Refugee (The Captive #3)(15)

“Braith,” Gideon greeted blandly.

Braith stepped in front of Aria as Gideon’s gaze slid over them. He didn’t miss the flicker in Gideon’s hazel eyes as his attention momentarily focused upon Aria and William before moving swiftly away. His eyes gleamed with amusement as they landed on Ashby, and a disbelieving smile curved his thin lips. He shook back his light brown hair and studied them over his hawkish nose.

“Well, if nothing else, it looks as if I’m in for an interesting story. Come along.”

They followed silently behind as Gideon led them down the streets and into a home that, while it was not opulently furnished, was appointed nicely. Aria pressed closer to him as her horrified gaze slid over the brutal scenes of death and violence depicted on the numerous canvases lining the walls. It was the first time he sensed any true fright from her as she fidgeted nervously with her hands. This was a world she didn’t understand and probably never would.

“Are those human?” William’s eyes were narrowed as he stared at a shelf displaying jars full of teeth.

“Some,” Gideon replied flippantly. “Others are vampire.”

William looked horrified as his head turned slowly toward Gideon. Aria’s lips parted, a small breath escaped her as her hands pressed against her belly. Even though she’d worn a hood throughout most of their journey the sun had still caught her face and reddened her cheeks and nose. At the moment she was deathly pale beneath her sun kissed skin.

“Why?” she breathed.

“Souvenirs,” Gideon answered with a negligent shrug.

Aria took a small step back. She looked ready to bolt as her gaze darted wildly around the room before landing on her brother and the jars. “Don’t look at them,” Braith told her.

She couldn’t seem to stop looking at them though, as her eyes were riveted upon them. “Souvenirs of what?” William demanded more angry than mortified.

“Better times.”

“Gideon,” Braith hissed.

Gideon met his gaze head on. “This is my home Braith, you came here. I won’t put on airs for two humans that you’ve brought along as your food supply.” Braith bristled, his hands fisted at his sides. Aria tugged on his shirtsleeve as she shot him a reproving look. Gideon rested his fingertips on his desk as he pinned Ashby with his unyielding gaze. “Some of us didn’t exactly enjoy the war, or the outcome, right Ash?”

Ashby shook his head, his lip curled in distaste. He hated to be called Ash, he always had, always would. “Whatever you say, Giddy.”

“Did you enjoy my gift?” Gideon inquired, refusing to acknowledge Ashby’s dig at him. “Was she to your liking?”

“She was fine,” Ashby answered absently. “How did you know where we were?”

Gideon grinned at him, his fingers bounced lightly on the desk as he pushed himself off of it. “I have eyes all over these lands; a man in my position must always be alert. So, to what do I owe the honor of the heir apparent and the fallen brother-in-law coming into my humble town?”

“We’ve come to gain your support,” Braith informed him bluntly, knowing that Gideon didn’t do well with subterfuge.

Gideon was thoughtful, his eyes doubtful and questioning as he frowned at Braith. For the first time he didn’t appear even faintly amused or smug. In fact, he seemed almost hopeful. “Support for what?”

“To overthrow the king.”

Gideon released a low curse; his fingers stopped their incessant moving as he leaned forward. “You’re serious.”

“I am.”

Gideon was speechless, he gawked for a moment. Then his jaw snapped closed, his nostrils flared, and his dark eyebrows drew sharply together as his focus became riveted upon Aria. He came out from around the desk, striding forcefully toward her. Braith instinctively stepped in front of her, pulling her back as Gideon reached for her. “Don’t!” Braith snapped slamming his hand into Gideon’s chest and knocking him back a step.

Ashby seized hold of Gideon’s upper arm when Gideon lunged at Aria again. “Are you an idiot?” Ashby demanded.

“Let go of me,” Gideon snarled as he shoved Ashby’s hands away.

Braith widened his stance, bracing himself for Gideon as the vampire spun back on them. He was prepared to kill the man they had come to seek help from. Gideon’s eyes were fevered as they raked Braith from head to toe. Aria’s head popped out from around him, the hood had fallen back from her face to reveal her cascade of auburn hair and the paleness of her features.

Braith was afraid to take his focus off of Gideon for even a moment to pull her hood back up. “You can see,” Gideon said in amazement. Braith remained silent, he wasn’t going to respond to him, wasn’t going to relax until Gideon moved away from them. “And it’s because of her.”

“Gideon,” Ashby cautioned.

“You did not feed from my gift.”

“We are not here to discuss this,” Braith informed him.

“Have you lost your mind!?” Gideon exploded. “She’s a human Braith.”

“We are not here to discuss this!” Braith roared trying to control his rising temper as Gideon focused on Aria again. “This topic is off limits, for now,” he amended, knowing that it would have to be addressed one day, but not today.