Two for tragedy. Volume 2

– That's great," I said grimly. – But how did he make up his mind? He told me he couldn't miss your wedding.

– He had urgent business in England, so he apologised profusely and left.

– Is he sure he's gone? – I asked. – Did you see it yourself?

– Yes, I walked him to the airport. He called me from the plane a while ago," Markus replied.

– That's great news," I sighed, but somehow I felt distrustful.

– Are you happy? – My brother asked, looking at me carefully. – I can see that I'm not.

– It's great news, but something's weighing on me," I said, not knowing why I was so excited. – I can't say anything until I hear from Viper that she's okay.

– But you checked the plane, didn't you? There were no vampires on it?

– That's the thing. A corridor broke down, and the passengers had to get off the pad. And it was in the goddamn sunshine.

– It's unfortunate, but it's no big deal. I think I see what you're worried about, though. You're wondering if she met Brandon?

– Yes, and now I realise how thoughtless I was! – I said bitterly. – After all, he called you recently, and, therefore, he is not yet in England.

– You don't have to worry about that: he left on his private plane, and before you sent Viper to Brazil.

– Are you sure about that?

– A hundred percent sure.

– But I need to be sure. I have to call him. – I was worried.

What if he didn't get off on time and saw me and Viper? I mean, then he could have jumped on her plane to eliminate the "vampire-threatening mortal girl." What if he was, after all, on the same plane as Viper?

Those thoughts burned my mind.

– I don't think that's necessary," my brother frowned.

– I have to call him," I repeated. – Give me his number.

Markus sighed unhappily.

– Wait for a message from your Viper to come in or not. What if it's just a coincidence? I am sure of it," he said in a dissatisfied tone.

– You're right, we should wait," I agreed. – But if I don't hear from Viper, I'm going to Brazil. I'm sorry, Markus, but I won't be able to find a place to go, and I'm already regretting sending her there.

– It's all right. You're exaggerating. It's just a coincidence, believe me. There's no way this situation could be real.

– You don't know how much I want to believe it, but if you do the percentages…" I began grimly.

– I'm so sick of your whining! It's okay, Viper! You don't have to be so worried about her! – Markus interrupted me nervously.

– You can't understand me, because Mariszkais immortal, and you don't have to be afraid for her. And Viper is human," I grinned. – She could die, and I'm afraid I won't be there to save her.

– That girl has turned you…" Markus started, but stopped himself at the last word.

– Into a rag? – I finished his thought grimly. – So be it, I don't care. Yes, Markus, you're right: I've changed a lot. But I'm not making excuses for you.

He took a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

– Haven't you noticed that all we've been doing lately is arguing? – He said, as if he hadn't heard what I said.

– Life without arguing would be extremely boring," I replied calmly.

We were silent for a while, staring in different directions.

– I wish I hadn't told you about Viper. Then you wouldn't have tortured yourself," I blurted out.

– I wish you hadn't fallen in love with her," Markus replied grimly, and started the engine.

We drove back to the castle. I noticed that my brother's mood had fallen; he became sullen and silent. We drove into the garage, got out of the car, went upstairs, and went our ways, Markus to the hall and I to my room.

Locked in my room, I wandered from corner to corner, measuring the vast space with my footsteps. I had one thought in my head: if I didn't hear from Viper, I'd call her, and if she didn't pick up, I'd drop everything and fly to Rio, no matter what the consequences.

***

– What did you and Cedric agree on? – I heard the vampire's voice.

"Oh, yes. We agreed that I would text or call him as soon as I got to the airport in Rio," I remembered, regaining clarity of thought.

But what could I do? This strange vampire had taken my phone, held me prisoner, and kept his eyes on me like a chain dog! True, he was so "merciful" that he even asked the stewardess to bring lunch, dinner and drinks for me. But I didn't touch the food and only took a couple of sips of water. Grayson also let me go to the toilet when I asked him to. Other than that, he let me sleep, but I couldn't sleep a wink: my body and mind were too tense to let me sleep for a while. I felt cold in the night, and I timidly asked the stewardess to bring me a warm blanket. Fortunately, the vampire didn't mind, and I spent the remaining hours of the flight wrapped tightly in the plaid. My back and legs were aching-not even the reclined seat helped.

– As soon as we get off the plane, call him," Grayson said.

I couldn't help but wonder.

Why would he do that? He's not saying it out of mercy!

– Yes, I know what you agreed to," he grinned, apparently enjoying my surprised look. – I heard every word you said at the Prague airport. I almost wept – it was so romantic.

– I don't understand why you need this? – I asked, unable to see the logic in his actions: first he was going to lock me up in his mansion to kill me quietly, and now he was ordering me to call Cedric. It makes no sense!

– He must think you're all right. I don't want him to panic and come after you. So you'll call him.

– And if I don't? – I asked defiantly.

– Then he'll get worried and fly anyway – I've known him a long time and I know his temperament. And when he arrives, he will be met here by our brethren, whom I will inform of his misdemeanour. Can you imagine what will happen to him? He'll be crippled enough to become a living log.

– Stop it!" I blurted out, picturing the consequences of my stubbornness. – I'll call and pretend to be very happy! I'll pretend all you want, but don't tell anyone about us! Please!