Page 41 of Betrayed In Crimson
“Because I have Evelynn. Because if I had made different choices as your president twenty-seven years ago, Lilith wouldn’t have been there with him. She would be here with you,” he admits.
“You weren’t the one to make those decisions. That was all on me,” I remind him.
He shakes his head. “I should have stopped you. I should have…” He pauses, regret flashing across his face. “I should have understood.”
“I knew the code, the laws. I faced the consequences. I don’t hold any grudges,” I assure him.
Lucian gives me a tight nod. “Be safe. Don’t do anything fucking stupid,” he warns, his lips curving into a slight smile.
“I will, and I make no fucking promises,” I state, my grin deepening as I swing my leg over my bike and start her up, pulling off and leaving Lucian and the club in the distance.
The ride is exhausting,only stopping to feed and shield myself from the sun before continuing on my way. The roads become more treacherous as I get closer, winding around deep mountains and valleys. I spot the small town just below Velmora, the dark, dominating castle protruding from the mountainside, casting a warning to those who dare to visit. I follow the road into town and come to a stop at a small bed andbreakfast. I swing my leg off my bike, thankful for being undead, because riding that long as a mortal would have been excruciating.
I grab my bag and stride in. The street is dark and silent except for a couple of late-night patrons making their drunken walk home. I approach the reception, where an old, tired-looking woman looks up at me. “You got a room booked?” she asks with annoyance.
“Yes. Tom Smith,” I state as I pull out my thick wad of cash. As I expected, her eyes fixate on the money.
She clears her throat and clicks a few times on her old PC. “Yes, I see. If we could have your signature and a proof of ID.” She places a clipboard on the ledge for me to sign while turning around to get my room key. I sign the form—no personal details—and place a hundred dollars on the clipboard before handing it back to her.
“No ID,” I state firmly. She looks from me to the money and spreads a smile across her dry, wrinkly face.
“That won’t be an issue, Mr. Smith.” She takes the clipboard and pockets the money. “Room fifteen, upstairs, down the hall, eighth door on the left.”
I nod, thank her, and make my way up to my room. Once inside, I lock the door and walk over to the window, looking up at Velmora. I pull out my cell and set it on the small table. As I take a seat, my eyes never leave the castle while I wait for her message.
Four hours later,my cell vibrates, I pick it up, and relief floods me as I see it’s her.
L: Just checking in.
S: Tell me something only you would know so I know it’s you.
L: Are you serious?
I quickly reply.
S: When am I not?
L: Fine. New Year’s Eve, I tried to get you to dance with me to Limp Bizkit’s “Nookie.”
I smile at the memory.
S: Fine. It’s you. Message me again in five hours.
L: Why five hours?
S: Because I said so.
She doesn’t respond.
S: Everything okay?
Message undelivered, meaning she’s turned the phone off. I try to think rationally, rather than act in haste and storm the castle. I don’t move from the chair as I settle back and close my eyes, needing to slumber.
I awake hours later to daylight, though clouds block out the sun. I check my cell; no message. It’s been over five hours. I stand and begin pacing back and forth. Dread creeps up my spine. Seconds turn into minutes. Minutes turn into an hour. Still no message, no communication. Nothing.
S: Lilith. Check in.
I click send. And wait. Nothing.
