s the only way to ensure your safety.”
Damon turns me over to face him. His lips brush my cheek in a little kiss, followed by a firm head shake. No. He’s not going anywhere. And neither are the others. They’re too possessive. Too stupidly male.
I don’t know when I fall asleep. It must be at some point in declaring that I am absolutely not tired and do not need sleep. All I know is that when morning comes, I am still wrapped in Damon’s arms. One of his limbs is snug around my hips, and the second I move he opens his eyes.
“I’m not running away,” I say. “I just need to pee.”
Peeing in the desert always feels a bit like doing a public service. There’s some unexpected H2O for whatever little creatures or plants are around. Sure, it’s rich in nitrates, but what are you going to do. That’s a bonus if you’re a plant.
There’s something very beautiful and freeing in this moment. The quiet of the morning, the contentment of knowing I have absolutely gotten away with many of my crimes, and am likely to get away with many more yet to come. The sun is rising, casting a golden glow over the rust bucket we’re driving to freedom.
Conroy and Tailor spent the night next to the fire. My stomach is growling. I didn’t get anything to eat last night. The truck might have something to eat inside it. I’m pretty sure I asked for it to be stocked with a few little supplies. The guy who sold it told me to go fuck myself, but that doesn’t always mean that he didn’t do it.
Before I can head back to the truck, Conroy is on me. He moves silently sometimes, surprising for someone as big and burly as him.
“Morning,” Conroy says. “I wanted to talk to you before the others got up.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah. I appreciate you saving my life. I appreciate you saving Tailor’s even more. But don’t think that means you get away with things now. If anything, it’s going to make me even more strict with you, you understand? You’re not going to get away with anything on my watch. And yes, that’s probably going to mean you get a sore ass and a sore pussy and sore thighs…”
“Thighs!” I exclaim.
He smirks a little, as if that was designed to get a rise out of me.
“I’m just giving you a warning. I’m still here. Still looking out for you, and that…” He leans down, making eye contact with me in a way that makes my insides quiver. “Means that you are going to be taking my cock like a good little girl. Understand?”
“Fuck off,” I say.
“I thought so. You’re warned. That’s fair. What happens next is on you.”
I hate that the little conversation we just had made me feel safer. I wish I meant the ‘fuck off’ more. I want to stay in control, two steps ahead. I want to set the agenda. So I change the subject.
“Today I’m driving to Rock City. No vampires allowed. That was supposed to be my first stop. It’s a good place to refuel and we won’t be tracked there because of the no vampires.”
“No shifters either.”
“Well, they can tell vamps because they sparkle in the sunlight. But they can’t tell shifters unless they see us turning into wolves.”
“They shoot on sight.”
“So stay in your human forms. It’s not that hard. I have a contact there. I had plans, you know. Before I got kidnapped by you. Before I almost got caught by the ancient vampire who has been stalking me for years. Do what I tell you.”
Conroy rubs his hands together, and I know I am walking a fine line before he thrashes me.
“I know you’re sore. I know you’re scared. But I swear to god, if you don’t start moderating your tone, I’m going to make you scream.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” I quip, off-hand, before instantly regretting it. “Rock City will be safe.”
“Rock City is a stronghold of religious zealots who would burn us if they discovered us,” he argues. He makes a good point.
“I’m not saying we buy property there. I’m saying we go there because Alexander won’t be able to get in. I’m saying that’s where my next stop is, and I’m saying you three can come with me or dig a den out here.”