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

If I were honest, I could use one.

I haven’t even answered Tyrren’s texts, acknowledged the Thai takeaway he had delivered, or the post on his social media of a goose with fangs—inside joke. Tyrren’s hugs are usually pretty good.

Ivan’s gaze flicks to a list I made of the blood dispensaries he’s established all over the country. “Lea, we’ve talked about turning you. It’s not going to happen and jumping into a vampire fight isn’t going to change that. I’ve asked you not to use your—”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t—” I’ve certainly been thinking of having someone turn me, but I didn’t do anything to hurt two people by the canal and I certainly didn’t use magic. The one time I did, it was sophomore year and involuntary.

He holds his hand up, silencing me.

Along with everyone else in Brooklyn, I obey him.

“Because of your delinquency from school, the trouble with the rival vampire gang, and your repeated defiance, my hands are tied.”

“Um, I’m pretty sure if your hands were tied you’d bite your way out.”

He doesn’t laugh.

“The officers from Magical Management will be here shortly.”

My stomach flips. “What do you mean?”

“I’m sorry, Lea. I did everything I could to keep you out of hot water.” He scrubs his hand down his face. “While you’ve been holed up in here, I’ve had my people on the inside, lawyers, advisors, everyone working to keep you, well, in here.”

“I don’t understand. I didn’t do anything.” Once again, my stomach plunges. “I mean, I did. I borrowed a car. Drove around with Tyrren. Slayed a couple of demons with a—but nothing else happened.”

“I’d like to believe you, but your track record isn’t in your favor.”

I grind my teeth. “That was different.”

“I know, I know. There was an altercation with some demons, another vamp gang was involved, there were eyewitnesses who claimed you attacked them with—” He doesn’t say the word and I don’t need him to. The reality of who I am is something I refuse to think about.

“Two natural mortals were killed and they say you did it. You know the laws, Lea. No magic against nats.”

“I didn’t do it.” My voice is almost a whisper as shock, dismay, and fear slash through me.

“Lea, I want to believe you.”

The fact that he didn’t say I do believe you stings and so do my eyes.

He’s always believed me and been on my side. What suddenly changed?

“It’ll be easier if you go peacefully.”

“Go where?” I ask even though I know the answer.

“Riker’s.”

I shake my head as though that’ll rewind or erase the truth.

“Riker’s Supernatural Prison and Reformatory School,” he clarifies.

Also known as RIP as in you go there and you never leave.

My expression crumbles as Ivan gives my shoulder a squeeze. “You know my position on this stuff. We’ve talked about it at length.” He’s silent a beat. “I’m sorry, kid.”

For the first time in my life, he doesn’t meet my eyes. Instead, he drops something in my hand. “You’ll need this.” Then he leaves the room, leaves me alone. But not for long.

I know how this is going to go. I have two choices. Go peacefully or run. I stuff a few articles of clothing in a bag, about to opt for the latter, when there’s a knock on the door.

The officers for magical enforcement have come for me...or Tyrren sent more food. Doubtful.

If this has been going on all weekend, there were probably news reports with my photo online. I just didn’t know since I’d unplugged. Tyrren probably hates me now for breaking the law, just like my uncle. I’m bad, but I’m not that bad.

Clutching the necklace from Ivan in my hand, I feel that unwelcome surge, the part of me ever-ready to rebel and let loose my magic. It’ll just make their case against me stronger. I push it away. I won’t lose my cool again. If that means locking me up, well, maybe that’s where I belong. I pocket the random necklace and then dutifully open the door.

Four officers stand on the other side. One waves a cream-colored piece of paper at me. My name curl across the top. “Warrant for the arrest of Lea Vladikoff for illegal use of magic and the murder of two natural mortals.”

I shake my head. “I didn’t do it.”

“We have proof you did,” says the officer with the warrant. “Cuff her.”

I’m read my rights and dragged downstairs and outside. From across the street, Ivan sits in his McLaren as though watching, waiting.

I narrow my eyes. He said he’d tried. Obviously, not hard enough. He could’ve stopped this. He has that power. He could’ve hidden me away, turned me, or made an arrangement with the cops, paid them off. He’s done it plenty of times for others. They prefer he deal with problem vampires since the risk is so high for regular cops.

The surge of magic rises up inside, but I fight it. I can ruin my own life, fine, but I’d never do anything to hurt anyone else.

At least that’s what I tell myself every day.

Chapter 4

Tyrren

As I close the door to the apartment behind me, I crash to the ground. Someone tackled me. I attempt to pin him down. However, his strength is unlike anyone I’ve ever gone against in a match or practice—stronger even than my dad and he was a titan. Then again, he’s gone now.

My advanced jiu-jitsu techniques don’t work and even the fundamentals fail me, as I try and escape. I’m on my belly, struggling to breathe as the guy pins me from behind. No way is it a demon out for revenge after Lea and I vaporized his brethren.

Then I notice how quiet it