Blood & Honey (Race Games 1)

Chapter Twenty-One

Walking into the room Arden had told her to, Danica blinked around at the walls in surprise. She’d yet to be in this room, had no need, and though she’d explored, she hadn’t lingered near this one when she’d found it locked. Now, however, the doors opened easily to reveal Arden standing in the center of the room dressed in nothing but loose sweatpants.

Whatever he’d been doing before she got there, he was already covered in a fine sheen of sweat, which only made her mind seize and hold.

“I didn’t realize vampires could sweat,” she said by way of greeting as a way to distract from the toned muscle on display. Arden was larger than Phi, at least in stature, though Phi was by no means small. “I’m almost surprised you don’t sparkle.”

Arden curled up his lips at her. “If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me about sparkling, I’d be rich from that alone. Perhaps get better insults, little racer.”

“It wasn’t an insult,” Danica shrugged, glancing along the walls. “I like glitter.”

Arden raised his brows at her. “You don’t seem the glitter type.”

Danica glanced at him. “What? Because I get engine grease on my hands, I must not like girly things?” She shrugged. “My mom liked the glitter. I got the penchant for oil from my dad.”

Arden didn’t say anything for a moment, watching her. When he did, his voice was a little softer. “My own mother liked to bedazzle things. I remember how excited she grew when the twenties came around and the flapper fashion became all the rage. She was the first to go and buy an entire wardrobe of the latest looks.”

Smiling, Danica stepped further into the room. “The twenties did have great fashion. I don’t blame her.” She met Arden’s eyes. “Is your mom still around?”

His gaze shuttered and Danica knew his answer before he spoke. Still, the fact that he answered meant a lot to her. “She died shortly after the twenties. Killed in her sleep by a wolf with a vendetta against me.” Danica froze. “I don’t need pity, little racer. This life isn’t sunshine and rainbows, not for creatures like us.”

“Have you ever been happy?” Danica asked and it was Arden’s turn to freeze.

“What do you consider happiness?” Arden looked over Danica’s head, not daring to meet her eyes.

Pulling out her phone, Danica flipped through the pictures until she found the one she’d set as her background screen. It was taken just before the race that took her dad’s life, both of them laughing at something she’d said. There was a trophy in Danica’s hand, her own triumph. The idea had been to take another picture after her dad’s race where he was holding his own trophy, but they’d never made it there. Still, not knowing what would happen, they were smiling and happy in this picture, a father and his daughter gaining fame in the racing circuits, together, continuing the Dyers Legacy.

Gently, Danica held the phone up for Arden to see, watched as he studied the picture from five years prior. There was no judgement in his eyes, but when he smiled softly at the screen, Danica’s heart flipped a little.

“I know that sort of happiness in multiple ways,” Arden finally answered and pulled out his own phone. He pressed the screen a few times before holding up the phone for her to see.

In the picture he showed her, Arden sat, same as he looked now, except the style of clothing he wore was different. The suit spoke of the twenties, but if that hadn’t given it away, the woman beside him would have. She was obviously older, aging, and Danica frowned.

“My mother,” Arden offered as explanation when Danica’s brow wrinkled.

“She was human?”

Nodding, Arden turned the screen back to himself and studied it, a small smile on his face. “There are two types of vampires, as I’ve mentioned before. Ones like me, who were made, and ones like Phi, who are born. It’s the distinction the King uses to put us in a sort of caste. Those who are made are lower, despite who they were made by. Those who are born are usually royalty or high ranking. Something about the genetics or some sort. I’ve never been a scientist, but Phi could probably tell you all about it if you asked.”

“Why didn’t you. . . make her?” Danica asked, frowning. If given the choice and she had to become a vampire or die, if she could keep her father around, she would have taken the opportunity.

“Believe me, I tried,” Arden chuckled. “But she was stubborn, refused to live more than a single lifetime. My mother was afraid if she lived longer, she would no longer appreciate the little things. In the end, she was right, I think. I stopped appreciating the little things the moment she died.” He glanced up at Danica. “I think you did the opposite. You stopped searching out the big things. And focused so hard on the little things, that nothing else could break through.”

Tensing, Danica met his eyes. “You said there were a few times you knew that kind of happiness.”

Arden nodded and swiped across the screen a few times before turning it back toward her. On the screen was Arden and Phi, both laughing as if they didn’t have to fight for their lives. Arden had his arm around Phi’s shoulder, both dressed in outfits far too large for them.

“When I was made, I was chosen because I was smart when it came to business. Phi made me.” When Danica looked back up at him in confusion, Arden smiled. “We grew up as children, and though I grew faster, we were still close. Phi stopped aging around the same time as I turned thirty, and because of my skills in business, I was approved to be made. Phi was there through the whole process despite it not being tradition, and the moment I realized I had unlimited time to do what I wished, I put every skill to use.” He sighed. “I rose quickly, gaining renown, but Phi warned me that if I caught the wrong kind of attention, I’d be seen at a threat.” Arden met her eyes and there was regret there. “I didn’t listen to him and that’s how we’re in the race. This is Phi’s way of saving me.”

“How so?” Danica moved closer to him and offered warmth she wasn’t sure he would accept, but when he leaned against her, she pressed tighter.

“You wanted to know what’s at stake in this race? For me, it’s my life.” He tucked his phone away. “I rose too quickly and made connections the King doesn’t like, specifically within other groups of creatures. I don’t believe in vampires only associating with vampires. Phi told me to wait to build my business—a lucrative business developing stronger metals and other powerful knowledge—but I didn’t listen. So, the King made his move. I was to be put to death. The only reason I’m alive right now is because Phi stepped in, acted as if he didn’t want to lose a valued servant, and made the deal for us to go into the Race Games. If we win, I’ll live and Phi will take the throne, though not without a fight. If we lose, I will be put to a public death and Phi will be forced to watch before he’s renounced and becomes prey to every other creature wishing to gain their own power.”

Danica blinked. “Why wouldn’t the King attempt to sway you under his thrall first?”

“The King would rather dispose of a threat. He doesn’t like those of power being around him and rules by fear.” Arden grinned. “Besides, he knows my loyalty lies with Phi. That’s why he sees the both of us as such a threat. Phi wants to do things the right way so there’s no contest to his throne. However, I sometimes see the value in taking what’s rightfully his by force.”

Danica shrugged. “I agree with you.”

“You do?” Arden blinked at her in surprise.