Magic Forged (Hall of Blood and Mercy #1)(68)

“I never said that!” I frowned at Killian. “But if I go around sneaking and lying, I won’t be any better than Mason.”

“As I said: a virtuous idiot.” Killian shifted his hold on my waist so I was more secure and not in danger of tipping back if I let go of his neck.

I studied his face, frowning slightly as I traced the set of the muscles around his mouth and the jaded look in his eyes.

“What is it?” His smirk took on an indolent look. “Captivated by my fathomless charms and smashing good looks?” He moved his hand up my back and tugged me closer.

I switched my grasp to the front of his shirt collar and planted my palms on his upper chest so I could resist. “No, thank you,” I said sourly. “Your severe pride is incredibly off-putting.”

“Even if it’s true?” He tugged harder, almost making my elbows buckle.

“Stop it,” I fussed.

“What, don’t you wish to try and turn me to the path of the righteous with a soulful hug?” He was outright grinning now—which was a bad sign for my health. “Not many could resist me, and it’s your duty as a woman of great virtue.” Though his tone sounded honest, there was just enough sarcasm in his words to let me know he still thought I’d sell him out—or stab him in the back—if the chance arose.

“I’m hurt you would think I’m that stupid,” I said. Despite my false bravado, being this close to him was starting to make my heart pound harder, and my fingers were registering that the muscles beneath my hands were pleasantly cool in the beastly hot summer air. (No judging—he’s sinfully gorgeous!)

“Virtuous idiots are not known for their intelligence.”

I kept my eyes on the sky—which was way safer than watching water drip down Killian’s arrogantly straight nose. “If this is your idea of hitting on me, I’m pretty sure you’re going to be forever alone,” I grumbled.

“You think I can’t hear how fast your heart is beating?” Killian asked, his voice turning silken—another bad sign for my health. “Now it is my turn to be hurt.”

“My heart always beats faster around you because I never know what torture you’ll inflict on me next,” I complained, telling a convenient half-truth since I’d rather die than let Killian know I was very aware how attractive he was.

“You bring up a valid point.” I peeled my eyes from the sky to gawk at Killian, and almost immediately regretted my decision since his hair had already started to dry, giving him a roughish look he didn’t usually sport.

I wasn’t so far gone, however, that I forgot his worrisome declaration. “I did?”

“Yes.” Killian’s smirk was almost radiant. “If difficult, physical feats don’t break your seal, perhaps it requires a gentle touch.”

I froze in his arms, my eyes bulging.

Killian gently pressed his forehead against mine, invading all of my senses. “I think we ought to experiment.”

I stammered for a moment, trying to find a sufficiently sassy reply, before I decided that to keep my pride, a sacrifice was necessary.

“Hard pass, thanks!”

Using his chest like a springboard, I jumped from his grasp, plopping into the deep end of the pool, effectively dunking myself. I surfaced with a sputter to the sound of dry chuckles. It took a few moments of dog paddling toward the side of the pool before I realized the vampires on guard duty were laughing.

Some were only grinning, a few were laughing, their stances greatly relaxed as they slightly shook their heads. The biggest of them all was actually crouched on the ground, his back facing me as his shoulders shook with silent laughter.

It seemed that I had achieved my goal in lightening the atmosphere. Satisfied, I boosted myself onto the pool edge—gleeful that I was able to do so with relative smoothness, all thanks to weightlifting!

“You’re leaving?” Killian called. “Don’t you want to come back for a heated embrace?”

“No!” I firmly said, a blush warming my cheeks.

Killian leaned his back against the side of the pool, resting his arms on the edge. “Embarrassed is a good look for you,” he called out to me.

I grabbed my towel and wrapped it around me. “Go drink a blood juice box!”

“Now you’re concerned for my health—how absolutely touching! Behold—the honor of a virtuous idiot.”

“I hope you get sunburned!”





The relief in the tense atmosphere at Drake Hall was temporary. By the following day everyone was grim-faced again—though Celestina and Josh were around a little more.

Four days after the pool incident, Celestina took my training back. She worked me hard, but I was pleasantly surprised when she suggested we finish with a snack in the kitchen.

She pulled out a bag of chips, a package of Oreos, and some fresh strawberries—all mostly for me. She ate a strawberry but just sipped at a mug of heated blood while I pigged out on the Oreos.

She let out a huge sigh after she drained the last of her mug, and leaned back in her chair.

“Tired?” I asked.

“Not physically, but I suppose I am mentally fatigued.” She offered me a half smile and traced the rim of her mug.

“Any updates on the murderer—or any leads?”