From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 147

Chapter 147

“Can I ask you something?

“Of course.”

He gives me an eager smile.

“What do you know about Neera, Ciro’s former blood bearer?”

“Jealous?” he replies with a mischievous grin. “Neera’s tragedy happened long before I was in Acron’s service–long before either of us were born, really. You could say that Ciro stealing you from Cassian was a long–awaited revenge the sly little fox had been nursing Vampires still whisper about that tragic love story when they think no one’s listening”

“But you do hear them.

He nods, clearly amused.

“Young Giro fell hard for Neera. In fact, they say he never even bought her–she offered herself to him. He wasn’t immune to her beaury, ironic, isn’t it? They were involved, everyone could see it no matter how much they tried to hide it. Their glances were knowing I’ve heard that when the young vampire looked at her, his eyes shifted from their usual pink to the blackest depths of desire

“And what happened?”

“Cassian Draven, dear. His lips curl slyly. “In all his centuries of life, Cassian has disappeared many times, apparently bored with his own existence. One night, at a ball held in this very mansion, he reappeared after years of who–knows–where. Neera changed that night. Her eyes no longer searched for Ciro–they couldn’t look away from the blue–eyed vampire. It didn’t just happen once; it repeated every time they shared the same space until he noticed. And I think you know just how cruel he can be especially when someone displeases him. No surprise that the cheerful, carefree attitude of the other vampire irritated him, when he seems perpetually angry at the world. So, he returned Neera’s glances and smiles, seduced her, took her to bed, and just as Ciro caught them, he tore her throat out before his eyes.

He watches me as he finishes the tale, which, unfortunately, isn’t some fireside legend–it’s real. Or at least, partly. I suppose I’ll never know the full truth since one of the main players isn’t here to share her version. I only have the accounts of two men who hated each other for completely idiotic reasons–and still do.

T’d heard Cassian wanted her too,” I whisper. “Isn’t that what Ciro believes as well?”

“Like any story, there are many versions. I’ve chosen to believe the one where a young woman was dazzled by the wrong vampire and was brutally murdered for it.”

My knee hits the table and one of the saucers crashes to the ground in pieces. I quickly kneel to gather the shards.

“Sorry, Walier. God, I’m so clumsy,”

He mimics me, kneeling as well to pick up some pieces. He gasps quietly, and I see blood begin to well up from his finger.

Whatever is happening inside me kicks in instantly. My tongue floods with saliva. My nostrils flare, catching all the nuanced notes in his blood. I clench my fist tightly, chanting silently that I must stop. I’ll be in danger if anyone suspects what I am especially Walter. His love for Arron is dangerous. As he said, you’d be surprised what desperate people can do, and 1 fear Walter might be desperate to win Aeron’s love completely.

“Are you alright? You look a little pale.”

I clear my throat, praying to rid myself of the thirsty sensation burning in my mouth and throat.

“I just need to use the bathroom for a moment.”

“Of course, nicht over there.”

He points the way, but I don’t get far before my new bodyguard intercepts me, grabbing my arm.

“Miss, we have to leave immediately

It’s the first time I hear his voice–gruff, masculine, but not unpleasant.

“What’s going on?”

1/2

Chapter 147

“I can’t explain right now. Please, come with me.

It’s not like I have a choice. I don’t even manage a word before he’s firmly gripping my arm and dragging me toward the exit

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