And those were the more palatable ones.
“What the fuck is this, pet? You want all Masters to die choking? Is that it?”
Zari was unable to speak. So her Master had noticed her omissions. She thought he wouldn’t, but he had, and foolishly, knowing he had made her happy. It meant her calling him Master was important to Alexandru.
When did it start?
She looked at him incredulously. Are we really going to do this now? Have you forgotten—-
Answer the question, he growled.
She sighed. When did what start?
The relationship between you and Erou Damaschin.
We have no relationship—-
And that’s why he just happened to be around when you fainted?
Hating the way he was making her feel defensive, she shot back, At least he’s around! At least he really wants me to be his pet-—She choked, her throat clogging.
What the hell are you talking about? Are you saying he had the gall to make you believe I do not want you as my pet?
He didn’t have to tell me anything, she cried out. I know it!
You know what?
You’re really going to deny it?
How can I deny something I don’t understand—-
The contract! Zari saw his face whiten and knew he finally understood what she was talking about. I was trying to look for something to read. That’s the only reason why I saw it. Her fingers dug into his arms as she threw away her pride and asked, Why haven’t we signed a contract…Master?
The pain on her face made his heart clench. Never had he wanted to see her hurt like this, and it felt a thousand times worse, knowing that he was the cause of her pain. Her own Master, someone who was supposed to be taking care of her.
It’s not what you think, pet. Alexandru started to say something else but stopped, having sensed another otherworlder approaching.
A chill swept over her at the grim look in her Master’s brilliant green eyes. H-he’s here, isn’t he?
He nodded.
There was no surprise in his eyes, and she realized in a flash, You knew, didn’t you?
Yes. When you mentioned the library, it struck me as well as being the most likely place for the murders to take place. In every crime scene we’ve been to, it had been clear that the victim had been killed at around this time and then dumped elsewhere in the morning.
Which was why you knew it was okay for us to talk. You even chose to talk here on the roof because you wanted a bird’s eye view of him coming back. You’re using me, aren’t you? She was hysterical, screaming at him in her mind. You only want me as a soul seer, don’t you? You’ve never really cared—-
Alexandru shut her up with a kiss.
Her gaze flew open. It took her more than a moment to remember to struggle, but she could only do so weakly, fearing he would accidentally let her slip away from his grasp.
Alexandru savored the kiss. It had been only a few days, but it felt like forever. It also felt like the last kiss, the way she tried to keep her lips pursed together, and he didn’t want that. He could not accept that. She was his, dammit. She was his pet!
I care, he said savagely. I care more than I want to. If I had a choice, if I could bear sending you away—-
His voice rose to a furious hiss. I would have!
She couldn’t speak when Alexandru stopped, her entire body shaking at the strength of his emotions.
I didn’t sign the damn contract for you. You deserve a better Master than me. But if you think you’re ready to take such a leap, we can sign it the moment we get back.
The words had her reeling, a good part of her unable to believe what she had just heard. When Alexandru suddenly hauled her close, this time she didn’t even think of struggling, clutching his shoulders as he leapt down to the third-floor balcony.
He’s coming up. Alexandru tried the doors, found it unlocked, and walked quietly inside, making sure to keep his pet behind him. Pulling the doors back close, he had them crouching in the shadows.
Won’t he sense us here?
No. We’ve masked our presences. He’s at the second floor now, but he’s…alone.
Telling herself to concentrate, Zari pushed away all thoughts but the scene before her, trying to see if she could see grasp any kind of vision. Seconds passed, and the world around her remained normal.
I can’t sense anything. Frustration made Zari shake her head.
Alexandru, moving behind her, lifted his pet’s hair off her neck.
She looked at him over her shoulder. Master—-
His fangs pierced her flesh.
Her lips parted in a soundless gasp. As he started to drink from her, ecstasy hit Zari, her senses spiraling, waking the part of her that could see—-
RED.
Blood dripping through intravenous tubes and into bottles. Blood splattered on hands covered with surgical gloves. Blood on the skin around the killer’s mouth just before he licked it away, slowly, savoring the taste——