Fractured (Deep In Your Veins, #5)(9)

“A new blog has started that raised some red flags for two reasons. One, this person claims to be a vampire and, going by the articles he’s posted, he’s telling the truth. He talks about the different breeds of vampires, our strengths and weaknesses, and—though he hasn’t mentioned any names—he even posted information about the Grand High Pair.”

Ava gasped. “Oh, f*ck, no!”

Sam’s smile was a little on the feral side. “The bloke even went as far as to reveal that I’m a hybrid.”

Well, hell. “Why would he do this?”

“He claims he was Turned without his consent and hates what he is,” said Sam.

As someone who had also been Turned against their will, I could understand why he might feel bitter or resentful. Still, in spite of my anger, I’d never once even considered exposing vampirekind.

“Tell me you’ve crashed the blog,” Reuben fairly growled.

“We’re working on it,” said Jared. “Personally, I don’t think we need to worry. The blog has had a lot of views, but the content isn’t being taken even the slightest bit seriously. Lots of disparaging comments were left by humans who think his claims are ‘too farfetched’ and ‘he’s living in a fantasy land.’”

“Once Mona and Cedric have the IP address, we’ll get him,” said Sam, referring to The Hollow’s very knowledgeable researchers. “At least it will give us something to do.” Many of the males inclined their head, seeming slightly cheered by the idea. “One last thing before we wrap up the meeting. Girls, I was going to wait until your squad was fully formed to do this, but it’s taking longer than I hoped it would.”

There had been several try-outs where vampires had been invited to partake in tests. But Sam hadn’t chosen any of the candidates for the squad. She needed three more.

She looked at the males as she said, “You can all leave if you want.” They didn’t. Sam snorted before turning back to me and the girls. “You know Luther has visions. Well, as part of his gift, he can help others have a vision. We offer for new squad members to get a glimpse of what’s ahead—it often helps prepare them for something. Only you would see the vision, not Luther. And you won’t be expected to share it with anyone. Be warned, there’s a possibility it won’t make much sense. Mine sure bloody didn’t. But the offer is open if you want to accept it.”

Paige twisted her lips. “I’d like a peek into my future.”

“Could be interesting,” said Maya.

I was about to say the same when Butch’s hand clamped around my wrist. I lifted a questioning brow at him.

“Don’t,” he said, voice low.

I frowned. “Why?’

“Sometimes it’s best not to know what’s coming.”

“Maybe. But I’m curious.” And I wasn’t good at letting things go if they intrigued me.

“Visions aren’t always pretty.”

“Yours was bad?”

“No, but I know someone who’s vision was bad and I’ve seen how it haunts him. Sometimes the future shows us something we’d rather not see.” His hold on my wrist loosened, and his thumb started to circle my pulse. “The vision could be something that’s tomorrow or centuries ahead of you. Do you want to spend all your time waiting for it to happen? It’ll influence every decision you make in the meantime. As time goes on, you’ll start wondering if it’s really going to happen; if maybe you changed the future somehow. Do you want to live like that?”

“What about you, Imani? Are you interested in a vision?”

I double-blinked at Sam. “Um…”

Her aquamarine gaze rested on Butch’s hold on my wrist. “All right, boys, time to go.” She waved a hand toward the door. Being nosy bastards, they didn’t leave happily. Evan, Salem, and Chico were rather put-out when their mates insisted they leave.

Butch lingered long enough to speak into my ear. “Say no.” Then he was gone.

As the door closed behind him, Luther gave me a pointed look. “Do not let anyone influence your decision. Many visions prove to be helpful. I think of them as warnings. They show us what will happen if we remain on our present course. Others are simply to prepare us for what’s ahead.”

Sebastian nodded. “He’s right, Imani. Butch probably means well, but this has to be your decision.”

Sam rubbed her hands together. “Right, who’s first?”

Ava raised a hand high. “Me!”

“All right, come on. All of you remember that your vision is for you and you alone. No one will ask you to share it.”

Intrigued, I watched as Ava took Luther’s hand. Her eyes closed, and then nothing. Her expression didn’t change, she didn’t tense or anything. Just stood there, very still.

Maybe twenty seconds later, Ava’s eyes flipped open and she took a long breath. “Whoa, that was freaking weird.” She smiled. “Salem is going to love this.”

Paige went next. Then Cassie, Maya, Jude, and—after a little hesitation—Alora. Paige and Maya were confused by their visions while the others seemed…not happy, but not worried. None shared exactly what they had seen.

Luther then turned to me, hand held out. Butch was gonna be disappointed, but I couldn’t miss out on this. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward. No sooner had I took the offered hand than I was hit by the feeling of being sucked into something.