Free Enemy Within (Vampire Born Trilogy, #2) by Angeline Kace Page B

stabs the spinach with her fork.
    I chuckle internally because it’s cute how my girl hates her vegetables. At the same time I’m proud of her for pushing it aside and being able to do what she needs to. But then frustration overpowers everything else within me. Frustration with myself for not being strong enough to keep Brooke alive on my own. Angry that I have to count on these people to come to the conclusion that Brooke is worthy for them to suck on her neck, so that maybe, maybe we could use that acceptance to take to her father and say, “See? They want her. Can we pleeeease keep her?” It pisses me off.
    Throughout dinner, I bite my tongue unless specifically addressed. The same goes for Brooke, but they actually talk to her. They ask her about school, about her plans after she graduates, all the normal stuff someone asks to get to know someone else. They steer clear of any conversation relating to Zladislov, which is a relief.
    Toward the end of the meal when I’m the last to get a refill on my drink, I notice Brooke open her mouth to say something. She must’ve had enough.
    I give her a stern look and she clamps her mouth shut, jaw clenching. I love how fierce she is and how she wants to defend me, but now is definitely not the right time to display any of that. The last thing we need is for the Tomics to pick up on how much Brooke cares for me.
    When the meal is finally over, the Tomics stand. We then follow, and they lead us out to the front of the house.
    We stop at the door as Brooke speaks to Mrs. Tomic. “You have a lovely home.” She turns to Mr. Tomic. “And your staff is so efficient and well mannered.”
    He beams. “Thank you, Brooke,” he says, as if that was a genuine compliment and he is genuinely grateful for it. “We’d like to work with the two of you. I’ll contact Mr. Syphis about the final arrangements.” And just like that, he makes the decision for them both, without even consulting her.
    Brooke’s mom smiles. She’s used to the Pijawikan customs, so I’m not sure if she’s bothered by any of it.
    But this was what we wanted from the meeting. They might give us bargaining power for Brooke’s safety, so I actually beam a little on the inside too.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER NI NE
     
    Brooke
     
    I had all weekend to worry about whether my arrangement with Mrs. Tomic would actually go through. And everyone at Garwin’s house was starting to get a little stir crazy. A couple of fights broke out, but Mirko was quick in dealing with them and containing anything more serious. And he must’ve talked with Holly Anne because she steered clear of me.
    It was awkward tiptoeing around Jaren, though. He acted as if nothing changed. Was he not accepting that I ’d chosen Mirko, or did he think my decision would change? Even through the awkwardness, he was pleasant to be around.
    When I get word Monday morning before school that everything is set with the Tomics, I’m ready to be done with it all. I’m wound tight about not knowing if our plan will be what we need to persuade my father, and if it is, what kind of life does that leave me?
    The world of the Pijawikas sucks. They’re incredibly strong, but they live in fear that any freedom given to anyone other than a male Pijawika will take all of that away. It’s stupid. And I really don’t want any part in it.
    And how long is it going to freaking take my father to come for me already?
    Mirko and Garwin are discussing if we should keep waiting him out, or if we should call him and try to negotiate now that the deal with the Tomics is done. By now, Mirko and I could’ve had a good lead if we’d run.
    Actually, I can’t regret not running. I’m home with my mom and Kaitlynn, and I still have Mirko. As long as I have those constants in my life, I can deal with anything.
    First block is a bore.
    Second block is lame.
    Third block is actually kind of fun because Mirko shoots me bedroom eyes for the whole period. I