Dark Promise (Darkhaven Saga #3) - Danielle Rose Page 0,39

thought I’d check in on you both,” Malik says. Per his usual conduct, he is emotionless, and for once, I’m grateful. I don’t need nor request his input at the moment. I have more important things to worry about than my love life, which is why I fear I really might burst if Jasik and I don’t get some much-needed alone time.

“We’re fine,” Jasik says quietly.

I wonder if he’s embarrassed by our exchange. I’m a newborn vampire. My emotions are erratic. He’s older, experienced, and supposed to have his crap together. He should be the level-headed one who makes me question my actions. He’s not supposed to instigate these kinds of exchanges.

“I can see that,” Malik says, voice deadpan.

“We were just talking about…” I trail off, remembering how we left our conversation. The dark promise I made to Amicia is a touchy subject, and I’m not sure I should mention it again.

“She made a blood oath with Amicia,” Jasik says. He doesn’t bother to hide his annoyance.

Malik nods and eyes me. He doesn’t tell Jasik that he already knows about my sacred oath to another sire, but he doesn’t lie to his brother either. Instead, he remains quiet, watching the two of us, waiting for our reaction to Jasik’s confession. Thankfully, my sire doesn’t seem to notice Malik’s odd behavior.

“She promised not to look for the missing witch on her own, so no harm done. She promised nothing binding,” Jasik says.

I frown and glance at Jasik. What does he mean my words aren’t binding? How is this dark promise not something harmful? I thought admitting what I’d done would make me feel better about it, but I’m only left with more questions.

“Will you speak with Amicia about this?” Malik asks.

He eyes his brother carefully. Jasik may be my sire, but Amicia is his. He has remained devoted to her, loyal in her pursuit to protect her other vampires and rid the world of rogues. I was so focused on how this oath is affecting me, I never considered how it might hurt him.

Jasik doesn’t respond. His eyes are hard, his body tense. His reaction to Malik’s question answers what his lips will not. He will definitely be speaking with Amicia about her role in my life. He doesn’t need to admit to that aloud. I just hope he doesn’t make things worse. I can’t handle yet another feud right now.

“And what about the boy?” Malik says, changing the subject.

“Tonight is the first time they met in person,” Jasik says.

“I see,” Malik says.

He looks at me, his eyes sharp. He wants me to break, to be honest, but what he doesn’t understand is that I am telling the truth. I had no idea Will existed, and I would never betray my nest. I have always been loyal to my friends, my family. And that loyalty came with a price. It cost me my life. I hope the cost isn’t quite so extravagant this time.

“I had no idea he was coming here or looking for me,” I say. “I don’t know him at all. Like you, I thought I was the only hybrid, but we were wrong.”

“You say you don’t know him, yet you wanted him to come back here, to stay with us,” Malik says.

“Do you blame me? If you thought you were the only vampire in existence and then you encountered another, would you not react the same way?” I ask. Doesn’t he see how judgmental he’s being?

“She wants answers, Malik,” Jasik says.

“I understand that, but your duty is to this nest, Ava. You are a hunter. You must protect them.”

I nod. “I know, and I wouldn’t have asked him to come here if I thought he was dangerous.”

“How can you be so sure he’s not?” Malik says. “You just admitted you don’t even know him.”

I shake my head, exhaling sharply. How can I explain this to him? How can I explain this feeling? “I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Try,” he says. “I need to understand, Ava.”

I sigh. “I just…I feel something when I’m around him. It’s like…we’re connected or something. I mean, it’s not the same as my connection with Jasik. That feels like a true, real connection that actually exists because he sired me. But there is something between Will and me. Maybe it’s because we’re both…different, special. A camaraderie. It’s unspoken, but it’s there. I truly believe he doesn’t want to hurt me.”

“Perhaps, but what are his feelings toward these vampires? Does he harbor the same respect