The Beloved – Black Dagger Brotherhood Read Online J.R. Ward

Categories Genre: Alpha Male, Fantasy/Sci-fi, Paranormal, Vampires Tags Authors:
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Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 138274 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
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But he had to communicate the layers in a way the butler would accept.

Hugs were out. Expressions of love were out.

“I’ve always needed you, and I always will. Who else could take care of my family and my home better than you? Rise, and resume your duties, secure in the knowledge that your services are required now…” Wrath cleared his throat. “… and forever more, Fritzgelder Perlmutter.”

Good thing there was no better love language for a doggen than to tell them their job was secure, and they were so valuable they were required at their station to serve their King.

There was a sharp sniffle, and then Fritz gathered himself up off the tile in a shuffle that was as surprisingly sprightful as always. Wrath could just picture him tugging his sleeves down with a sharp snap, and then double-checking that his jacket was buttoned properly—no, he probably had on an apron as he polished the silver.

So he’d be making sure its tie was in place.

“It is my honor to serve you, my Lord,” the butler stated with dignity.

Screw it.

“I love you, too, Fritz.” Wrath held up his dagger hand. “And you’re just going to have to suck that statement up, my man. I’m the King, and I can say whatever the fuck I want.”

There was a soft chuckle, and then a shifting as the butler bowed once again. “As you wish, my Lord… as you wish—”

“Holy. Fucking. Shit.”

As a second clattering sounded out, Wrath turned toward the sound and smelled that rocky road ice cream.

“Rhage.” He started to smile. “Some things never change. And thank God for it.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

No, thanks, I’m good,” Nalla said over the music.

As she issued the shutdown, she glanced away from Nate’s general direction to the aristocrat who was standing in front of her with a cocktail in his hand. The male had brought something pink and fruity over, and not only did she hate the super-sweet smell, the little wedge of pineapple sticking out of the top was exactly the kind of unnecessary floofy stuff she despised.

Like adding flavoring to coffee. Coffee was coffee, for godsakes. It didn’t need caramel or hazelnut or—

“You sure?” he prompted as he sat down next to her. “I think you’ll like it.”

She focused on him properly. In the dark-blue lighting, his black, slicked-back hair gleamed like he’d put a helmet on, and his pale suit shimmered, like it was made out of real gold thread. His face was attractive enough, in that it had no major flaws or blemishes, but the symmetry of his features was sort of relentless, as if he had been extruded out of a glymera sausage machine rather than birthed the old-fashioned way.

“What was your name again?” she asked.

He shuffled closer, put the drink down on the low table, and motioned to the glass. Like she’d forgotten that it was for her. “Toddhome the Younger. Todd, to you and my close friends. We’ve actually met before.”

“I’ve certainly seen you around, Todd.”

The smile that came back at her was slow and sexual. “So you’ve been watching me, huh.”

“Yeah, tonight, actually.”

“I’m complimented.” His eyes dropped to her mouth. “I just threw this suit on, you know. It’s no biggie.”

“I’ve been watching your friends, too.”

“I wouldn’t bother with them. They’re boring.”

“Why are you wasting your time, then.” She put up her hand. “Never mind. That’s none of my business.”

“That’s right. Let’s just keep this about you and me.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not really interested in just us.”

His brows popped up. Then he tilted his head to the side and seemed to look at her for the first time. “Aren’t you a surprise. And if a ménage is what you’re after, my boys and I can work something out. For sure.”

Threesome? Golly gee, didn’t she just win the fuck lottery. And holy crap, only a guy like him could turn a rejection into a bright idea.

“Well, see, I think you’ve already done that.”

Now he frowned. “I’m not following?”

“Like I said, I’ve been watching you and your ‘boys.’ ” She added air quotes because two could play at the douche game. “I saw the way you all checked me out when I got here, and then as you put your heads together and yucked it the fuck up. Next, you come over with a drink that is the last thing I’d volunteer for if I were stuck in the middle of a desert for a week.” She put her arm across his shoulders and indicated the group of males across from them. “Let’s give them a wave, shall we? ’Cuz your buddies are staring at us like they’re watching a horse race they’ve bet on.”

The male blinked. “Huh?”

She gave the peanut gallery a little hi-how’re-ya with her free hand. “Would you like to know what I think is going on, or are you going to be a male about this and tell me yourself.”


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