Darkblood Prison - G.K. DeRosa Page 0,3
back of Talon’s hulking form as he approached the mass of inmates lined up for food. As always, the throng of multi-colored jumpsuits parted at his advance. There was no denying it, the dragon was scary AF. And if I didn’t know he was an undercover SIA agent, I’d probably hide from him too.
“Don’t drool, precious. It’s unbecoming.”
I chucked a limp French fry at Dallas’s stupid smirk. He and Hayden broke into a maddening chuckle as they eyed their brother across the cafeteria.
“You still feeling a little friendly toward big T?” Hayden asked.
“No,” I snarled.
Again, the two idiots broke into a fit of laughter.
“You guys better shut it before Talon gets back. He’ll roast your hides with his dragon fire.”
“Nah, not with this big of an audience.” Hayden scanned the busy mess hall. The only reason I’d been allowed to enjoy lunch with the masses was because Delacroix and his goons were safely caged up in their cells.
I glanced up at the food line and met a pair of silver orbs. My heart slapped against my ribs, and I dropped my gaze. Gods, when would it go away? Talon said he didn’t know, and I doubted these two had any idea either. But there was something else I’d been wondering and maybe T’s brothers could shed some light on it. “So what exactly is Vander’s story?”
Hayden and Dallas both stopped mid-chew. The angel dropped his spoon into the cereal bowl and steepled his fingers. “They’re best friends. They go far back.”
Dallas’s lips pinched into a tight line.
“That’s it?”
“That’s all you’ll get from us, precious,” the vampire responded. “If you want to know more, you’ll have to pry it from the mouth of the dragon.”
I rolled my eyes. “Great. I’ll never hear the whole story then.”
“Once we bring Vander home, I’m sure Talon will be more open to sharing,” said Hayden.
Approaching footfalls sent my gaze to the half-eaten yogurt on my tray. I didn’t need to look up to know who was coming. I could feel him with every tiny cell in my being. I sighed as Talon folded down beside me. His winter fresh scent combined with his natural male muskiness made my blood sing. Stupid blood bond. I needed to get a hold of Garrix ASAP. Maybe he had a potion to counteract this mystical reptilian link.
“Anything from Logan’s gargoyles about Vander?” Hayden asked.
“Not yet.” The scowl etched deeper into Talon’s face. “If they don’t have something to us by the end of the week, I’m going down there myself.”
My brows nearly reached my hairline. “Didn’t you just lecture me on not running into the Underworld half-cocked? That I’d never be allowed into the SIA if I behaved so recklessly?”
He shrugged as he shoveled a spoonful of oatmeal into his mouth. “I was talking about you, not me. I have a little more experience under my belt.”
“I’m going to have to side with the little pumpkin on this one, T.” Hayden pointed his spoon at his brother. “I want to find Vander as badly as you but getting trapped down there won’t help anybody.”
Talon’s fist hit the table and the faux wood shuddered, popping my tray up. “I can’t sit around and do nothing while he’s down there. We have no idea why they took him or what they’re doing to him.”
A rush of guilt washed over me. It was my fault Vander had been captured. He’d come after me the night of my soul-suck fest. “Why was Vander out that night looking for me?”
“Because it’s his job,” Talon snapped. Then he tossed his head to the side and released a breath. “Sorry.”
Hayden and Dallas’s eyes bugged out, surely matching the surprise on my face. Did Talon just apologize for his rude tone?
“Yup, blood bond still going strong.” Dallas smirked.
Talon seared his brother with a glacial glare. “It’s a good thing I’m not bonded to you, so I have no problem scorching your vampire ass.”
Dallas tittered under his breath.
“Still touchy though,” Hayden added.
Talon’s arm brushed against mine as he reached for a napkin, and a sizzle of energy crackled over my skin. The tendon in his jaw fluttered as he pulled it back and wiped his mouth. Maybe I should just give myself over to Delacroix. After having a little taste, being this close to Talon without being able to act on my lusty urges was worse than any torture the hellus demon or dark lord of the Underworld could come up with.
“Hey, girl!” Flix waggled his fingers at