Before I lead Allison through the topiary and down the steps, into the hidden area of flowers, I whisper to her, “You are not permitted in this garden without me, understand?”
Her big, glossy blue eyes gaze into mine. “I understand.”
The moment we enter, she presses a hand to her chest, dainty fingers splayed. “This place is breathtaking,” she breathes out. “You designed this?”
I nod.
She steps away from me, making her way to the lilies preening in the sun near the cascading fountain in the center of the garden. For a moment, I try to see it as she does. Over time, I’ve lost appreciation for it. Every type of flower you could imagine stretches for as far as the eye can see. Vibrant pinks and purples pop out at you at every turn. A labyrinth of hedges lines the back, blocking the garden from the rest of the world.
She stops to admire the rose bushes. “These are beautiful.”
“They are, but they’re also wicked. You need to watch yourself around them.”
“Wicked? How?” Her voice is so delicate it almost makes my heart crack in two. If I had a beating one.
“If you get too close.” I touch the plump red rose closest to her. “It bites.”
“The thorns?” she asks.
“Yes, you need to watch out for the thorns as well.”
She leans in, sniffing the rose I hold out for her.
Her neck is in plain view, and it’s so close. It takes everything in me not to sink my hungry teeth into her sweet skin. The smell of her blood wafts through the air, making my head fuzzy with desire, but I have to maintain control.
I lean in, almost tasting the sweet nectar of her crimson blood.
She beams, bringing her hand up to take the rose from my hand. “See, this flower isn’t evil at all. It doesn’t want to bite me.”
I step away. She has no idea how close I came to devouring all of her.
It makes me want to burst into flames.
I’ve never in my life came close to losing control as I just did with her right now.
Allison takes a seat on one of the wooden benches angled near the fountain, smiling wide. “It’s perfect here. I never want to leave.”
I smirk. “You should see the garden at my castle.”
“Wait. This isn’t where you live?”
I shake my head, joining her on the bench. “No, I live in the mountains. In a secluded castle atop one of the highest peaks in Romania. I frequent this castle often, so I do keep private chambers here.”
“Oh, I figured you lived here all the time. I know Simon said you were in some type of crisis.”
I turn to face her, baring my teeth. “And just what else did Simon say to you?”
She shrugs. “Not much, really. Did I offend you?”
She’s so pretty, it’s hard to stay mad around her. Besides, it’s not her fault my nephew was careless. What if someone at their college overheard them speaking of me? What if they were followed because of it?
I’ve tried for many years to keep my hunt for the girl who wields the power a secret from the other clans. And here Simon is, blabbing his mouth for all to hear.
“We need to head back. I need to speak with Simon.” I bound from the bench and Allison follows.
“I didn’t mean to cause any trouble,” she shouts after me.
I need to know what else Simon told her. I need to know if anyone followed him.