A Castle of Sand (A Shade of Vampire #3)(80)

“Sofia Claremont,” I introduced myself. “This is Derek Novak.”

“Yeah.” She gave me a curt nod. “I know. We’re still trying to figure out what to do with you all. If it were up to me, I’d just have you vamps killed, but the boss seems to have other things in mind...”

Derek glared back at her. I noticed his fist clench and I knew that he was trying to keep his temper in check.

“It’s the first time vampires have ever been treated as guests at Hawk Headquarters,” Zinnia continued. She then cocked her head to one side as if she were listening in on something through her earpiece. She nodded. “Unbelievable.” She drew a deep breath before giving both Derek and me pointed looks. “Follow me.”

Derek and I rose from our seats and trudged behind the petite young woman. It gave me some sense of comfort when Derek took hold of my hand as we walked forward. I needed his touch.

We remained silent as we got off the plane and walked across the runway. We were not oblivious to the curious stares being thrown my way and the disdainful glares being shot at Derek. I swallowed hard at the tension, wanting to get away from everyone else and get to somewhere where Derek and I could spend time by ourselves.

In the back of my mind, I knew that there were a lot of arrangements that needed to be done over Ben’s passing away, but I was too overwhelmed to dwell on it. I knew I needed to first catch my breath and gather my wits about me.

Once we reached the main building, glass doors swung open to allow us entrance. Zinnia, still leading the way, headed right in. We passed through several corridors and then an atrium filled with several men in black jumpsuits training in martial arts. We then reached an elevator with large glass windows—reminding me a lot of the central elevator at The Oasis. The mere remembrance of the Maslen coven sent chills down my spine. On the third floor, we stopped and went through another maze of walkways and corridors, before Zinnia finally stopped in front of a door with a brass number eight.

“This used to be Ben’s suite,” was all Zinnia said as she handed us a card key. “In my opinion, neither of you deserve to be in it.”

I doubt that either of us want to be. I think both Derek and I would rather be back at The Shade right now. I hated that she was talking to me like Ben didn’t matter to me. He was my best friend and I was his. Who was she to him?

“Reuben will be coming to have a talk, either later tonight or early tomorrow. We’ll need to figure out what’s to be done with the prince of The Shade here.”

After Zinnia left us, we stepped into the room and closed the door behind us. I switched the lights on and watched as Derek walked right toward the full length windows that covered one side of the room. It was the first time in a long time that I could remember ever feeling awkward around him.

“Nothing’s changed, has it, Derek?” I asked tentatively, afraid to hear his answer.

“Everything’s changed, Sofia. I’ve tasted your blood. I can’t even look at you without wanting to…” he paused and I could sense the inward battle he was fighting. “I’m so hungry.”

I approached him, wrapping my arms around his waist from behind and resting my head on his back, breathing in his scent. “We belong together. We’re going to get married. I am yours just as you are mine. My blood is yours to take whenever you want it.”

“For crying out loud, Sofia…” He spun around so quickly, I found myself stepping back in surprise. “Do you even understand what you’re saying? How can we go on this way? I…”

“Perhaps you should turn me…”

“If I do that here and now, they’ll kill us both, Sofia. Hunters are merciless against vampires. The only reason I’m alive is because of you.”

“And Claudia and Ingrid? Why are they alive?”

He began to swear under his breath. “I don’t know…the world has turned upside down. Nothing makes sense anymore.”

“Derek…I need you to be here with me. I need to know that we’re in this together. If we keep on being distant and awkward because you’ve had my blood, then I don’t know if I can handle it. I’m going to crumble.”

“What do you want to happen, Sofia?” he asked, his eyes betraying the confusion he was experiencing inside.

“They’re not going to feed you any blood while you’re here and it’s going to drive you crazy, so just satisfy your thirst, Derek.” I tilted my neck to the side, baring my neck to him. “Drink.”

I could sense his hesitation, his eyes hungrily staring at my neck. His hands crept over my waist and he drew me close. I reminded myself that this was Derek, the man that I loved, the man who would do everything to protect me. The reminders, I thought, would help keep me from trembling, but still I found myself shivering when I felt the pointed end of Derek’s fangs on my neck. I bit my lip to stifle a groan when his fangs dug in and he began drinking deep.

As it happened, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was about to lose more than what I’d already lost that night.

CHAPTER 58: DEREK

What have I done?

I stared at Sofia’s sleeping form lying on the living room couch. Motionless. Serene. Beautiful. I hated myself for what I had just done. My eyes kept returning to the bite marks on her neck—ones I myself had punctured.