Sacrifice: Laid Bare (Laid Bare #4)(4)

Damn, I should have known. Our kind was always drawn to Dahlia Vaughn.

I needed to rethink my plan. There had to be another way. My instinct to survive kicked into overdrive, as did my desire to protect Dahlia.

Finally, I reached a decision. I was absolutely not sacrificing myself. No way, not anymore. If I allowed Dunne to destroy me, poor Dahlia would be at his mercy.

Fuck. I never should have brought her to this place. But, then again, we’d had no other choice. It seemed we were doomed if we stayed…and doomed if we left.

“Lucien?” Dahlia peered over at me with worried jade eyes. She was fully dressed now, which made me release a relieved breath. “What should we do?”

Dunne was outside the SUV, but he’d backed off by a few feet. He wore all black, though his hood covered much of his face. Still, the area around his mouth was exposed, and the deep scarring around his lips and chin was clear.

It was like a hound from Hell had attacked him. Maybe one had? Who knew what he’d endured to get out of his pact.

Perhaps feeling my gaze, Dunne lowered his head till he was completely hidden by the shadows cast by the tall pines surrounding the vehicle.

I climbed back up to the front of the SUV and settled in the driver’s seat. I was readying to leave, to just take off and head back to the states. I’d figure out another way to escape my destiny.

But just as I hit the ignition button and the engine roared to life, I heard a voice inside my head.

Stay, please. I am sorry I watched, but your mating was quite hard to turn one’s eyes from.

“I bet,” I scoffed.

“Who are you talking to?” Dahlia questioned.

She was back in the passenger’s seat, peering timidly out my window. “Him?” She jerked her chin. “Can you hear Dunne inside your head?”

Her voice was equal parts incredulous and afraid, and her eyes widened when I said, “Yes. Apparently, he can speak to me inside my mind.”

Placing her hand on my arm, she said in a rush of words, “Lucien, please, let’s leave. This is too much. He’s way too powerful. I’m afraid for both of us.”

I was too, but I hesitated when Dunne said three little words: I can help.

Still, my ire was up. How dare he insert himself in my head? I promptly did the same, though it took all my effort to charge in.

Take that, motherf*cker.

I heard him laugh. Like I didn’t just let you in.

Perhaps.

Don’t delude yourself, Lucien. My power far exceeds yours.

I ignored the latter remark, as it was probably true. But I did ask how he knew my name.

I know everything about you, including why you’re here. As I stated before, I wish for you to stay. I will help you find a way to thwart your family.

I can do that on my own.

Yes, you can, but only in a way that ensures you will die. He lifted his head, and though he remained shrouded by his hood, I knew he was looking at Dahlia. As will she.

I sighed. And if we stay and allow you to help, what guarantee do I have you won’t kill us both?

I would never kill your lovely lady friend. She smells far too sweet.

He was aroused again, hard for Dahlia. He wanted to f*ck her, and he wanted me to know it.

You’ll pay for even thinking about it, I swear.

I lunged for the door, with every intention of beating this arrogant cocksucker’s ass, but Dahlia stopped me. “Don’t, Lucien. Please. Listen to the rest of what he has to say.”

I raised a brow. “You can hear us?”

She nodded. “Yes. I’ve heard the last few things. He’s somehow letting me listen in.”

Shit, this dude had incredible power. “Damn,” I muttered.

Sounding bored, Dunne asked: Are you done with your possessive outburst?

I swallowed my pride. Yes.

Excellent. Then follow me.

Are you going to kill me? I asked.

He laughed. For now, no. Now, come…

He beckoned me to follow, indicating he’d remain on foot. I supposed Dunne was not fazed by the cold. I wasn’t bothered by it much, but still, I wasn’t sure how well I’d fare traipsing around for miles in this climate, with just a hoodie on for extra cover.

I turned the wheels in a direction that would allow us to follow Dunne…or drive away.

Turning to Dahlia, I said, “This is your decision, love. He’s obviously much more powerful than I am.” I sighed. “And I’m afraid that means I can’t guarantee you’ll be completely safe from him.”

“I know.” She swallowed hard. “But still, I think we should go with him.”

“You sure?” I was giving her one last chance to change her mind.

But she knew, just as I did, that Dunne was our only chance. “Yes, Lucien. I’m sure.”





Dahlia



I was scared to death of Dunne, but I was also intrigued. I trusted him for some reason…but only a little.

After he’d left Lucien’s mind, Dunne remained in mine. As we followed behind him—Lucien and I in the SUV, he on foot—Dunne told me not to be scared. He also promised not to harm Lucien.

How can I trust you? I asked.

You’re just going to have to take me at my word.

That was a lot to ask. Promise me you aren’t just luring us to your place so you can kill Lucien.