Fae of the South (Court of Crown and Compass Book 3) by E. Hall (libby ebook reader .txt) 📕

all the same. Beautiful, clever.” He picks up a lock of my long dark hair between his first two fingers and inhales.

“You told me I’m the girl you’ve been waiting for all your life,” I say, playing into his hands like the helpless fae he tried to make me.

“I didn’t expect you to be so difficult. The protection of a thousand vampires. A will of fire and iron. But that makes you all the more worthwhile now that you’re here. We can be together forever.”

I hang my head and it kills me. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t think I have forever. Since you were posing as a fae you should know that we’re not immortal.”

“You aren’t only fae, Lea.”

I raise my eyebrows.

“You’re cunning, can lie easily...” He chuckles. “You’re part vampire.”

I step back, awash with confusion. How can that be? Is Ivan actually my father and not my uncle? Either way, how could he possibly send me to jail, reform school, whatever. Then again, I’m not sure I believe Emeric.

“More importantly, when I rend your shadow, nothing can destroy you. Don’t be afraid. You and I are going to take over.” His finger slides along my shoulders as he continues to circle me.

“Take over? What do you take?” I ask, fighting a shiver.

“People, places, things, pick your favorite noun. It’s mine. I take ideas, money, and time. But I also give. The X-Crew, they have freedom now. They can do whatever they want. Following the rules of society isn’t important to them once they see that slipping over the line from being good little boys and girls to breaking the law, causing chaos, and getting exactly what they want isn’t hard at all. They can do whatever they want...and so can you.” His cruel laughs winds through the room. “I asked you before. Tell me, what do you want?”

I’d never tell him my heart’s true desire—I’ve hardly admitted it to myself. “You,” I whisper. It’s not a lie exactly, but it’s not for the reasons he thinks.

“Then we’re of like mind.” Emeric leans forward and returns the whisper. “You really are my kind of girl, Leajka.”

I shift uncomfortably, feeling that familiar drift, the pull away from my own mind and toward his will. I summon the light within, drawing on my magic, keeping it close to the surface so I don’t forget myself.

“You are all mine.”

Emeric runs a finger down my cheek and then aggressively cups my chin. I want to kick, run, and tell him how much he disgusts me but hold steady. I have to focus on not succumbing to his vampire abilities to entrance me or whatever it is he’s been doing.

“I’ll offer you protection.”

My magic rears under my skin. I don’t need anything from him.

“I’ll make sure nothing ever happens to you.”

Except he’ll be sure I lose myself.

“You’ll be my queen.” His breath breezes across my neck as he speaks.

My hands form fists. I’m ready to bolt, but then I’d have no way to lure him to his mother.

“We’ll make a great team. You’re a poster child for devastation, destruction. It doesn’t get much better than that. What I want from you is simple.” He dismisses the thugs. “Keep me alive. Don’t let me die. I want you to repel death.”

I mask my surprise at his request. “You’re a vampire. I think you and eternity are already companions.”

“Fire, cold steel to the chest, there are ways to destroy a vampire...and there’s a prophecy that involves you doing just that.”

“Me? Destroying you?” I scoff. “I wouldn’t. What do you mean?” My surprise is real.

“You’re meant to destroy the one who created me and by doing so, I’ll no longer exist.”

This wasn’t what I was expecting to hear. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, prophecy or not, I have no intention of destroying any vampires, well, maybe except him now that I know the truth of his identity. But his mother requested to do the dirty work. In fact, per Tyrren’s suggestion, I’ve been thinking I should really learn how to bake pies. Seems like a wholesome and delicious endeavor.

Emeric steeples his fingers. “I’ve learned the ways of mages and alchemists. I’ve studied every curse and tonic. I’ve done all I can to glean how you can keep me alive. There’s a ceremony, involving a shadow sacrifice—just a fraction of yours.”

“What do we need to do?” What I really mean is I need to get him back to RIP Jr immediately.

“We’ll go to the Borea realm, Leajka. Oeten’s hill and magic fire. It’s the only place where the ceremony will work.” His eyes flash as he looks me over, top to bottom, as the source of the sacrifice he thinks I’ll make.

Yet, I nod in agreement. “Borea?” I say vaguely then force myself toward my inner sunshine, pushing through as if from underwater. “Sounds enchanting. First, I’d like to finish what we started at RIP Jr.” I smirk. “You know, cause a little more destruction and make sure they’ll remember my name. One last hurrah before we leave.” I wink, hoping he takes the bait. After all, he thinks he created the monster in me.

Chapter 20

Tyrren

The Range Rover is parked by a nondescript building. I didn’t see Lea go inside, but she’s not in the car either. I explore the area for doors and access points, but there’s no clear entrance. I wasn’t expecting a gaudy thatched mat with the word welcome on it, but I’m not about to get lost in the bowels of the building or miss her exit.

I try the door to the Range Rover and am relieved when it opens. The tinted windows are nearly as dark as it is outside. I know Lea can handle herself, but fear over what could happen