Circle of Death by Thais Lopes Page A

nipple.
    He didn’t say anything else, just kept tracing a path down my neck, letting me feel just enough of his fangs to go crazy, until his mouth found my breast, his hand still on my other nipple. I writhed on the bed, wanting more, much more. I put my legs around his hips, forcing our bodies together, but he made me release him. I felt the absence of his mouth on my skin, and then we were both naked and Lucio was above me again.
    I thought I wanted to lead the dance, but now I saw that it was better to let him do as he wanted. His mouth went back to a nipple, and one of his hands was between my legs, his fingers moving leisurely, teasing me. I squirmed when he found that spot and stopped his slow movements. Now he was drumming a beat against me, and I could barely hold myself together.
    And then the phone rang and Lucio quickly moved away. Wordlessly, he dressed with vampiric speed and, when I understood what was going on, he was already answering the phone.
    What? How dared him do that? Furious, I gathered my clothes and went to the bathroom. If that was his choice, so be it. I could still arrive at the university in time for the first class, if I hurried.

15. Lucio
    “He found you, didn’t he?” Avés said as soon as I answered the phone. “And you’re with the one he is looking for.”
    “Yes.” I answered, even though I knew that wasn’t a question.
    “Protect her, Lucio. You have no idea of how vulnerable she is.
    “A human hunted by Seth? Yes, I have a good idea.” My answer was harsh.
    “No, you don’t have any idea.” Avés replied, going on before I could say anything. “I have bad news. Seth is getting ready to move, and he is not alone. Human blood no longer feeds any vampire that isn’t one his, and he is reclaiming the old vows. And the symbols of final death appeared in all of our spells and imprisonments.”
    I didn’t answer immediately, surprised. Seth was getting ready to do something big, but what? Why would he reclaim the old loyalties, as I made sure I was away from the vampiric community and I was the only one who could threaten him? And where did he find a way to tie the human blood to the old vows, and the power to keep something like that active?
    And the symbols… That meant the prison was weakening and I, as the last Keeper, should go to the Sanctuary. It wasn’t something I was looking forward to.
    “I’ll go to the Sanctuary tonight.” I finally answered him. “Will you guard Kelene while I’m away?”
    “That’s her name, Kelene?” There was a strange curiosity in his voice, and I didn’t understand the reason for that. “Yes, we will guard her.”
    “I’ll get in touch when I’m back.”
    Without saying anything else, he hung up.
    I went back to my bedroom, noticing that Kelene had closed her door, and only then I let myself think about what had almost happened. I had lost control, and then abandoned her. It was true that she attracted me and that she became too important for me, but that was wrong. A vampire and a human? I could destroy her if I just forgot about my strength once! I owed her my apologies.
    “Do you think I’m stupid?” I heard her voice, furious, and thought she was talking to me until another female voice, strangely familiar, answered her, even though I didn’t feel another presence in her bedroom.
    “It’s your duty.”
    “And it’s your duty to keep those who serve you safe. Do you really think I don’t know your vermin is around? Don’t think you’ll fool me using the same person again.”
    “This is an order, Kelene. You will do this job tonight.”
    “Make me.”
    I heard the lock turn, and soon Kelene left her bedroom and the apartment, slamming the door on her way out.
    Watching her storm away, I went back to thinking about what had almost happened. I should protect her, not use her vulnerability. It didn’t matter how many kisses we had exchanged, I was a vampire and Kelene was human. It was simply impossible that she