Free Illusion: Volume 3 by Ella Price

 
    I
stood staring at Aubrey. Normally my first instinct would have been to attack,
but I was frozen. I couldn’t even process what he said. “What did you say?” I
asked again as my mouth went dry. I felt my anger boiling just below the
surface.
    “I
said if you want someone to blame, blame me. I am the reason your parents are
dead,” he said smoothly like he had before.
    I
realized he was still holding my wrist. I yanked my wrist free of his grasp. He
didn’t respond, he just watched me. “I don’t believe you,” I said softly. I
couldn’t believe him. Part of me refused to believe he had anything to do with
my parent’s death.
    His
expression darkened. “How do you not believe me? When a vampire says he killed
your parents I would expect you to do something about it,” he said angrily.
    I
backed away from him. I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t tell if he was telling
the truth or not. I didn’t really know why it even mattered. The old me
wouldn’t have even questioned him.
    He
watched me, and I could tell he was confused. He expected me to attack. “What
are you waiting for?” he growled stepping toward me.
    I
didn’t speak. I couldn’t. I didn’t know what I was waiting for. He shoved me
back against the wall and glared at me. His face was inches from my own. “I
should kill you just like I killed them,” he said angrily.
    I
looked into his brilliant turquoise eyes, and I never felt so lost. I didn’t
believe him. I refused to believe he had any part in my parent’s deaths. I
didn’t know why I was so determined to believe he didn’t do what he was
claiming.
    “Damn
it say something to me,” he growled as he pressed his body to mine. He was
inches from my face. I fought the urge to kiss him.
    “You’re
a liar,” I said softly finally speaking.
    His
expression changed to relief. He pressed his lips to mine. He kissed me
aggressively. I was confused, but I returned his kiss. I didn’t understand why
he would claim my parent’s murder. “Why would you say something like that to
me?” I asked after I broke the kiss.
    He
looked at me for a minute then looked away. “I wanted to know if you trusted
me.”
    I
ran my fingers down his cheek. “I trust you too much,” I said softly. I gave
him a quick chaste kiss on the lips, and slipped out of his arms. I hoped I
wasn’t misjudging him, and making a huge mistake. “Please keep Nick safe,” I
said quietly then walked down the hall toward the exit.

 
    Normally
I felt better once I left Aubrey’s club, but for some reason I didn’t feel as
safe as I had when I was with him. I knew there was a death marshal somewhere,
and I was guessing he was looking for me. I saw blood on the ground not far
from the clubs entrance. I knew it was Nick’s blood. The marshal was watching
the club. He knew I was here, and he had to be waiting for me. A scuffling
noise to my right caught my attention. I turned and pinned a hooded figure to
the brick wall.
    “Rayne
it’s me!” Tanner squeaked startled by my sudden movement.
    I
yanked his hood back, and he smiled apologetically. “Why are you running around
when there is a marshal somewhere?” I asked angrily. Sometimes Tanner didn’t
think, and it was annoying.
    He
shrugged. “I was just trying to find you. I wanted to make sure you were ok,”
he said quietly.
    I
released him and scanned the area. There was no one in sight, but I still had
the odd feeling that someone was watching me. “It’s not safe,” I growled.
    He
shoved his hands in his pockets and shifted nervously. “I know, but I wanted to
come thank you. I know my parents wouldn’t save me over protecting our people.”
    I
watched him for a minute not sure what to say. He was right. My uncle was all
about the survival of his people. I never put anyone above the people I loved
like Tanner, and as much as I hated to admit it Aubrey. “You should go back
home,” I said softly and turned away.
    Tanner
caught my arm and I looked at