Blood Magic (After Dark Book 7) by Sarah Bailey (ereader for android txt) 📗

my condition. You promised me when I came of age it would stop. Instead, you forced me to remain a prisoner of my own people. You’ve suffocated me. All I wanted was freedom to explore and see the world myself. So yes, I took matters into my own hands, no thanks to you.”

Mitah’s fists curled on top of the table before he stood, pushing the chair back which screeched across the tiles.

“You dare speak to me in that tone?”

“I am not my mother. So what if I met a vampire and we’ve been together? It was my choice. The only thing I’ve been able to do in my life that was my choice.” She pointed at her chest. “I won’t be dictated to any longer.”

She’d never stood up to her father before. Not once. His eyes flashed with pain momentarily before his features hardened again.

“You would go against your own father for a… vampire?”

“I didn’t do any of this to hurt you. I care about him and he cares about me. You don’t understand. He’s my best friend.” Her voice came out more like a plea.

She hated the look in her father’s eyes. It made her heart crack, the shards digging into her chest. Her eyes went to her brother. His face collapsed in on itself, leaving her feeling alone. Completely alone. Would he stick up for her? He’d told her so many times what their father had done was wrong. Keeping her locked away.

“Friend? You dare call that vampire your friend after you allowed him to touch you and enter your bed? Dandelion, I never thought you would stoop to such levels. You were the good one. I have never been more disappointed in one of my children.”

Tears pricked at her eyes. Her heart was broken. Disappointing her father was the last thing she ever intended.

“Father…”

“I do not want to hear your excuses. You have done enough damage to this family’s reputation. Taking up with vampires, drawing attention to yourself in the community. Who is this vampire, Dandelion? Tell me his name.”

How can he not know? Did Raoul not tell him? Did he not recognise Jamie?

If her father didn’t know, then she might be able to keep Jamie safe from Gavin and the Vampire Council until she could get to him. Mitah couldn’t very well go to Gavin without knowing who it was. If he did, the vampire boss would know instantly, but her father didn’t know that… yet.

“Why should I tell you when all you’ll do is cause trouble for him?”

“You will tell me this instant.”

He slammed his hand down on the table.

“No. I won’t do it.”

Novus stood up very slowly and turned to their father.

“Dani is right. You have kept her away from the world for so long. She hasn’t brought shame to our family. I know she’s gone about this the wrong way, but you left her with no choice.”

Her heart soared just a little at Novus’ words. He was on her side. Her father pointed at her brother, his expression turning cruel.

“You will remain silent. I told you to protect her and what have you done instead? Allowed your sister to run riot.”

Novus’ fists clenched at his sides.

“No. I won’t let you shout at her. She has been safe with him and he cares about her.”

“That vampire has led your sister astray.”

Dani couldn’t take this any longer. Her father didn’t even know Jamie. He was making awful assumptions about her vampire and she wouldn’t allow it.

“He hasn’t done anything of the sort. You don’t even know him and if you’re going to behave like this, then I’m never telling you. You hear me? Never. I don’t care if you’re disappointed in me. I… I need him and you can’t take him away from me.”

Her father turned on her again. Silence hung in the air for a long moment. He moved, striding towards her and grabbing her arm. He tugged her along through the house and up the stairs despite her protests.

“Let me go.”

“No. You have disobeyed me and I will not stand for it. You will go to your room and remain there until morning. Then we are returning to the royal estate, permanently. You will not see this vampire again and when I find out who he is, I will take this before the Vampire Council. He will be dealt with.”

“No, no, you can’t do that to him. He hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Her father dragged her up the next flight of stairs. She wanted to use her magic to stop him, but this was her father. How could she even think such a thing? He paused on the second landing, staring down at her. His eyes narrowed and he sniffed the air.

“Not done anything wrong? He has defiled you. You have allowed him to do things you should never have permitted. Don’t think I don’t smell him all over you. It sickens me.”

Tears fell down her cheeks. How could her father be so judgemental and prejudice towards vampires? She’d had the most perfect evening with Jamie and now it was ruined. Her entire world was falling apart before her eyes.

Her father dragged her up the last flight of stairs and threw her into her bedroom. He stood in the doorway, his eyes dark with anger.

“You will not leave this room. I forbid you to ever see that vampire again. If you have any love for me, you will cease in this reckless behaviour.”

“You’re doing this because of her, aren’t you? You think you’re protecting me, but you’re not. I’m not my mother.”

Dani trembled, wrapping her arms around her chest. She could barely stand up straight any longer. Knowing how angry her father was destroyed her.

“Your mother was murdered, Dandelion. Murdered. Do you think she did that