The Way You Bite(14)

“For a dead guy, you sure like risking exposure with this cloak and dagger shit.” Lexan threw his shades on the table and squinted as his eyes adjusted to the pulsating lights. He leveled his gaze on Blay in a calculated glare meant to intimidate.

“I’m not impressed by your progress so far, Your Majesty. Time is running out.”

Had this been any other wolf, he’d strike him down for the disrespect. But the two of them were bound by memories that fucked them up and still tortured. Even if Blay preferred the shadows, if Lexan called upon this wolf for anything, he would show up, armed and ready to kill. No questions asked.

“If you decided you’d like to be involved in this venture, then you could’ve phoned. If you’re ready to go back on your word to her dying mother that you’d stay out of your daughter’s life, and you want to finish this yourself, then so be it. You can collect on your IOU a different time.”

“How could you let her go to the wedding?”

Yeah, he didn’t think Blay would release him from his promise to help Vee so easily. Unlike last week, now he was okay with helping her, actually anticipated it. “You forbid I kidnap her. There would’ve been no other way to stop her.”

“You were supposed to use your…lady charm and have her on a plane to Europe already.”

“It doesn’t work on her.”

Blay stilled. “That’s odd. Did you pick up any other skills from her?”

“She’s a healer who uses some sort of calming thing on her patients.”

Blay nodded toward Lexan’s beer. “You mind?”

Lexan shook his head.

Blay took a huge swig. “Well, that makes this complicated. I was counting on your ability to make this fast.”

“I’ll get this done for you, but it’s going to take more time than anticipated unless you’re ready to okay kidnapping.”

Blay took another large swallow of beer. “No kidnapping. It has to be her choice to leave her life here. I need you to get her somewhere safe. Very safe.”

“This isn’t just about her transition, is it? You’re worried the vamps are going to play with the virus in this country. Did you hear something?”

“The virus may not affect all of us once exposed, but it kills all demisangs. Wolves in this country are already infected with the original virus. The DiFalcos gave the viral technology to Dominic last week. I don’t know if they modified it, but I heard they wanted to do more testing. With open warfare here and Dominic’s Squad capturing wolves who never survive…”

“Shit.” Perfect experimental subjects. Lexan rubbed his eyebrows. “Kidnapping would be the fastest way to get her out of here.”

“No. But you need to get this done fast.”

“Did you at least get reconfirmation it is time for her inner wolf to awaken?”

“The Hag read the runes again. It will be this full moon.”

He rolled his eyes. “I can’t believe you rely on that nutjob. The last time I listened to the witch I almost killed Eric. She could’ve simply stated my wife was sleeping with a vampire instead of giving me confusing innuendoes.”

“Eric is one whose loyalty will not stray.” Blay’s lips almost twitched into a smile. “I attempted to recruit Eric away from you long ago. His no was a rather large fuck you. Still, did the Hag ever lie to you?”

“Her advice is always vague as shit. So, you can understand my doubt.”

“I believe the witch. Besides, who set you on the right path about the Hag’s meaning before?” Blay glanced around and stiffened. Quickly, he added, “You have less than a week.” He pushed away from the table and executed a small bow. He disappeared into the crowd.

Lexan leaned back and folded his arms. Another wolf was nearby.

Eric stalked through the crowd. He yanked out the chair opposite and sat hard, glaring.

Lexan dramatically rolled his wrist to view his watch. “One hour, fourteen minutes. I’m disappointed.”

“You can’t do shit like this, sir.”

“Maybe it was a test.”

Eric seesawed his lower jaw. “It wasn’t a bloody test. Who’d you meet?”

“The one who requested the favor that brought us here.”

“Did he take it back so we can go home?” Eric’s eyebrows shot up, hopeful.

“No. Time to ruin a vampire princess’s life.”





Chapter Five


“This is quite a reception.” Vee tried to smile at Dominic but couldn’t persuade her lips to tilt upward. She wished the line at the head table hadn’t dissolved the moment she arrived.

Conversations all around halted or went hushed. Most stared. Her notoriety as the only person to defy Dominic made her a curiosity.

Vee wished she could throw a mental mist and make this conversation a little less front-and-center.

“Velvet,” Dominic said low. The single word was layered with the disappointment and frustration of a century. Dominic’s left hand shifted close. His rolled his heirloom ring outward for easy access.

She bit her tongue against voicing a vicious go to hell. That much disrespect with this large an audience guaranteed he’d terminate her where she stood, regardless of her engagement to Ambrose. Still, she wouldn’t kiss his ring. If he wanted her vow of allegiance that bad, then he could beat her into submission. Right here, right now. Audience be damned. He wouldn’t. Public image mattered too much to him. His furious do-it-or-else scowl promised she’d pay later.