Page 98 of A Vampire's Pain

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“Why would you do that?” I asked.

“Because despite you lying to me, I still trust you,” he said.

“Oh …”

“And if you think he is serious about you, then why shouldn’t I let you go be with him?” he asked.

I looked at my brother for a long time and then narrowed my eyes a little.

“You’re playing with me.”

He shrugged a little.

“Maybe it is time you learned the world is still cruel,” he said. “It hasn’t changed.”

“But it has!”

He shook his head.

“No, not really.”

“Damon ...”

“So, what is it going to be?” he asked me.

“Why are you playing me like this?” I asked.

“Because you need to learn that family you can trust, not strangers.”

“He is my mate!”

“Is he?” Damon asked, shutting me right up.

He sat there waiting for my answer, but I didn’t give him one. Why didn’t I give him one?

“I rest my case,” he said.

“I haven’t answered you yet.”

“And you won’t,” he said.

“Damon, please.”

“Please what? I just gave you a chance,” he said.

“No, you wouldn’t have let me go no matter my answer. I know you,” I said.

“Or maybe you are looking for someone to blame.”

“Blame?!”

“Exactly, so you don’t have to feel like walking away is on you,” he said.

“I can’t believe you right now,” I said.

“I’m not wrong, Val, and you know it.”

I shook my head and looked at him like I couldn’t even recognize him. I quickly stood up but glared at him.

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