Page 78 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

“Oh.”

“Why do you ask?”

“Curiosity, I suppose.”

He gives me an answer, and I’m left with more questions, but they won’t claw their way out of my throat.

After a moment of silence, he speaks again. “You sound jealous.”

My eyes widen, and I sit up. Dammit… he’s right. I sound like I’m asking for a list of other vampires he’s been with, but I’m not. I don’t care about that.

I don’t take great pride in being the first one he let feed from him, and I don’t think it’s special… not at all.

“Why would I be jealous? I’ve fed from plenty of people.”

“Right…” He chuckles. “Why would you be?”

“I’m not.” And I’m protesting too much. Hell. “Look, I have to go.”

“Then I’ll pick you up tonight,” he says. “Midnight as usual.”

I skipmy last class in favor of preparing for the event. Diffusing my curls, putting on my makeup, and picking the perfect dress for the occasion is more important. Hopefully, I’m not getting dressed up for my funeral.

I rarely have to bring out my formal attire around school, but I packed a few things that will work. After trying several dresses, I decide on a black, floor-length number—off-the-shoulder, and chic. It comes together with my Victorian belt, the two brass hands clasping at my waist.

This isn’t the time to be late, and Jun seems to think along the same lines. He shows up fifteen minutes earlier than expected, announcing himself with a gentle knock on the door.

Tobey perks up from their spot on the bed. “Are you sure you want to go? You don’thaveto. There’s probably another way.”

“I’m sure. Everything will be fine. It’s only a mental test.”

I might be more confident if it were something else—more physical or interpersonal. Jun and I would excel at that sort of trial. The first one may be the hardest for us, but hopefully, that means future trials will be easier.

“Good luck.”

“Don’t say that.” I glare playfully. “In theater, we say break a leg.”

“This isn’t theater—broken bones are actually a potential outcome here.”

“Right.” I grab my little purse. “Well, let’s hope it’s not the outcome tonight.”

Facing Jun is more daunting than the idea of the mental trial. Slowly, I clasp the handle and swing the door open…

And there he is.

I’ve never seen him dressed so nicely unless there was a play involved, and it doesn’t usually strike me as it does now. He’s dressed in a black suit; his tie is perfectly straight. His hair still falls around his face, but he looks like the gentleman he claims he is.

I’m staring, and I don’t realize until it’s too late.

“What?” He rolls his eyes. “Stop looking at me like that.”

“I’m not looking at you in any particular way.”

But I don’t miss how he looks atme, his cheeks turning pink as his eyes swoop to the low neckline of my dress, dancing over the jewelry at the base of my throat. The lump in his throat bobs.

“I’m surprised you own a suit.” I step out, shutting the door behind me. “That’s all.”

“I’m full of surprises.”