Revealing the Monster (Playing with Monsters #4) by Amelia Hutchins

Lifting the glass to my lips, I watched him over the rim as he smirked, studying me. “He’s here, down a level. You’re aware of what happens down there, aren’t you?” he asked pointedly, lifting a brow in silent challenge. “He’s assisting some people right now.”

“He hasn’t checked in with us for over a week.”

“He’s a big boy, and old enough to know what he wants, Lena.” Vlad nodded at someone over my shoulder, turning to grab a bottle from the highest shelf. I studied how he moved, gliding across the bar to retrieve a large glass, pouring crimson into it. “Spyder’s in the room at the furthest end of the hall. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. What is happening inside is consensual, and they are paying customers that asked for him specifically.”

Heat pooled in my center. Shaking it off, I rose to my feet, downing the drink. Vlad shook his head when I reached into my pocket, smirking. A woman walked up, leaning over the counter, which exposed her breasts. Her hand touched Vlad’s, and she nodded her head in silent thanks. Picking up the goblet of blood, she tipped it back, turning to stare at me. Pulling the glass away from her mouth, she smiled, revealing wicked-looking fangs.

“She’s pretty, Vlad. Is she on the menu? I’d like to taste her,” the woman stated, her tone multi-layered as she moved closer, brushing her fingers over my cheek. “I’d like to do a lot more than taste her blood, too.”

The furies within me screamed at her touch. I saw my eyes turn black in the reflection of her blue gaze. Her hand dropped, and she stepped back as a cold smile played on my lips. Yet she wasn’t scared of me, even though any sane person would have run at the sight of my face turning from pretty to grim reaper within seconds.

“I’m intrigued,” she whispered. “What are you, darling?”

“She’s a fury and off-limits, Selina. She belongs to Lucian Blackstone,” Vlad announced loud enough that at the mention of Lucian’s name, the people within earshot peered up from their conversations to look at me. I tilted my head as the blood drained from the vampire’s already pale complexion.

“I didn’t know she was his. You must tell Lucian that I had no idea you were his property,” she whispered, bowing her head. “I beg of you.”

“No harm was caused, Selina.” I grinned smugly as she turned, moving away from me without a backward glance.

Dismissing Selina and the eyes of those gawking at me with curiosity, I left the bar. I walked to the staircase leading down into the feeder section while others watched, whispering as I passed them. Then my attention shifted to the stage where Adrian sat, smiling, observing me slip away. As I’d neared the stairs to the lower level, Adrian appeared before me. Leaning against the wall, he dropped his head forward, studying me.

“You sure you want to go down there? It won’t be pretty,” he grunted, running his turquoise eyes over my face. “I think Spyder’s trying to fuck you out of his system, Lena. He’s not having much success. You should leave him to it. You hear me? You really don’t want to see what is happening inside that room.”

“I’m going down there to invite him to my bed so that he can get from me what he needs, Adrian. I got him into this situation, and I will get him out. Now, if you’re done trying to prevent me from seeing him fucking, you’re a little late since I’ve already had his cock down my throat. I’m going to the lower level to find him.”

“Damn, I didn’t see that one coming.” Adrian’s lips jerked into a devilish grin as his fangs snaked out, tugging on his lower lip. “If you ever get free, I’ll be putting my hat into the ring for a taste of you. You got a taste of me, sugar. It’s only fair I get one in return.”

“Deal, Adrian. But only if it doesn’t work out between myself and Lucian. You see, I was born to be his, so chances of that happening are zero.” His eyes flashed in amusement at my reply.

“I figured as much. I know not to mess with Lucian’s girl or him. Spyder’s down the hall, the furthest door on the left. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Noted. Thanks for the heads up,” I called back, swaying my hips as he watched me walk away.

I’d gotten more confident with the furies within me. I knew they were the ones pushing me, yet they’d been quiet for a while now. They’d become a part of me, growing silent until I was in danger. I had noticed that when something or someone new entered my surroundings, I’d hear them whispering inside my head. I’d receive a warning that alerted me to whatever kind of creature was getting close, like Erie and war drums mixed with the sound of swords clashing together. Vampires caused me to hear heartbeats, which was weirdly cute—Lucian silence, and that was eerie as shit.

I was also more open regarding life, not worried about what people thought of me. I’d lost my human fears, reverting to more end of the freaking world concerns. However, a certain numbness filled me, which I had filed away as grief from losing Harbinger. Not that I didn’t wish I had him, but wishing wouldn’t bring my son back.

I also no longer suffered his death echo or mine. I was confident Lucian had something to do with that, since he hadn’t seemed at all shocked that during the last three full moons, I hadn’t had a single one.

Reaching the end of the hall, I paused at the door, lifting my hand to the knob before tilting and pressing my head against the wooden surface, listening. No sounds escaped the room, or any of the other rooms, for that matter. The only noise I’d heard since coming downstairs had been the clicking of my heels over the tiles. My stomach tightened with unease, knowing that I was about to fight against the need to replace some female he was pleasuring, just to confront him.