Vampyre | Book I of Bloodlines

MIND LINK

Viola

Zoning in on Elliott, I scan every inch of his exposed skin, looking for any nicks, cuts, or bruises—from what I can see, he looks to be fine.

Mr. Dixon smiles at me, revealing more human blood staining his pointed teeth as I cross the street to approach him.

I feel my heart threatening to race in my chest, but I take a deep breath and calm myself. Time seems to slow down with each step that I take toward him, giving me plenty of time to think.

I've never felt a fear like this before, it grips my very being and squeezes. Why is he here? My mind races with all the possibilities about whose blood is on Mr. Dixon's lips and why he could possibly be here with Elliott.

To look at, Elliott doesn't seem to be afraid; his heart is beating normally, but something isn't right—he looks placid.

I don't know what to do with this fury that suddenly barrels through me. It's as if something within me has awakened, something sinister that pleads for me to split Mr. Dixon's head open and see his brains splattered all over the pavement for touching my beautiful little boy.

Darius's words echo through my mind, reminding me not to let anger control my actions, though when it comes to Elliott, all sense of reason might go flying out the blasted window.

I step up onto the curb and stand before them.

"See? I told you we'd find her here," Mr. Dixon looks at me, "Elliott has been so distressed at home without you, cousin."

Elliott tries to pull his hand out of Mr. Dixon's grip, but he holds him firmly by his side.

"Did you just eat, Mr. Dixon?" I ask.

"Why, yes, did I spill?" He checks his clean shirt, but there's not a drop of blood to be found.

"What's going on, Mr. Dixon? Why is Elliott here?"

"Indeed, what is going on here, Lady Spencer?" Mr. Dixon's eyes seem to roam where they please, from my face to my throat, before slowly drifting back up to meet my eyes.

"Something about you has changed, but I can't quite seem to put my finger on it," Mr. Dixon taps his chin as he pretends to think. It's a bit of a conundrum. Maybe you can assist me with figuring it out."

"All I can do is try," I mutter, unamused.

"The first time I met you, you smelled of rotten flesh. At least, I thought it was you, but it turned out to be that old French witch you were with, casting some repellent spell. I found it curious: why would a witch cast such a costly spell for a simple girl? Then, of course, you spoke of that other Vampyre, and I must say, you piqued my interest."

Mr. Dixon leans in a little closer, his blue eyes flashing with a red light within, much like Darius.

"I suspected you were different somehow, and when I visited you, my suspicions were confirmed. You smell absolutely delightful..." Mr. Dixon sniffs the air, leaning in that little bit closer, "of strawberries warmed by the sun, so sweet and clean. I love strawberries."

I feel my brows raise. "Is that why you've come? To discuss strawberries?"

Mr. Dixon leans in closer, inhaling my scent. "Are you human?"

"Absolutely, Mr. Dixon. Now, please release my son into my care."

Mr. Dixon pulls back, his gaze lingering on my lips. I recognize the desire for the forbidden in his eyes, the same look William wore before he took me.

Kneeling before Elliott, I extend my hand. "Come, my darling."

Elliott rushes into my arms, tightly wrapping his little arms around my neck.