Page 49 of Hound

“Christopher.”

“Anything to report?”

“The paperwork has been submitted and confirmed. Lorenzo Devon will be leaving back to the CEG after the Christmas Ball.”

Pain blossomed in my abdomen. Lorenzo never recounted an inkling of information regarding his reassignment back to the CEG. But it was one I wasn’t deserving of.

Lorenzo’s drastic lack of proximity possessed me during hours where sleep disregarded my pleas. All I wished to reveal to him about mates—aboutus. . .hovered. Yet, with the days wedged between us, no will mustered within me.

It was best for him to remain unaware. It was the only safety I could offer him—far from me.

The Christmas Ball was a demonstration of sorts. Although the underlying theme consisted of collaboration and distinction, it was nevertheless a façade for the true objective: power. Despite vampires ruling alongside humans, our kind held a firm establishment of power through the Regal Families that humans could never requisite.

Within the elaborate ballroom, each family stood distinctive within the crowd of bodies. The Puleluas roamed near the bar at the far end, opposing where the Nings stood alongside the main stage. The Lautaros hovered throughout, similarly to mybrothers, but they didn’t match the Ambrogioses who were truly scattered. Thankfully, Alek and Raphael settled into their rightful places as smoothly as possible. As did I.

I stood by the entrance, keeping track of Noah and the twins as I greeted incoming guests. Conversing with them when it called for it. Tiresome, but necessary as Anabella bore the same task.

“How are you?” I finally asked as we broke away.

Satin wrapped around her lean frame, exposing broad shoulders and her top-heavy chest, gathering at the waist into a layered train. Wisps of fabric sleeved around her toned arms and flared at her wrists, complimenting each light movement she exhibited. The muted, arctic blue her dress harbored aligned with my suit, highlighting our blonde strands and her boundless, obsidian eyes.

Her nostrils slightly flared as she exhaled, her mask intact. “Fine. Ready for tonight to be over.”

“And what of your mother? Did you let her know of your acceptance?” Although Sonia never reported if Anabella had moved forward or not, it was only reasonable to assume she did.

“What are you talking about?—”

My senses sharpened as a sudden tug in my chest, weakening her voice in my ears. No, it couldn’t be. Lorenzo wasn’t supposed to be here, yet the shadow that approached was one my body recognized before I could register as such. Anabella wavered as she was pulled into surface-level conversations by members of the Human Bureau.

Although Lorenzo bore the same suit as he did on the household’s grounds, here, amongst others, he stood out in beauty and roughness. My body instinctively pulled me to him. We met by the Ning family, where I easily fell into their conversation. The eldest, Ai, took the lead as the younger sisters, Fen and Yan, interjected. . .particularly when Liu, the sole sonand the youngest child of the Nings, was spoken about since he usually vanished during social events.

Lorenzo’s gaze was glued to the staircase, his back nearly to me. His heat was a blanket on my flesh. Eyes wandered, many remaining enthralled in their own conversations and liquor. Those who snuck a look at our direction settled on the muscular build shadowing me, obstructing the sea of rich clothes.

He’d always been a sight, but the gravity he held on me multiplied with an unyielding tug.

“What are you doing here?” I whispered for his ears, forcing my expression to remain neutral. Never was it a struggle in the past. It came second nature. But somehow, in this moment, it faltered.

“There was a last minute change. I couldn’t deny it.”

“What do you mean?”

Uncertainty hardened his jaw, but he pulled an envelope from his pocket and dragged it into my palm. My mask remained in place as I didn’t turn to him, though it was difficult to not face Lorenzo. “I was going to finish what I had started with Mallory, but I decided against it. His location is here. It’s up to you now.”

“Was that all?”

His jaw hardened from the corner of my eye. “I had to see you again before I left.”

“Lorenzo. . .”

Tristan came into view and suddenly yanked Lorenzo a few steps behind me. In an instant, I found Alek’s gaze already on me and I excused myself, my feet following without a second thought.

“What’s happened?” I gritted as Alek flashed to my side and we turned to Lorenzo and Tristan.

“Katerina vanished. Tristan thought it best to question her cousin.”

“Why?”

He hesitated for a second before revealing, “We believe Lorenzo’s the intruder.”

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