Wordless: new adult paranormal romance (Age of Blood Book 1) by May Sage Read Free Book Online

turned up wrapped in the wrong packaging, the other students would just tear her apart.
    Of course, trusting Agnes wasn’t exactly the best idea, either. He knew better than to think she would be above purposefully ruining Fay, if she thought of her as a rival.
    Boy, why was he fucking her again? Half an hour later, she reminded him.
    “No need to thank me. She’s the best.”
    They ate in a silence that was more comfortable than what he’d assumed it would be, but eventually, there was no putting off the conversation he’d apprehended.
    He purposefully started while Zeva was clearing the plates, rather than waiting for her departure. As Fay trusted Zeva, speaking in front of her might convince her of the veracity of what he told her.
    “I have seen a glimpse of the life you led before, so I will understand if you don’t believe me now. In time, you will.”
    He pulled the document he’d stuffed in his pocket as soon as the express courier had delivered it, getting to his feet. Then, he presented it to her, ignoring the way she trembled at his approach.
    “This is a copy, for your use. As you can see, I got it stamped by the court on our arrival. The original has been filed in the Archives.”
    He let her read it. Her frown deepened at first, before disappearing, replaced by an incredulous and enthralled expression he’d seen so many times.
    Eventually, she whispered, “I’m free.”
    He hated her voice; lower, hoarser than what you’d think, when you looked at her, but it was tentative. Pity she always whispered like she was walking on eggshell, when she dared to speak.
    William cursed Vincent again. This woman was the shadow of what she could be. He could see it in the depth of her dark, smoldering eyes. She was the shadow of a vamp. The shadow of a consort. His consort.
    In another life, she would have had a firm voice.
    “Yes, and every door leading out of this building is wide open at night. You can leave anytime. Eventually, you will, I’m sure.” No, she damn well wouldn’t. Ignoring his own fervent interjection, he carried on: “For now though, you need a roof over your head, you need to carve a place for yourself in this world, and you need protection.”
    He didn’t spell it out; from what he’d seen of her so far, he knew she wasn’t stupid. She’d realize he’d meant that an AB neg virgin couldn’t just roam the streets safely.
    “Why would you do that for me?”
    She was genuinely confused.
    “Because not every vampire is a monster; humans aren’t all saints, either. I suspect you’ve met enough of us to believe otherwise, but there’s a very simple reason for that.”
    Her head shot up, and all of her attention was fixed on him. He could see that was exactly what she was desperate for: a reason, something tangible that would explain either her past or her present.
    “You lived under a monster’s thumb. His friends aren’t likely to be nice people, are they?”
    He was reluctant to add that those kind of low-life were purposefully secluded in towns like hers, not looking forward to seeing the accusation in her eyes.
    “I…” she started, but then, she closed her mouth. “I should thank you.”
    It was said reluctantly. As expected, she didn’t entirely believe him, yet. Of course, she wouldn’t. He was used to newly freed humans. He knew the whole process; she would be appreciative soon enough.
    But repeating that fact didn’t mollify his irritation or his frustration. 
    “Don’t mention it. Actually, don’t mention any of this business. I’m not fond of deception, but in your case, it’s preferable. If you share that you used to be a blood whore, you’ll see just how cruel humans can be.”
    He could see his words cut deep, she shuddered, and he was kicking his own ass for it. But he’d just thrown a million away just to make sure she was safe; would it have killed her to be grateful?
    His anger lasted less than a second, soon replaced by regret. Damn. Perhaps he