It’s not the craziest thing I’ve ever done. If everything works out, it might be the sanest.
Chapter
Twelve
Liquid moon-madness symptom suppressant drips into my gut with an odd cloying cold, like I’ve somehow managed to ingest mercury without it killing me.
It congeals in my intestines and I shiver, not at the taste, but the viscous texture.
Shaking my head, I tamp down the sensation.
Hours later, when full dark makes its appearance with the moon swollen overhead, I follow the others, hunching my shoulders against the stiff breeze outside.
Ironwood. Holly. Moon madness. Shaman.
My thoughts bombard me.
Grayson refuses to look at me anymore. I don’t blame him. I kept a secret from him.
Is it better to know why you feel a certain way? Or stay ignorant?
Now he knows he’s cursed and he’s worried about my bite. What was actually accomplished by telling him?
I’m not sure, but I’m desperate for one of his rare smiles.
RJ and Aimee say their goodbyes and send us on our way to Club Mera with a wave and shared expressions of dread. Or maybe it’s my imagination painting emotions on their faces.Aimee looks like she’s ready to burst into tears while RJ is determined to keep them at bay.
But hope is one of those things where sometimes it’s too hard to hold onto without hurting yourself.
I stop Grayson when we’re a block away from the club, pulling at him like I’m trying to get a boulder to move.
He shrugs out of my hold.
I try not to let it bother me. “Have you been to Club Mera before?” I whisper.
Being nestles against the shadows of the building doesn’t keep us from the curious eyes of the others on the street. This time of night, this time of year, it’s still decent enough for people to want to extend their nightly walks.
No one glances our way. I’m not sure what it means.
He shakes his head and his arms hang loose at his sides. “No but I’ve heard of the place. Cool spot to hang out.”
“It’s run by vampires.”
He blinks, his eyes going golden around the outer rim like the fire of the sun during an eclipse. “The same vampires who took you?”
The control in his voice sends a shiver of awareness along my spine. “Good vampires?” I try.
“No such thing as a good vampire.”
“You remember Lacey and Colt? It’s his club. She’s his enforcer.” Or whatever it is Lacey considers herself.
I haven’t seen them since our last meeting at the Hollow.
Grayson blows out a breath and fits his body to the building, sweat slicking across his brow but no longer scratching or hearing voices.
“Shit. Okay.”
He closes his eyes like he needs a minute to refocus and order his thoughts. I give him the space. Nibbling on my lip, I nod when he pushes up, scratching his arm.