Steal the Light (Thieves #1)(96)

“He likes Neil,” I said absently as my mind tried to process what Marcus had told me.

“He has some affection for his wolf, but it is you who defines his morality. I watched you last night, and I think you are going to turn from him. I understand that Daniel has screwed this up, and you might feel the need to explore other options. I only ask that when he returns, you do not shut him out completely.”

“Is he going to return?” This was the question that kept me up all night. He was going into that place wrapped in chains. If what I understood was true, then there were many vampires who might take advantage of his situation.

Marcus sat back and clasped his hands together. It reminded me of a scene from The Godfather. “I think there are members of the Council who will view this indiscretion as an opportunity to take out a threat, but they will find it difficult. Daniel can tell when a new vampire is going to rise.”

“Yes, I know. It’s important and rare. I heard there were only three or four vampires who can do it.”

“Sadly those numbers have dwindled.” Marcus sighed. “Just yesterday two of them were killed in terrible accidents. I believe the Council will find themselves in a corner. Daniel is too precious to execute.”

“You killed them,” I said under my breath.

Marcus had the audacity to look offended. “I have no idea what you are talking about, girl. I would never do such a thing. It would be a crime if anyone could prove it. But know this, I believe Daniel is important, and I believe he has two paths ahead of him. I wish to see him go down the path that saves Vampire, not the path that leads to war.” Marcus looked at his watch and stood up. “My time here is done, bellissimo compagno. My jet leaves for Paris in an hour.” Marcus walked over and took my hand. He brought it to his lips. I thought it was a courtly gesture, but at the last moment, he flipped my hand over and placed a lingering kiss on my wrist right where my pulse could be measured.

“If I did not believe in Daniel, know that I would have pressed my suit for you,” he murmured. “I think you are the most intriguing thing I have seen in many years. I would be interested in you even if you were not a companion, Zoey.”

He let my hand fall, and I watched him walk to the door. Just before leaving he turned around. “You will think on what I have said? Do not forsake him completely. It could be bad for your people.”

“For my family?” I was confused. Daniel would never hurt me or my father.

Even in the light of day, Marcus’s eyes were infinitely dark. “No, I wasn’t speaking of your family. I was speaking of humanity.”

The door closed quietly, and I was alone again.





It took me three weeks to make the mistake Marcus had been sure I was going to make. After Marcus left me, I went home to my apartment where a letter was waiting for me. It was a simple set of numbers and the name of a bank in the Cayman Islands. The money meant nothing. I’d tossed the letter on my desk and packed a small case with a change of clothes and other necessaries. After stopping by a liquor store and picking up a case of good wine, I went from bridge to bridge until I found Halle. I spent the days walking with him and the nights allowing Ingrid to brush my hair while I cried. The only time I went back to the real world was to make my weekly donation.

I woke up three weeks later and realized I just had to know. I had to know if I could make my own choices. If a vampire was programmed to love a companion, it only made sense to me that it worked the other way, too. Had my love for Daniel been written into my blood? Did that make it love or something less? I missed him with every part of my soul, and I also was so angry with him. I felt the need to burn everything down around me.

So I bought new lingerie and a brand new red dress. I slipped on stiletto heels, and I made my way to Ether.

I hadn’t spoken to Dev since he stormed off that night. I wasn’t even sure he would let me in to talk to him. We hadn’t left things in the best of places. I could still see his disappointed face as he walked off. I approached the entrance with a knot in the pit of my stomach, fully expecting to be told to get out of there.

“Good evening, “Albert said in a grave, somewhat judgmental tone.

I smiled, happy to see a face I knew, but the half demon gave me nothing.

“How may I be of assistance tonight, Mrs. Donovan?” Albert asked politely.

I felt myself flush. “I’m not Mrs. Donovan.”

“Whether you like it or not, Mrs. Donovan, you are wed by the laws that bind our world,” Albert said, and finally some sympathy crept into his tone. “If you walk into that club and find my master, things will take a natural course, and he will suffer. He will be committing a crime against your master. It is serious and not to be taken lightly…”

Albert stopped, and his hand pressed against the communication device cradled in his ear. “Of course, sir. I’ll send her right up.” He returned his attention to me, and I knew he was obeying, not following his own wishes. “Please be welcome, Miss Wharton. My master will see you in his office.”

I walked away from the half demon feeling low. I liked him, but now it would be hard to look at him knowing he thought I was leading his boss into sin. I didn’t see it that way. I didn’t see myself as married. I’d made no vows, and Daniel had proven he didn’t trust me in his world. I was alone. Daniel left me. I had the right to walk up those stairs. I had the right to ask for what I wanted.