Souled Out by Blakely Chorpenning

Author:Blakely Chorpenning [Chorpenning, Blakely]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780984701032
Publisher: Belle-Merrick Publishing
Published: 2014-01-16T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

As much as I tried, my voice just couldn’t sound lively. It was still flat from the yellow bus. Lifeless, though, I managed. “It went better than I expected. The Members are incredibly sweet. I think I’ll invite them over for brunch one sunny afternoon.”

“Is there an invitation for me? If so, I’ll be busy that day.”

“You’re not on the guest list.”

He exhaled. “Other than the hand-delivered death threats to the eldest vampires, I’d say the evening went well.”

“I can’t agree.” I closed my eyes before requesting, “If you want me to really trust you, you’ve got to stop treating me like someone who can’t make up my own mind. You have to trust me too, so no more abductions and crazy fights. Okay? If something’s wrong, come to me and we’ll figure out the answer together. But these deceptions, as well intended as they may be, have to stop.”

It took a while for Gabriel to react. However, it was worth waiting a lifetime of ice and frost to witness the unthinkable. Yes, an apology from Gabriel Vertiline. Sort of.

“I’ve spent so many years trying to kill the last trace of human residue in my heart. But it’s a stain, a curse far more dangerous than fangs. Yet here we are... I cannot be vampire and human. The conflict between heart and bloodlust is too great.” He took a moment before continuing, “But I will try. For you.”

“Why are you helping me?”

“You’re sister’s no prize. You were the lesser evil.”

“Stop jerking me around. Right now, I need to know. I need to hear you say it.”

“You are the most interesting Cypher I’ve met. I forgive the cranky-bitch part because you’ve been dealt the scourge no one wants. I was told your sister was the original and there was a strong chance you’d make her take your place if you were unable to salvage any part of living. So I agreed to help secure your status. I didn’t know what that involved. What they ask of you is unforgivable.”

“Then why not tell them?”

“I did. However, I’d already taken an oath to fulfill my own duties. I could only voice my objections. There was no way out of it. My only option was to help you in subtle ways. And I’m serious when I speak of the Mass. They would have hurt you for no reason. Having the Mass unleashed can be life-threatening, even when they’re only ordered to detain someone. It was careless of the Members to call on them.”

“But you knew they were giving me Seth and my sister to read.”

“Yes, but I didn’t know Ellenore had your soul. Did you read it?”

“No.”

“Did you read Seth’s?”

“Yes. When I realized it was him, it was too late.”

“You can talk about it.”

“No, I really can’t.”

He waited a full minute before speaking again. “Learn anything interesting?”

“I said I’m not sharing.”

“I apologize.”

Stretching my legs, I asked, “So what happens now?”

“The Members will discuss and decide tomorrow evening what their final ruling will be.”

“I look forward to their decision.

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