Crimson Born - Amy Patrick Page 0,66

said, “I wish vampires could fly.”

“We’re not superheroes.” Kelly turned back to bare her teeth at me while she formed her hands into claws. “We’re ‘monsters.’”

“Right,” I said and resumed my clock-watching.

When we finally reached it, the highway was backed up as well. That was it then. We’d never make it to the Bastion before midnight.

As if reading my thoughts, Heather glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “It’s going to be okay. Reece is smart. I’m sure he’s figured out a way to get out of it.”

I nodded and stared out the window, willing the mile markers to pass faster.

When we finally arrived at the Bastion, it was after two a.m. We approached the cavern grounds cautiously, unsure of how long a turning ceremony actually lasted.

There was no one in sight above ground, so apparently the event was over.

“What if we have trouble getting back out again?” Kelly asked as we entered our soon-to-be-former home.

Heather shrugged. “I don’t think anyone cares if we leave. Our training is done. People come and go all the time. Robbie wasn’t even working the door tonight, and the guy who was just waved us through.”

“Me too,” I said. “I think we’ll be okay. I hope.”

“Do you want to wait outside?” Kelly asked me. “I could go to your room and pack all your stuff for you if you’re worried Imogen will try to keep you from going.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I have to find Reece. Now that we know there’s a real alternative—that there is a place for us—I know he’ll come with me.”

As long as he hasn’t pledged himself to Imogen for eternity.

34

Vows

It was strangely quiet in the caverns as I made my way to the Bloodbound barracks.

The Bastion’s residents must have been tired from the combination of last night’s ball and tonight’s Inception Ceremony because there was almost no one out in the public areas.

As I neared the barracks, I prepared myself for an argument or at least a bunch of annoying questions from the guard on duty. But when I reached them, I was surprised to find Kannon himself standing watch at the entrance.

“Abigail. Where have you been? Everyone was worried about you.”

“Everyone?” I asked, darting my eyes around his broad form to peer down the hall where the warriors’ rooms were located.

He ignored my obvious reference to Reece. “Imogen was in a lather when you didn’t show up for the ceremony.”

I nodded in an I know I know way and tried to move past him toward Reece’s door. “I’ll deal with her. First I need to speak to him.”

“Reece isn’t here.”

That stopped me cold. “What? Where is he?”

“He’s with Imogen.”

My heart liquified and drained out the soles of my boots. “Where?”

Please don’t say her chambers. Please don’t say her chambers.

“In the throne room. She’s elevated him to her personal guard. It’s a position of high honor.”

I sagged in relief. “As long as his position is nowhere near her royal bed.”

Kannon gave me a shocked look, and I said, “I know how it is. You don’t have to pretend with me.”

Now he had the decency to blush. “Hey, it’s a tough job but somebody’s gotta do it.”

“Well, at least Reece won’t be doing it.”

“What do you mean?”

For a second, I debated whether I should answer his question. Then I decided to just tell him.

Sadie had assured me Imogen couldn’t tamper with my free will, and I would be leaving here tonight no matter what she had to say about it—and taking Reece with me.

“I’ve found a way out for us. I’m going to work for Sadie Aldritch at the Vampire-Human Coalition.”

Kannon’s jaw literally dropped open. “The VHC is the opposite of everything we believe in. You can’t go work there.”

“It’s the opposite of what Imogen believes in. I believe in what Sadie and her organization are doing. It makes sense to me. A whole lot more sense than what I’ve been hearing and learning here for the past few months. You’re welcome to come with us if you like. You deserve more than to be Imogen’s servant and occasional boy-toy.”

“To break the Bloodbound vows is certain death,” he said. “Anyway, there’s nothing left for me out there.”

“Well there is for me. I want to be part of a solution—not a war. I’m not a soldier, Kannon. Neither is Reece.”

A strange expression passed over his face. “You’re wrong about that. Abigail... Reece took the vows tonight.”

It felt like a sledgehammer had struck me in the chest. “What? How could he