Read Online The Asylum by L. J. Smith - Free Book Online

be an abandoned stable. Henry writhed in Damon’s grasp, his fangs growing and flashing in the moonlight.
    â€œI need a stake!” Damon growled. I grabbed the first branch I could find on the ground and cracked it over my knee. It was willow, not nearly as substantial as I’d hoped, but it would do. It would have to do.
    I charged toward them, the stake in my hand. In my mind’s eye, I remembered the way Henry had charged toward me during our bloody fight on board the train to Ivinghoe. I remembered the proprietary way he’d allowed his hands to roam down Violet’s curves during a party at the warehouse. I remembered the way he’d eagerly clapped Damon’s back at a park picnic, as though they were nothing but loyal friends. He had betrayed us.
    â€œThis ends now,” I hissed, holding the stake inches from the snow-white shirt that covered Henry’s chest. I imagined what the fabric would look like, pierced by the willow branch and stained with Henry’s blood. I’d never really staked a vampire before. At Gallagher’s circus, I’d once been forced to run a vervain-laced stick through Damon, but I’d deliberately missed his heart. This was different.
    â€œDon’t kill him yet,” Damon said, wrapping his fingers around the branch. “He needs to talk first.”
    I held the stake out toward Damon. It may have been my battle, but it was my brother’s war, and I wouldn’t stand in his way.
    â€œI don’t talk to trash,” Henry said petulantly. Instantly, Damon launched the branch forward and pierced Henry’s throat. Blood bubbled at his throat, but the wound quickly healed when Damon removed the stick. Henry must have fed recently.
    â€œYou disgust me,” Damon spat.
    â€œWell, I can assure you the feeling’s mutual,” Henry gurgled, hate evident in his eyes. “And you wanted me to talk, so I’ll talk. You and your brother are both stupid and impulsive, and have no idea who you’re facing. Is that what you wanted to discuss?” He smiled as he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the blood off his neck. An owl hooted in the distance. Where were Samuel’s bodyguards? Could this be a trap?
    As I was about to voice my fears, Henry twisted out of Damon’s grasp.
    â€œYou think you can kill me? That’s rich,” he said as he smiled at us. “You boys will try anything, won’t you? It’s the American way, I suppose.” He circled around us like a dog, sniffing a stranger that crossed his path. I watched every step, my entire being ready to attack, should it be necessary. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Although I think, in your case, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try and die again’ might be a bit more accurate.” Henry chuckled at his own joke.
    â€œWhat does Samuel have to do with Katherine?” Damon asked, his voice low. I could see him struggling to control his temper. I wanted nothing more than to pick up where he left off and fight Henry to the death.
    But Henry continued, unconcerned. “It is unfair to be hunted without knowing why, isn’t it? After all, it’s so much more enjoyable if your victims can take some time to ruminate on their choices. So, why do my brother and I hate you?” He paused and pretended to think. “Well, for one, you two are awfully pushy. In this country, we value people who respect our social rules. And that does not include elbowing one’s way in with compulsion and lies. So there’s that.”
    â€œWhat about Katherine?” I interrupted.
    â€œKatherine,” Henry said, chuckling to himself. “Well, Katherine’s a category unto herself. One of a kind. The type of girl you see once and remember forever. Which is why my brother can’t forgive either of you for killing her.”
    â€œI didn’t…” Damon sputtered.
    â€œThat’s