Crave - Teresa Mummert Page 0,60

onto her body. Her piercing ice-blue colored eyes stood out on her otherwise pale complexion.

Elijah sank to one knee and lowered his head. His emotions ran ramped and I was quickly overcome by his worry. I avoided eye contact and stared helplessly at the back of Elijah. “And you,” she hissed as she rose from the dining room table and pointed her long boney finger directly at me. Her words sounding beautiful even in anger. I glanced in her direction as Elijah slowly rose back to his feet.

“She has nothing to do with this,” he snarled. His chest heaved with anger, like animals presenting themselves as an alpha so no other would dare attack. She smiled an evil twisted grin.

“Silence, Elijah. We wouldn’t want to do anything to get you killed,” She warned in an ominous tone. Her attention turned to me as I begged silently in my head for courage.

“My name is Olivie Durand. I am a member of the Elders Council, an exclusive group of vampires who have ruled Kingdoms in their human lives. We now continue to do so in our extended lives.” She introduced herself with a look of sheer pleasure. I was at a loss of how to greet her properly. I bowed my head awkwardly and returned her smile.

“My name is Eva Morgan,” I replied, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “Um… a h-human from-”

“Of course,” She said to herself as she turned back to the table, seemingly losing interest in her own game. Elijah glanced at me and I shot him a worried look.

I felt his confidence blanket me and I was finally able to think clearly. Olivie leafed through a newspaper she had left on the table. “It is not often one of our kind is needed to solve problems within a Sector,” she said as she shook her head in disappointment.

“I did not summon help, Your Grace,” Elijah responded with forced calmness. Olivie turned around abruptly and slapped the paper down on the table.

“You didn’t need to,” She replied angrily and pointed to the front page. I glanced down at the paper. The lead article read Vampires Murder Family in big bold letters. I cupped my hand over my mouth and let out an involuntary gasp as the picture of my parents came into focus. My knees became weak. “It looks like the problem has been taken care of. Just some loose ends to tie up,” Olivie added coldly. The room began to spin around me and the sound of their voices muffled and grew distant. Tears mixed with the salty ocean water on my face and I was thankful it would partially hide my sadness.

“What happened?” Elijah demanded an answer through clenched teeth. His arm wrapped around my waist, holding me upright.

“Reid demanded retribution. It appears you have killed some of his vampires and owed him lives in return. He took them. Your debt has been paid in full,” She explained with a smile as if balancing her checkbook. My family was nothing more than a payment that had been noted and forgotten.

“What about Eva?” Elijah asked, utterly confused. His grip tightened around my waist.

“She is free to return to her life,” Olivie replied, sitting back in her seat at the table.

“My life… What life?” I asked as tears poured down my face. I felt the anger rising inside of me and was on the verge of losing all self-control.

“That’s it? The council is just letting this all go?” He asked as his eyes narrowed and I felt like there was more to this exchange than I could understand.

“I am sorry for what has happened to your family. Vampires will not be a problem for you as long as you do not seek revenge,” Olivie droned.

“I’ll take you home.” Elijah comforted me, stroking my arm. I nodded in agreement. My body shook and I was not sure if it was from the news or the blasting cold air on my wet skin.

“That will not be possible. Elijah, I need you to relay this matter to the board of the Elders. Your side needs to be documented.” Raising her eyebrows, she waited for our response. I was in disbelief. “Reid and his Sector will be doing the same. I assure you no harm will come to Eva. You will be back by her side in a matter of days. I will escort her myself,” She added. Elijah turned to me, taking my face in his hands.

“I will do whatever you