Flashes of what had happened when she’d first seen him. The pure hatred she’d felt now blended with everything they’d shared since.
It was his actions that allowed her to trust him and decide to make an exception. She’d even offered him blood. And now, even knowing the connection it created between them, Violet didn’t regret her decision.
Since Valeria had saved him, Finn had been an ally, one who’d risked his own undead life, time and time again for the Sanctuary and her friends.
That blood connection was what prevented her from ending her own life when every cell in her body screamed at her to jump. That, and the fact he would’ve followed her over the edge. Somehow, knowing Finn would disappear from this world was unacceptable. Not that she would ever admit it, but the vampire had snuck under her skin. She cared now whether she wanted to or not.
Before she could react, Finn lifted his eyes and locked gazes with her like he’d heard her thoughts. His eyes darkened, but he didn’t say anything or move. His intensity reminded her of how she’d felt when he’d first taken her blood. Pain had exploded on her neck, followed by searing pleasure. In less than a second, her blood boiled with lust, and if they hadn’t been surrounded by so many Sanctuary residents, Violet would’ve torn her clothes from her back, along with his, and had her way with him. After that, she’d tried to put more distance between them, but she was never alone. An invisible link had formed, one that was nothing like her friendship with Valeria and Sera or her affection for Asher and Ian.
It was a storm of hate and attraction, respect and incomprehension.
At Finn’s extended silence, the conversation around the table faded and everyone turned in the direction of his gaze. One step after the other, Violet forced herself to move forward. She could see Valeria and Sera holding themselves back from going to her, and it pained her. However, she couldn’t bear physical contact. Not in her current state, not until she understood the darkness swirling inside her.
“How are you feeling?” She could see Asher assessing her, her well-being a priority for him.
“I don’t know.”
“You should sleep, rest.” Sera’s voice trembled a little, making it even more difficult for Violet to answer.
“I… I can’t. I can’t lie down.”
Valeria turned to face her. “You haven’t eaten yet, and you look pale as a ghost.”
The idea of food felt odd to her, and she pushed that thought away. “No food. I can’t.”
Again, awkward silence descended. Violet eyed the door but forced herself not to move. Her friends were worried, and the faster she could set their minds at ease, the faster she’d be able to return home.
“I don’t feel well. I took a shower, examined myself, and didn’t see any marks on my skin, but my mind….” she closed her eyes, gathering her strength. “There’s a shadow in my mind, blocking my memories…haunting me, for lack of a better word. I’ve tried to remember what happened…. It’s blurry, and honestly, I don’t feel strong enough to push through. Not yet.”
“It’s the trauma of it, Vi. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Hunter took pictures of the place where they kept you. The symbols are unique, nothing we’ve seen before. Hunter is securing the site with a few of our Sentinels, and Sera will go check it out tomorrow.”
Tension mounted inside Violet as Valeria spoke. Her fingertips started to itch, and the sensation traveled along her arms. Her face grew numb, and as panic rose, she wondered if she was about to fall back into a nightmare or if her body was detaching itself from her mind. Phantom pain reverberated through her; her brain afraid to go beyond the curtain of pain and remember what happened.
“Enough.”
Beyond the order, it was the energy coming from Finn that pulled her out of her stupor and steadied her heart.
At last, she could form words again. “I need a little time, okay?”
Asher nodded. “You can stay here for as long as you need, Violet. Sanctuary is secure. You’re protected for as long as you like.”
“Thank you, but I want to go home.”
Refusals and opposition sounded through the kitchen. The only one who wasn’t taking part in it was Finn. His attention was all on her, and she sensed he was the only one willing to hear her out.
Words sounded all around, but it was the two of them who remained silent, who spoke volumes. It took a few seconds, but Finn nodded, and she knew she had an ally.
“I’ll accompany her home and stay close to Violet until she feels better.”
That wasn’t what Violet wanted to hear, and her first reaction was to turn him down. She stopped herself as her friends didn’t protest, on the contrary, they were considering it. Asher looked intently at the vampire before answering.
“Okay. If it’s what Violet needs, let’s do it. But I’m assigning Sentinels to guard the perimeter until we’re certain Violet is safe. The protection will remain as invisible as possible, but it’s non-negotiable.”
Asher spoke, but it was obvious Sera and Violet didn’t agree with her leaving. Silently, Ian nodded and stood. As second-in-command, he oversaw the Sentinels and was probably going to set everything up.
When Violet moved to the door, Finn followed but remained at a safe distance. With a sigh, she turned to her friends, but couldn’t find the words. Emptiness and cold still seizing her heart, she left.
Tiredness pulled at her like shackles, but Violet ignored it when she finally saw her little cottage. It was still dark, not even the hint of dawn coloring the horizon, but her home shone like a beacon to her.
Finn parked, and they both exited the car. Again, she tried to scan the area, making sure nobody was inside, but her powers stayed silent, filling her with dread. What
