Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 44804 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44804 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
“Up.” Adreana rests her hand on Veronica’s shoulder, and in turn my mate’s dark eyes find her queen’s. “I’m itching for a war, darling.”
“We would stand at your side, if you so desired.” My spine stiffens at the turn of the conversation.
This will all be taken care of shortly. The coven would only interfere. I keep my lips pressed tight and rest my hand lightly on Veronica’s back, rubbing soothing circles. Her eyes close briefly at my touch, making my wolf pant with longing.
“For now, we’ll build the bank. Her presence here will not be tolerated. Not after what she did to Stephan.”
For the first time, I turn and look the queen in the eyes. “My Alpha was not pleased to hear what Natalia has done. He sends his sincere condolences.”
Her dark eyes search mine for a long moment before she finally speaks. “Well thank you, my dearest wolf. Please send him my regards.” Her hand stops in the human’s hair and the lack of her touch has him seeking out her gaze. “Would you like me to drink from you, Jaret?”
“Please, my queen.” His tone is deferential, but his green eyes practically beg her.
“Come.” In a blur that leaves a gentle breeze in her wake, suddenly the queen is standing by the entrance. She passes through the heavy velvet curtains without a single glance over her shoulder as the human quickly follows her path. It’s an abrupt end to the conversation to say the least.
“I need to pack, pup.” The use of Veronica’s pet name for me stirs my dick. My lips lift into a grin as she leans in for a kiss.
“Yes, Mistress.” I feel her smile against my lips. Something deep inside me twists, knowing I’m playing into her hand. I’ll give her this for now. A give-and-take of sorts. “When we get home, I want you chained again.” My words turn the quiet room silent and I feel several pairs of dark eyes boring into me. My mate stiffens, but only for a moment. She leans back and stands.
“When we get back. Until then …” Her words are left hanging in the air as she walks toward the exit. The blazing heat from the fire quickly fades, leaving me cold in its absence. I pull her frame into my chest and kiss the crook of her neck.
“I love you.” Those eyes bore into me again as she turns in my embrace. Her hand rests on the center of my chest. Her lips part and close before her dark eyes find mine.
“I love you too, Vince,” she says, barely speaking the words loud enough for me to hear. Her soft, plump lips press against mine in a chaste kiss. She hums her appreciation and turns, straightening her back and lifting her chin. Her strong voice returns. “Now come, pup; we’re going to be late.” My lips curl in a grin as I follow my mate down the dark, damp hall.
VINCE
It’s easy enough to catch the scent of the vampires among the humans. Special contacts disguise their eyes and they’re dressed in the latest fashion trends unlike Veronica’s coven, allowing them to blend into their surroundings. Even so, there are two I spot immediately. One near the entrance, appearing preoccupied at a desk as his fingers click along a keyboard. He pauses momentarily when we enter, but doesn’t seem to care enough to fully stop his work. The other I scent is somewhere down the hall.
The building on the whole is small and sterile.
As we enter, I calculate every escape route available should we need one. In front of us are several couches and a small TV on the wall, playing some sort of animated comedy. There are three humans seated in the waiting room and I can smell blood being drawn from at least one more somewhere. I whisper softly to Veronica at the shell of her ear, “I thought the Authority only allowed humans to work the building and deliver the blood?” From what I know of their laws, there shouldn’t be any vampires here at all.
“That was before vampires started going missing. They used to come alone once a day to pick up the blood and that was all. Now they have two in place at all times, although they aren’t to present themselves as anything other than human.” I grunt, taking in her words. A little warning would have been nice.
“Do you two have an appointment or are you walk-ins?” a peppy blond woman asks from the front desk. Her eyes drift down my body slowly as she licks her lower lip and clenches her thighs far too noticeably. Veronica surprises me by gripping my hand in a possessive response.
I must admit, her claiming me in such a subtle and human way is more than attractive. I squeeze her hand in return, reveling in the contact.