Moon Thrall Read Online Free PDF Page B

explanation.”
    Skye’s mind was in a whirl. “Wait. I thought vampires could use some kind of mind control on their victims.”
    “They can,” Court said. “But it isn’t allowed.”
    She couldn’t help but laugh. “Allowed? These are vampires we’re talking about.”
    “Who are strictly controlled within the city,” Riley said.
    Kane looked away from her with distaste. “Something you forgot to mention in your articles.”
    “I didn’t mention it because I didn’t know. I’m still learning.”
    Court said, “Which is what almost got you killed tonight.”
    “I had Matthew,” she said. “I pay him to accompany me to places like the Viper’s Nest and keep others away.”
    Minka tucked a long, dark curl behind her ear. “Why would you take Matthew? Who is he?”
    “I took him because he’s...” Even though there had been talk of all the factions, Skye was embarrassed to state what Matthew was.
    Kane yawned. “Spit it out.”
    “He’s a vampire,” Skye said and made a face at Kane.
    She was reduced to acting childish with a grown man who despised her. When was the nightmare going to end?
    Court’s phone vibrated. He pulled it out of his pocket and read the text.
    Skye shifted her feet. “Look. I’ve answered your questions, and I’m obviously no help. I need to get back to the city and look for Matthew. He’s never left me before, and I’m going to demand my money back.”
    “Don’t bother,” Court said as he lowered his phone and looked at her with his gorgeous eyes. “Matthew is dead. The police found him three blocks from the club with all his blood drained.”
    Skye blinked, not understanding. “Since when do vampires drink the blood of another vampire?”
    “They don’t,” Minka said.
    Kane dropped his arms, his nostrils flaring as he blew out a breath. “Matthew was human.”
     

C HAPTER F IVE

    It was clear to Court that Skye was shocked at the news that Matthew wasn’t a vampire. He took a half-step toward her when her eyes went wide.
    “That’s not possible,” she mumbled.
    That got Minka’s attention. “Why not?”
    As if Skye realized she had spoken out loud, she shook her head. “I need to get back to the city.”
    “Hold on,” Riley said. “What made you think Matthew was a vampire?”
    Court watched Skye closely. He was mesmerized by the curve of her jaw and her amazing mouth. Her smooth skin glowed in the moonlight, making him want to stroke her face again.
    Her throat moved as she swallowed, and she glanced at the bayou again. “I’ve done research.”
    But Court knew it was more than that. By the way Skye refused to look at anyone, he suspected she’d had a run-in with a vamp before.
    “What research?” Kane asked with a sneer. “Movies? Watching them in their club?”
    Court shot his brother a dark look. He understood why Kane had become a hard, easily angered person, but Skye didn’t. Court caught Skye’s gaze. “I’ll drive you home.”
    “I know you all think I’m crazy, but I have to write these articles,” Skye said. “People need to know what’s out there.”
    Minka turned her back to the porch railing and crossed her arms over her chest. “You really think that? How do you think the city would be if everyone knew about vampires and witches? Do you think we would still be a mecca for tourism? Do you think everyone would just continue on as they are?”
    “There would be chaos,” Kane added.
    Riley nodded. “Riots, too. Not to mention murders. Everyone would fear their neighbor, worry they might be a monster.”
    Skye’s spine was straight as she listened to them. She didn’t cower, didn’t agree. Which made Court think that something had happened to her. If he could find out what that was, it would help him understand her and her need to report on the supernatural.
    Kane said, “You need to stop the articles.”
    When Skye didn’t bother to respond, Court held out his hand to Riley for the keys. She sent a troubled looked to