Fractured (Deep In Your Veins, #5)(23)

Imani’s nose wrinkled. “I don’t get that.”

Lazarus opened his mouth to speak again, but then a female voice loudly crooned, “My beautiful Imani.”

“Annalise,” Imani said to the shapely woman who cradled her face like it was made of fine bone China.

“I have missed you so.” Annalise gave Sam and Jared a gracious smile. “I’m sure you have been told this several times already, but we are incredibly pleased to have you here.” She lowered her voice. “I heard about Tait’s behaviour, Imani. I apologise on her behalf. She had no right to touch you.”

“Imani handled it quite well,” said Lazarus, clearly proud. “Tait was on the floor before anyone had the chance to intervene.”

If I was honest, watching Imani take down that bitch so easily had been damn hot.

“Good. Still, Marco should have more control over his vampires.” Annalise huffed in his direction. “Have you seen him with his two consorts? The three of them fancy themselves to be a couple.”

A chuckle burst out of Imani, and I had to stifle a smile. Annalise talked as though it was some big scandal. Hell, Jared had three consorts before Sam came along. Clearly Annalise was a little old-fashioned.

Imani was wrong, Jared told me telepathically as Imani introduced Annalise to me and the other squad members. Marco feels something for her. I think he really has been protecting her.

Nodding at Annalise in greeting, I replied to Jared, I agree. I didn’t want to be thankful to Marco for anything. But if that shithead had played a part in keeping her alive all these years, I was grateful to him. I still wanted to slit his throat.

We thought he’d be dramatically pissed because she escaped his hold. He’s angry, but he’s not as angry as what he should be.

That was something else I agreed with.

Sam and I have been discussing it. Obviously he meant telepathically. Her theory is that Marco’s never felt like Imani escaped him. He wasn’t just watching over her to protect her, he was keeping tabs on her; he’s always known where she was, what she was doing, and who she was doing it with. In that sense, he remained linked to her in his own way.

I stilled. Knowledge is power. Being so aware of every aspect of her life made him feel like he had some control over her.

Exactly. I think he might have even believed Imani would come back to come when she was ready; that she just needed time to adjust and cool down. She stayed away for many years, but when life is eternal, years don’t seem very long.

It would explain why he never renounced her. He’d been waiting for her to return and claim the position that was rightfully hers. He probably sees her time in the legion as her spreading her wings and having some fun before she takes up the mantle.

Yep. He hasn’t took his eyes from her since she walked away. You should be careful.

Everything in me bristled. I’m not afraid of that f*cker.

I know you’re not, and I don’t expect you to be. But he’s clearly obsessed with her. He’s noticed your possessiveness and he doesn’t like it. In a duel, you could take him. But I don’t think he’d challenge you. I think he’d attack you from afar before you had the chance to defend yourself.

He could try.

And I’d kill him if he did.





CHAPTER SEVEN


(Butch)



Lazarus and Annalise escorted us all to an empty parlour. With its old portraits, antique furniture, and the painted ceiling, it was even grander than the parlours at Antonio’s half of the mansion at The Hollow.

No sooner were we all seated than Lazarus turned to me with a troubled expression and said, “I feel I should warn you to be careful of Marco. He is one of my most loyal vampires. He serves me well. But he can act rashly. I will warn him to steer clear of you. But Imani is his first-born and he believes this gives him rights that no one else should have. As such, I would advise you to keep your wits about you. If he comes for you, you will not sense him until it is too late.”

Rather than assuring him I could take Marco, I just inclined my head.

“Tell us what you know about dragon shifters, Lazarus,” said Sam.

“They are a fascinating species. Strong. Fierce. Dangerous. Ferociously protective of their own. In their dragon form, they are even stronger and their outer coat of armour comes in various colours. Some look rather exotic, others quite medieval.

“They can shift shape as easily as they can walk, but they cannot maintain their dragon form if they are weak. When they die, their bodies return to their human shape. In their dragon form, the majority have the ability to breathe scalding heat, smoke, and fire. But there are some that can breathe air so cold it encases their target in ice.”

Imani raised her brows as she said dryly, “Charming.”

“They live in droves, each of which is ruled by an Alpha. Unlike many species, they do not war amongst each other and they have no hierarchy of power. They simply exist. I admire that about them.”

Jared crossed his legs at his ankles, looking deceptively relaxed. “I heard they don’t like vampirekind much.”

“That is true,” confirmed Lazarus. “Once it was discovered that their blood had healing properties, people were convinced it could somehow cure vampirism. Those driven to find a cure often kidnapped the shifters and kept them prisoner while they used their blood. Some vampires, however—much like myself—found nonviolent ways of obtaining dragon blood. I pay a high price for donations. Dragon shifters have a weakness for gold and jewels.”