Page 50 of Siege of Blood and Betrayal

Tucker

Zane’s warning has me arching a brow over Scotland’s shoulder, but I’m in no hurry to let her go just yet. That kiss was unexpected, but it proved to me what I already expected—something magical is happening between us.

And from what Jack told me, Scotland and Zane grew up being an inevitability until Zane hurt her and she moved away to start a new life.

So, if she’s not his…

“Lady’s choice, Zane. The lady is free to kiss me whenever and wherever she chooses.”

“Before this devolves into an alpha male pissing match, let’s put some distance between you two.” Scotland wriggles in my arms and I set her on her feet. “We’re about to have an influx of Vasari clan members joining us and destroying the place won’t do anyone any good.”

“As you wish.” I give Scotland some space, but not so much that I couldn’t grab her if the vampire loses control of his beast and takes a run at us.

“Zane? Can you please heal Jack?” Scotland’s question hangs in the air as the vampire and I continue with our staring match. “Zane! Enough! Please help Jack.”

Zane’s focus moves from me to my father lying on the couch and he seems to get control of himself. “Of course.”

I give Scotland a little tug to pull her out of the way as Zane moves closer and to my delight, she comes without hesitation. When we’re standing far enough to not interfere with the healing, I brush the back of my hand against hers where it hangs at her side.

Man, touching her sooths the magic within me like nothing I’ve ever felt before. It’s addictive.

“He’s beaten up, but he’s tough. And with the strength and purity of Zane’s healing, he’ll be on his feet in no time.”

She shifts her hand and laces our fingers together, squeezing. Energy zings between us and she looks up at me. “You feel that, too, right? I’m not crazy?”

“I feel it.”

“Good, because last night you looked as startled by the connection of flesh on flesh as I felt, but now your expression gives nothing away.”

I wink at her. “I have a theory, but like you said, we’re expecting guests at any time.”

Her dark blue gaze searches mine and though I see her curiosity, there’s an element of trust there, too. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you and Jack are here. I thought I might lose all three of my father figures in one horrible night. And I worried I sent you back and something might have happened to you.”

I release her hand and lay my arm across her shoulders, pulling her to my side. “Then we’re even because I’ve been worried, too. I hated watching you go off on your own last night.It went against every protective instinct I possess to leave you and return to the compound.”

The gentle quake of her body against mine has me looking down and my heart breaks to see the tears silently streaming down her lovely face.

“Hey, what can I do?”

She swipes at her tears and wipes her hand on the denim of her jeans. “It’s my father’s birthday today, and it’s hitting me hard. I came home to celebrate with him.”

Shit. That’s rough.“Jack mentioned that you’re Bran’s daughter. His death is a loss, for sure. Everyone I’ve met within the compound loved and respected him.”

She straightens, glancing around as if for a box of tissues or something. Vampires aren’t big with the waterworks, but I’ve got her covered.

My mama taught me to carry a cloth handkerchief. She’d say,‘It’s not for you. It’s for the ladies in life who need it.’

Mama was a smart woman.

I hand her the pressed square, hoping this is what she was looking for. “I’ve got you.”

She accepts the token, wiping her tears until she raises her head. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. I can’t imagine coming home to celebrate with someone I love, only to witness what you did. If I could rewind the world and take that moment away from you and replace it with something different, I would.”

She blinks quickly, her glassy eyes welling up with moisture as she fights not to fall apart again. “Thank you. That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long time.”

How can that be?“Then you’ve been spending time with the wrong people.”

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