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I nodded, and Ethan huffed. He took another drag from his cigar but stopped mid-draw. His gaze caught on the mirror across the room. It was humming, and the reflection wavered.
“He’s calling. Turn some music on to drown out the sound and make sure they stay in the garden.”
I gave him a salute.
The vision shimmered, and the setting changed.
Sunlight danced across Silver City, and I adjusted the sunglasses on my face.
“How do you even know about this coffee shop, Drake? You haven’t been to Silver City, have you?” Gabriella joked and laughed, poking my side with a single finger.
My head reared back from his throat. I gasped, blood slipping from my lip and coating my chin. Crackling flames danced behind me, the burning, crumbling mansion coming back into view. Gabby. Her voice had been so clear, crisp, and happy. Had I forgotten it? Already? Had the blood I’d consumed already stolen my memories of her? I held Drake’s head as he sagged against me. My breathing became erratic as her smile danced across my subconscious. More. I needed more.
I lowered my head again, sinking my fangs deeper. Drake groaned, and I could feel the vibration of the sound against my lips. My hand cupped the back of his neck, forcing him closer.
Silver City came back, only this time we were in the shop, standing in line.
“Get whatever you want. My treat.”
I smiled at her, hoping to be convincing. If vampires could sweat, I’d be shedding bullets. She smiled up at me, and I hated it. Don’t smile at me, Gabby. I am afraid we are not here for fun.
The dark-haired celestial with her caught my gaze, her eyes narrowing slightly. She hovered next to Gabby protectively, keeping her within reach. Dianna would love it. I shook my head, trying to dislodge the thought before plastering on my best fake face.
“And anything you want as well, Mrs. Neverra.”
That was her name. She was Logan’s mate. Luckily, he was away. The only problem was Rick. The mortal male had been glaring at me from the beginning.
“So, how do you know Gabriella?” Rick asked, a hint of jealousy wafting off him as he clung to her side. I pitied him for loving her, knowing what was to come.
Gabriella popped him, knowing why he asked. The interaction reminded me so much of Dianna.
“I work with her sister. We go way back.” I smirked at Gabriella.
Gabriella smiled. “So, Samkiel sent you here?”
“Yes.” I winked back as the line moved forward. “He is so nice. The stories are completely wrong.”
Gabriella giggled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “How is Dianna?”
Of course, her only concern would be for her sister. They had that in common, too.
“Sassy as ever.”
She smiled up at me and nudged me playfully, just as her sister always did. “I’ve missed you. You should visit more after this is over.”
Don’t say that, and don’t smile at me, please.
“Of course,” I said, forcing a tight smile.
The barista smiled at us as we reached the counter. “Welcome, what—” His words died, his eyes glazing, a puppet no longer in service. The entire cafe stilled as the cord controlling it all snapped. Kaden stepped from behind the wall separating the cafe from the kitchen, Tobias flanking him on his right. Kaden took a sip of his coffee and lowered the beige plastic cup.
“You know, for a highly respected city, you would think they wouldn’t let just anyone walk in.” Kaden swirled the coffee in his cup.
My stomach sank as he smiled at me, and I saw the exact moment fear suffused Gabriella.
“Drake. We have to leave.”
I took a step away from her, away from them all, the space a final divide in so many damned ways.
