The sadness in her eyes causes an ache in my heart. “Do you want me to change you?”
Lina blinks at me, then lets out a heavy sigh. “No, I’ve accepted my fate. Besides, I wouldn’t want to leave my son. He likes being a vampire.”
“Oh, ok.”
Lina reaches for my hand, taking it in hers and squeezing it. “You can’t change anyone else. Not until we figure out a way for the vampire community to trust that you’re not trying to rid the world of our kind.”
“I’m not. I would never.”
Lina smiles, her blue eyes softening as she stares at me. “I know that, dear, but we need to let everyone else know it too. There will always be people who won’t understand your ability and who will want to hurt you. We just need to build a large army around you to keep you safe.
“I’m so sorry I’m causing so much trouble.”
She drops my hand. “It’s not your fault. Never think it is.”
I give her a hug, thankful she’s the one I woke up to. “Should we find Draven?” My mind wanders to what they’re doing with Rao. Will they kill him?
Will they use him as bait?
We leave the master suite and head downstairs into the living room where the three men are right where they were when I left.
Draven rushes over to me. “Allison, are you ok?”
“I’m fine.” I glance at Rao. “What will you do with him?”
Draven turns to face Rao. “Well, if he helps us like he’s promising he will, we’ll turn him back into a vampire once we’ve taken Bogdan out. If he doesn’t help, or betrays us in any way, we’ll kill him.”
“Do you think he’ll help? I mean…”
Draven nods, grasping my uncertainty of whether Rao is trustworthy. “I know, but I can’t let one of the clan leaders go missing right before my ball. Everyone will be on high alert. Panic will spread like wildfire.”
“I understand.” I stare into the eyes of the weak man on the couch. Rao took me as I laid in bed, sleeping, and now he’s cowering to Viggo and Draven like a broken soul. I can barely stand to look at the man who planned on killing me.
But I know Draven needs him. I know Bogdan is the real threat.
“Lina, will you stay here until the ball?” Draven asks.
“Of course, I’ll have the staff fetch my things.”
“It’s settled.” Draven moves closer to me, wrapping his arm around my waist. “I’m taking my beautiful wife to bed.”
Lina’s eyes widen as she stares between her brother and me. “You are?”
I smile at Lina, whispering over my shoulder, “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
She parks a hand on her hip. “We better.”
Viggo grabs Rao by the arm, hoisting him up from the couch. “Let’s go.”
“Take him to the cellar. If he gives you any trouble, come and get me.” Draven leads me to the staircase, and up each step. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did, but I missed you when I woke up.”
Draven lifts me into his arms. “You’ll never have to miss me ever again.”
I have so many questions I want answered, but they all fade away as Draven carries me to his room and joins me on the bed, kissing my neck.
He presses his lips over my mouth, and I open for him, letting his tongue glide along mine. It’s slow, passionate, sensual. It’s everything I need at this moment.