Page 178 of Eternal Surrender

My shoulders slumped, the tension promising to lift.

“We should have told you the truth about Paradom,” Lucas conceded. “I’m sorry.”

I lowered my chin acknowledging there was an apology at least. “Have you any idea of the absolute fear you’ve all put me through?”

“Forgive me,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

“Anything else you’re not telling me?”

“I’m afraid the rumor that Paradom is Dominion has spread.” He caressed his temple. “Fear breeds lies.”

“Paradom,” I said, “can nothing be done for him?”

“I’m not sure.” He reached out to me needing to see he’d regained my trust. “William . . .”

I gave his arm a squeeze and then pointed to the Champagne. “Nice touch, by the way.”

“I didn’t order it. We thought you did.”

I studied the bottle and then the china plate where a single strawberry was left uneaten. “I fed them to her.”

Lucas bolted over to the window, and I quickly joined him.

Across the street, standing on the pavement was Raven, and in his hand he was dangling a set of car keys.

I flung open the window and flew toward him landing a few feet away.

Raven held his hand up. “If anything happens to me, you’ll never see Ingrid again.”

“What is this?” I snapped.

“Bring us Paradom, and Ingrid is yours again.”

“Why are you doing this?” I asked, already suspecting the answer.

Raven took a step back. “Just bring him. He’s been captured by Sovereign.”

“What? When?” I balled my fists, ready to punch him.

“Last night,” Raven said warily.

“How do you know that?” Lucas asked.

Raven sneered. “Paradom didn’t go quietly.”

My anger rose. “And you didn’t help him?”

Raven looked surprised. “You’d be hard pressed to find any vampire willing to confront them.”

“Where?” I asked.

“They were followed back to Bodiam Castle.” Raven’s narrow gaze slid over to Lucas.

“They’ll kill him,” Lucas said.

“We can’t assume anything,” said Raven. “If Sovereign hands him over to the Stone Masters. . .”

“That place will be locked down,” I reasoned. “Impenetrable.”