A Meet of Tribes (A Shade of Vampire #45)(51)

The dream tempered my fears, pushing me to smile and giving me enough energy to face my visions of the future and tell them, “Not on my watch!” It seemed like no matter where I was, whether in a dream or in reality, Bijarki’s presence had a positive effect on me. He made me feel strong enough to fight.

I reached the bottom of the stairs leading to the upper floor of the mansion. The temperature had risen by several degrees, making it necessary for me to change out of a dark green velvet dress into something lighter. I remembered there was a soft linen dress on a chair in our room.

I nearly bumped into Bijarki as he came downstairs. I froze, my foot on the first step, and he stilled, his body so close to mine. I had to crane my neck back a little to see him. His deep eyes studied mine. I noticed the duffel bag on his shoulder and raised my eyebrows.

“I’m going to visit the Red Tribe,” he said. His expression was difficult to read.

I already knew where he was going, but I had yet to find a way to hide my displeasure. Given how honest he’d been with me the day before, I decided that he deserved the same from me.

“I heard, but I can’t help but worry,” I replied, my voice barely a whisper.

“I’m a big boy. I can handle myself around a few succubi.” His gaze softened, and he gave me a boyish smile.

His attempt to reassure me made my heart flutter, but I still wasn’t comfortable with him going away. It made me anxious.

“I’d like to come with you,” I said, surprised by my own request.

He took a deep breath, quietly scanning me from head to toe.

“As much as I would love to take you with me, Vita, it is much too dangerous for you. Azazel sensed your presence from the moment you entered Eritopia. As soon as you leave the protection of the mansion’s shield, you will be vulnerable. Azazel will know and will eventually trace you back here.”

I sighed and nodded in agreement, but my heart felt heavy nonetheless. “You’re right. It was a dumb suggestion. It’s just that I’ve been stuck here for quite some time now, and I can’t help but feel trapped in this place. It’s frustrating.”

He walked forward slowly.

I stepped back.

He reached the bottom of the stairs. He stopped with an inch between us. I felt his hot breath over my face, setting my body ablaze from the inside. His lips parted and stretched into a seductive smile that stirred me.

“I’m sorry to hear you’re having such a tough time here, Vita. I’d be happy to make it more enjoyable for you. But you’ll have to wait until I get back.”

His voice sent shivers down my spine and dried my mouth. I licked my lips. The air was suddenly very hot and dry around me, and my breath came in uneven gasps. My cheeks flamed.

I couldn’t move. Whatever he was doing, it had a paralyzing effect on me.

“Are you using your incubus abilities on me right now?” I whispered.

He shook his head, devouring me with his silvery gaze.

“Whatever you might be feeling right now, Vita, I assure you it’s yours and yours alone,” he said, then leaned in close enough to whisper in my ear. His lips brushed against my lobe. “I told you I’m doing my best to keep my nature under control when I’m around you, and that hasn’t changed. I wouldn’t want to sway you in any way, little fae. But I do find this delightful, watching you blush every time our eyes meet. I’m already looking forward to my return.”

His words poured right into my soul, and I found myself defenseless before him.

He dropped a soft kiss on my cheek.

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by the delicious sensation of his lips against my skin. I held my breath, afraid to let it go and lose the moment altogether.

I didn’t realize when he straightened his back and put some distance between us. When I opened my eyes, I found him looking at me. His gaze dropped on my lips. His pupils dilated and nostrils flared.

“I’ll be back soon. I promise,” he said. He bowed politely and left me there.

I was speechless, and my knees threatened to give in. I leaned against the solid wood railing, trying to catch my breath. A smile sliced my face from left to right, and my very core hummed from the memory of his husky voice whispering in my ear.

Soon didn’t seem like soon enough.





Aida





I’d woken up that morning with a strong sense of determination. I’d gone to bed torn between the fear of the darkness Vita described in her vision, and the arousing experience I’d had during my flight with Field.

A single thought persisted in my mind. As Oracles, we had the ability to see through time. We had the power to prevent what we saw in the future, learn from the past, and draw valuable intel from the present.

I had a valuable part to play in this.

My knowledge of the present could help shape our decisions, informing us of what went on throughout Eritopia and giving us a better advantage against Azazel.

I took a cold shower and slipped into a pair of beige trousers and one of the shirts left in our room. Then I rushed downstairs for some hot, soul-healing coffee.

Two cups later, I climbed the stairs to the attic.

I opened the windows wide enough to let the fresh air in. I crossed my legs in a meditation pose and spent some time in silence, breathing in and out in a controlled rhythm.

I knew what I had to do.