He paused, his mouth turning down. “Pardon?”
“One that doesn’t leave you beholden to another’s blood.” She said it calmly, but Mary knew her ploy could turn down a wrong lane in an instant. But it couldn’t be helped. Jack needed her. She glanced at the table. “Might we discuss it?”
Amaros smiled, the very picture of geniality and good breeding. A veritable wolf in sheep’s clothing. “By all means. Please, do have a seat.” His black robes gave his movements a flowing quality as he gestured to an empty chair.
Once Mary sat, he righted his overturned chair and followed suit.
“Jack’s blood heals you,” she said. “But it does not last, nor will it restore your heart.”
Amaros’s eyes narrowed in impatience. “The Evernight girl has made me a new heart. It will work.”
“It will turn you into a shadow crawler, decaying ever still, dependent on blood to stay whole. But I can make you a ghost in the machine. A true GIM, born from magic, pure and restored.”
Suspicion clouded his eyes. “How is this so? Only Adam is known to have such power.”
In an effort to hide her clammy hands, Mary adjusted her skirts. “It was a gift bestowed upon me by Adam.”
“And why would he do such a thing?”
“That is my business.”
Amaros’s nostrils flared before he got his temper under control. “I think you had better prove your claim, Miss Chase, for I remain wary.”
“Before we go any further, if I agree to this pact, then you agree to leave Jack Talent alone. You must swear to never pursue him for blood or harm him in any manner.”
A moue of resistance marred Amaros’s face. It was clear that he did not fancy this part of the bargain. A calculating look came into Amaros’s eye, and Mary decided to nip it in the bud. “This gift can only work of my free will. It cannot be made under duress.” She held his dubious gaze with one of cool authority, as if she weren’t lying through her teeth; she had no idea how the gift worked, or if it even would.
The corner of his eye twitched, and he offered her a tight nod. “Very well. I agree. I shall not pursue Jack Talent for his blood, or seek to harm him. Easily done,” he added, “if you can do what you say you can.”
“A blood vow, Amaros. I believe fallen are just as beholden to those as sanguis, yes?” It was said that the fallen had given birth to the sanguis line, hence they both had a taste for blood. Once a vow was made, he could not go back on it or his soul would crack. An irrevocable break that would leave him senseless.
He did not flinch from her demand. “Blood oath it is. Dependent upon your ability to turn me into a GIM.”
“Then we have an agreement.”
Silver flared in his eyes at the words and that slightly off, tilted smile returned. “Not just yet. I’d have assurances as well, Miss Chase.”
Her heart slowed. “Which are?”
“What is to say that you will stay loyal to me? What is to say this isn’t a trap?”
Right. Mary smiled, her eyes glowing with the light of the GIM and all the persuasion it afforded. “Because I love Jack Talent. I would die to protect him.” It was the truth. And if it came to that, then so be it.
“Not good enough.”
A movement by her side gave her only enough time to steel herself, then a guard was there, holding an electric prod against her side. Mary stilled. She remembered the pain of that prod. “Not very hospitable of you.”
“Apologies,” Amaros said.
“Nor is it a good way to get what you want,” she added.
“I’d rather kill you and risk becoming a crawler than be betrayed, my dear.” His smile was a parody of a kindly gentleman’s.
“Then what do you suggest?” she asked, as if her heart weren’t stalled within her breast.
“I give you my bond, and you give me yours.”
Mary did not like the lascivious look in his eyes, yet her voice came out smooth. “I’m afraid a blood bond won’t work on me.”
“No,” he said, “but a slave bond will.”
Bound to do as he willed. She’d never be able to harm him. Worse, once bound she could not leave her body in spirit form unless he willed it so. Her mouth went dry. She’d be his slave for the entirety of his life or hers. Mary took a steadying breath. She had no other choice. She knew perfectly well that if she backed out he’d kill her anyway. That truth was written in the steadiness of his gaze and the small but smug smile playing around his lips.
She needed to believe that when Jack came for her, he would understand enough to do what was required. Together they were strong enough to defeat the fallen. She knew it within her soul. And it gave her the courage to forge ahead.