The Way You Bite(26)

“Velvet Scarpa has nothing to do with Dominic’s war. You want to talk about Dominic, then ask me. You will stay away from her.”

“An assassination attempt led me to seek out the closest place for medical assistance last night, which turned out to be a veterinary hospital.”

“You’re actually going to try to sell me that bullshit?”

Lexan managed not to smile, although the effort was tough. “She was not protected like I’d expect your future wife to be. So exposed as a human pet doctor. Why is that, Ambrose?”

“It’s her wish.”

“You let the one destined to give you future heirs dictate her own lifestyle?” Lexan shouldn’t taunt him, but he was curious to find out why Ambrose didn’t treat her like he’d expect the true future Mrs. DiFalco to be regarded. Other DiFalco wives were locked down from the moment they said betrothal vows, sometimes before.

“Why did you seek her out?” Ambrose persisted.

“She has everything to do with this war. She’s a Scarpa. It was her mother who was murdered.”

Ambrose scowled. “I’d understand if you chose to end this war or escalate it until Dominic pushes for an end. Dominic claims the fight started as retribution for spilled blood. I can’t confirm the facts around his so-called vendetta since everyone involved is dead, other than Dominic. Until I have proof of what really transpired, I must allow things to play out.”

“You’ve taken a side, though, with your engagement.”

“That’s right…engaged. Leave her alone.” The kid had shitty diplomatic skills. He composed himself and folded his hands in his lap again.

“How do you know Dominic didn’t murder his wife and frame a wolf to launch his war?”

Ambrose waved his hand. “He was at an event the evening when his wife was killed. At least fifty witnessed him there. I was there. Airtight alibi.”

“How can we be absolutely sure on the timing of the kill?”

“Dominic and his wife may have had issues, but he would’ve been an idiot to murder her. A descendant of the original vampire?” Ambrose shook his head. “He wouldn’t have done it, no matter what interpersonal drama may have been going on between them.”

Lexan tented his hands and regarded Ambrose for a few silent seconds. “She is your future wife and will be accorded the respect the position warrants.” He bowed his head in deference, not that he meant respect. For her, he would respect and protect, possibly kill. The idea of mates popped into his brain again. He tried to dismiss it, but the longer he stared at Ambrose, the angrier and more possessive he felt toward Vee. He shuttled the thoughts into the back of his brain where it was less distracting. “I do not seek to hurt her, if that’s your concern.”

Although uncertain, he suspected Ambrose hadn’t bitten her yet. Demisang blood was touted to be almost as toxic as werewolf, if sucked by a vamp. That suggested he hadn’t pushed for sex. Vamps didn’t value virginity. They valued skills in the bedroom. Sex and blood sucking went hand-in-hand. Although the mental image of Ambrose’s mouth at her neck, his fangs in her throat, and him sucking her blood inspired a base instinct to kill.

The entitled brat didn’t deserve the right to touch her.

The animal within pressed for freedom to hunt and kill. He focused on the framed generic print on the wall just beyond Ambrose’s left shoulder until the wolf receded. Ambrose couldn’t discover his interest in her extended far beyond using her as a political toy. Maybe her pre-transition blood held enough pure vamp to be acceptable and safe for a vamp to sip. Maybe he had slept with her. He’d push a bit more. “How long have you two been engaged? Did you set a date?”

Ambrose tensed as if he wanted to attack. Must’ve hit a nerve with that one. “Why would it be of interest to you? Planning to send a gift?”

“Perhaps.” She’s mine. She might officially belong to this pompous ass who didn’t respect or value her, but nature had decided she was his. What a mess. He uncrossed his arms and straightened from his slouch. In his peripherals he watched Eric prepare for action. His boys outside moved inside. The three vamps protecting Ambrose also moved out of the shadows. “She seemed tense when your name came up—”

“Stay away from her or this will get personal,” Ambrose interrupted.

“It seems to already be personal. Or is this all for show? Arranged marriages are a poor deal for both parties. We are each members of species that are dictated by chemistry. That should be the measure by which to determine marriage suitability, not genetics. Why do you wish to marry her? There are vampires with deep genetics in Europe who I am sure Viktor could arrange for you to marry.”

Ambrose leaned forward, yanked off his shades, and hissed, “She’s a direct descendent of the original. And—”

Emotion flared in his eyes. Then, Ambrose leaned back. Emotion fled as he got control.

“If you’re only interested in genetics, then her aunt would be a more suitable choice and closer to your age.”

“Have you met her aunt?”

“Not as easy to control?”

“I didn’t say that.” Ambrose smoothed his shirt. “What are you up to, Lexan? You didn’t need her to patch you up last night. From a tactical standpoint, she has zero clout with Dominic. My father is different. He would care what happens to her. Is there something going on in Europe and you wish to use her in some way?”