Chloe's heart was hammering so hard it felt like it might burst through her ribs. She had never seen Lucius this way, eyes burning, voice low, that word blood curling like smoke between them.

Then, suddenly, he leaned back and let out a sharp, dark laugh. "Look at your face, girl," he said, smirking. "You're so scared. So you can be this scared, huh?"

Chloe blinked, trembling. "What the hell is wrong. with you?" she snapped.

"I was just messing with you, okay?" Lucius grinned, showing just ...