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Tenzin shook her head "But you are known for your loyalty, Baojia I don’t think anyone would believe you would ever turn on Ernesto or work against hione," Beatrice said quietly "Soht have seen that as an opportunity"

"Rory," Natalie said, even when she felt Baojia draw back "I know you don’t want to believe it, but it makes the most sense You were away They needed sohts to infect vampires with Elixir He and Rory dump the bodies on Ernesto’s land Mexico City looks like they can’t control their vao on in his backyard Everyone is pointing a finger at soet involved It ave her a sed "Hey, politics is politics I’ve been covering stuff like this for years" She turned and looked at Baojia He was doing the blank face again, but by this tih to realize it was because he was shocked And hurt She went over and gave hi, which he didn’t return "I know he’s your brother, but you have to see we’re right about this What’s the other explanation?"

Baojia nodded stiffly and pulled away, turning to leave the room And with the loss of his presence, Natalie felt a hint of panic "Baojia?"

He paused at the door "I realize you’re probably correct Please… I’ll return shortly Just stay here"

He left, and Natalie sat down on the couch, suddenly exhausted Giovanni and Beatrice exchanged a feords, then he and Tenzin left too while Beatrice settled next to her

"He’ll be fine He’s not mad at you, Nat"

"I told him I loved him, but he didn’t say it back" She squeezed her eyes shut and wished she could take back the words "I’ht now"

"Of course you should And I think he loves you very much I think he loves you so much he doesn’t knohat to do with it yet"

She sed and blinked back the burning at the corners of her eyes "So why leave?"

"He’s hurting, and you want to help because you love him I don’t think he’s used to that It doesn’t mean he doesn’t need it, just that he’s not used to it"

"Is it worth it?" she asked quietly "Are you happier now? Did you becohed "I became a vampire for a lot of reasons And yes, he was one of the main ones But not the only one And he didn’t really wantYou think Brigid thd yes, hand Carere fighting? He was furious It doesn’t even compare"

"So why--?"

"I was in this world, and I kneas my life I knew it And…" She frowned a little, a crease for in her otherwise perfect forehead No wrinkle or line would ever , but her friend would not "I didn’t want to be the weakest one I wanted to be so feared, not protected"