Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 336(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 336(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
“We aren’t Leo and Ettie. For one thing, they love each other—”
I love you, Gracie. I fell hard when I first saw you, but those feeling only grew deeper when we spent time together.
“You were lying to me the entire time, Seven.”
The reason you were in my bed might’ve been a small lie, but what we shared wasn’t.
“There’s no such thing as a small lie.” I form a picture of an open door in my mind.
Gracie—
I mentally slam the door shut as the silence washes through me, cutting off whatever he was about to say. Oracle has been teaching me to do that. A tinge of guilt settles in me that I used my newfound skill with Seven. I know I’m going to have to talk to and see him soon.
For all my talk, I know that if I choose to leave him behind, I will always miss him, and long for him. I also know that I can’t live with myself if he died, and I could stop it.
That doesn’t mean I can just forgive him for manipulating me and I guess that’s why I keep putting our confrontation off.
29
#7
(STARK)
“Son of a bitch!” I growl, slamming my fist on my desk, making everything on top vibrate. Sitting back in my leather chair, I glance around my office. I purposely chose the sleek, modern look of everything being in black and steel. The matte and glossy textures complement each other while being cold and unrelenting, matching me perfectly. The dark walls with pops of bright red were just to accentuate my ruthless nature and insatiable appetite. For the taste of my lovers, to the puddles of blood at my feet as I conquer my enemies. Is it dramatic? Yes, but I rather enjoy it.
Glenna, who’s lying at my feet, sits up to gently touch my leg. The shock of my anger roused her from sleep. I take her in, drinking in the nakedness of her body, except for the shining diamond collar at her neck. The matching leash tethered to the drawer pull on my desk. The long chains drape over her breasts, imitating long diamond necklaces that flash in the light against her pale skin.
“Grace Miller,” I seethe. “She’s ignoring my calls and thwarting my ability to infiltrate her mind. I don’t know how that’s possible. She’s just a mortal.”
It pisses me off and I’m no closer to finding answers. I can’t even get her to see me. I can’t find a trace of a mating bond, that means she doesn’t really have protection. She shouldn’t be able to shield her mind from me on her own. As powerful as I am, I know it’s not possible for a mere mortal to stand against me.” I glance down at Glenna who’s sitting like a good little pet at my feet.
I gather some of her beautiful, fiery red hair around my finger. She licks her lips as hunger brightens her eyes.
If I wasn’t sure, it was impossible, I’d think she was playing me.
She’s a beautiful little blood doll who’s impressed by my money. I see the signs in her. She’s awed by me, hungry for any and all of my attention, going so far as willing to do anything to satisfy me.
A man would get drunk on that kind of devotion from a woman. I hadn’t thought it possible, especially after I realized I was never enamored by my mate. I was all too happy to take from her what I needed and discard that bitch when she was no longer useful. I felt no bond with her. Then again, she spent her time judging me and wanting me to do better—whatever the fuck that meant. That bitch always did look at me and find me lacking. The only time she showed any backbone is when she died and didn’t try to beg me to stop. Glenna shows more promise than my mate ever did.
Too bad she doesn’t have power, but then again, my blood could bring her some smaller attributes, which might work well. She would be dependent on me and even more willing to do anything I please.
Glenna might be useful in getting close to Grace…if that bitch ever shows her face outside of the damn compound.
I need a distraction and Glenna is the perfect thing to get my mind off this sore subject. Just as I turn to her my phone rings.
"Yes?" I pick it up, frustrated my needs are now on hold. It better be worth it.
"Hello, sir. It’s Jenkins,” The man on the other line says nervously. When I don’t answer right away, he continues. “From the lab? I do hope you’re having a good day, sir.”
“Spit it out,” I snap.
“Um. Right. So, because the lab was destroyed, it takes us longer to get reliable results.”