Chapter 9 · Her Mother's Signature

I don't let go of the basin. My grandmother's name is still glowing in the blood, next to my mother's, next to mine. Three generations locked in some kind of debt I never signed up for.

"She's alive." My voice comes out flat. "My grandmother. She's been alive this whole time."

Kade steps closer, but I hold up my free hand. Stop. He stops.

Theron's still leaning against the stone pillar like he's watching a show he paid for. "Didn't know that part, did you, Locke? Your precious bloodline secret just got a hell of a lot messier."

"Shut up." Kade's voice is low, dangerous. He doesn't look at Theron. He's looking at me. "Lena, I didn't know about your grandmother. I swear."

"But you knew about the debt." I set the basin down carefully, my hands shaking. Blood's still on my fingers. His blood. Mine. "You knew my mother signed me over before I could even walk."

"I knew there was a contract." He runs a hand through his hair, and I can see the bite mark on his palm where I grabbed him earlier. It's not healing. "I didn't know the details until—