Dark Nine ❈ Dark Nine Universe Bk1 ❈

Chapter Thirty-One

"You threw it all away, didn't you."

I hear Alpha Centauri from the pantry, just as the second wave of the worst pain in the world has caused me to twist and not be able to scream.

When it passes, I heave out painful breaths as I watch the Estori glide out into the living area, ducking to fit in this small space, since the ceiling almost bumps with the top of his head.

He moves right up to me, and from the corner of my vision, Orlai had disappeared from the arm rest while I was writhing.

Alpha Centauri doesn't hesitate to put a hand under my chin, over my neck, lifting my face and exposing more of my neck to bite.

One of my arms flops off the side of the rocking chair, and the backs of my fingers brush the arm of Orlai... she's literally hiding behind my chair.

It's literally the worst hiding place in the world.

But even hiding, this woman grabs my hand and holds it so gently, giving me support while her hunter is inches from her but doesn't realise yet.

Orlai's saving grace is my neck, my sweat, my own distracting eyes as I lock my gaze with the Estori, making sure he doesn't look around.

One inch up or if he moves one inch forward, she'll be found.

"I threw it all away," I agree with him.

"The venom was a gift, Diana, you beautiful fool," Alpha Centauri scolds me, his eyes sharp and now entirely focused on his prey.

"Help me," I whisper.

"I will," Alpha Centauri answers too sharply, "I do not take pity on you," he adds, letting the hate slip through, "I will help and then your breath is my breath."

"Are you sure about that though," I hiss now, "Is that what the Kor honour-codes will allow?"

"I am the most honourable Kor, I created the Kor honour-codes – no one knows them better than I," Alpha Centauri hesitates but his eyes look pissed and his nostrils are starting to flare. He might smell her.

I feign a contraction before it even starts as I cry out and push my head back, which moves the chair back – and gives slightly more protection for Orlai.

Alpha Centauri doesn't let me suffer.

He feels my heart beating erratically and he finally moves in to press his lips to my neck, kissing me – fuck, the beast had it in him to give a kiss like that? I almost laugh at the shock of it, but the excruciating hell is about to return.

He can feel it's coming. I wonder if he'll just let it happen.

But Alpha Centauri opens his mouth. His fangs are large – but also very sharp from regular use.

He pricks me, then plunges his teeth in.

I feel his venom flood through my veins.

With a full dose to get pain relief – and to get a full dose of him right now, I'm delighted to feel his patience and admiration for me.

It's real.

I expect to get the aftertaste of bitter hatred.

Instead, I feel nothing of the kind.

It tells me it's all a fucking act.

Is it all an act, though? His evil side?

When my body keeps contracting, this time I feel nothing but peace.

Alpha Centauri releases his bite from my neck and he looks up to see my face is now relaxed.

"Now tell me, Diana, why did you call me?" he asks me now, looking pissed about it.