Page 130 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

“Stay there.” I press on Caldwell’s shoulder to keep him in place and approach Tobey. “She’s afraid of hurting you. I’ll do it.”

However grateful I am for my parents’ support, I’m responsible for Tobey. I took their mortal life. Their own motherwill hate them now, and they’re afraid of being close to their boyfriend.

All of this is my fault.

Live feeding has always been an intimate act to me, but it doesn’t seem that way to Tobey. Not for their first feed. Their eyes swim with bloody tears, and when I rest a hand on their shoulder, they flinch.

“Hey,” I whisper. “You can’t hurt me. And you didn’t hurt him. Good job.”

“I know. But I hate it.” Tobey moves quickly again, and this time, they wrap their arms around me. Their tears coat my dress, but I don’t let go, allowing them to cling and sob.

My mother has reported that newborn vampires often have heightened emotions. I suppose in Tobey’s case, that emotion is sorrow.

I hold them until they finally stop, and then, they shut themself in a bedroom. At least I’ll know they’re safe there.

When I return to my bedroom, a place I haven’t been in months, Jun follows. We’re silent as I strip out of my bloody dress and change into a fresh pair of crimson pajamas. I’ll have to change again after showering, but there’s so much else to take care of. Guest rooms to prepare. I should check on Caldwell, too.

“I’ll find you something to wear,” I murmur as I button up my shirt. “You can borrow something from my father. Sorry.”

“Margaux…” He approaches slowly and takes over, his agile fingers slipping the buttons into place. “I don’t give a shit about that right now. Are you okay?”

“Areyou?”

His lips twist. “No. I’m a fucking failure. You saved the day, like I knew you would.”

“I did not.” I let out a cursed laugh. “I put our entire town in danger. Who knows what will happen now that the mouth of Hell is open?”

“What happens is… we’re going to get Poppy back.” He rests a finger under my chin, lifting me to look at him. “And we’re going to kill Strode. I won’t fail next time.”

I nod softly. “I know you won’t.”

He rests his forehead against mine. “Still love me?”

I exhale softly. “Always. Do you still… choose me?”

“Always.”

And though at a time like this, that may be nothing, it feels like I have everything. My best friend is alive, and though I’ve often doubted such a love was in the cards for me…

I’ve found it—my great love.

Chapter Thirty

CALDWELL

We spend the next two days trapped in the Cruz estate. It’s safer than the campus right now. Eventually, we’ll have to go back to help. I’m happy to hide away for a few days as Tobey adjusts to their new life.

Tobey has a lot to learn, and as much as I mistrust Margaux’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cruz are the best people to teach them how to control their thirst and strength. I’ll stay here as long as Tobey needs.

I could hate Professor Cruz, but I don’t. If there is one person who understands contractual ties to demons, it’s me. I was born from one, after all.

When I knock on his study door, I already know the professor is in. He’s hardly left since the ceremony.

“Who is it?” he asks, rather than inviting me in.

“It’s Caldwell… I would like to talk about my mother if you have a spare moment.”

Professor Connolly already answered many questions, but I have more. The watch. What is this watch? I know it’s meant for protection, but how is my mother tied into that?