Page 11 of Midnight Queen

And like that, the video ends and I’m stuck staring at a black screen with a white icon to start the whole thing over again. There’s no need for me to view it a second time, every second has been burned into my memory. I take a moment to compose myself before speaking. “When was this filmed?”

When she doesn’t answer fast enough, I look up to find her scrutinizing me. A look of displeasure is written across her usually poised face. Slowly, she shakes her head. “It’s probably for the best you didn’t answer your phone. If you had, I would have missed out on seeing your reaction in person. I thought hearing your reaction would be enough, but I was wrong. I needed toseethat miserable look on your face. It confirmedeverythingI needed to know. Truthfully, I’m a tad disappointed as I was still holding out hope that I was wrong, but it appears I was right all along.” Her dark green eyes come alive with spite. “A human, Silas? Really? You’re reacting this way over a worthlesshuman? Do you understand how weak this makes you look?”

My step in her direction is halted when Lorcan is suddenly behind her. In a flash, he’s wrapped her long red braid around his hand. He roughly yanks her head back until her entire jugular is exposed, a shiny serrated knife lies across her porcelain skin. “If he doesn’t pry your head from your neck now, I might just take it myself. I’ve been itching for a new trophy to display. Your head might just be the thing to complete my mantel. You’re pretty enough, I suppose. With any luck, I won’t grow tired of staring at it like I have the others.”

I want her head, but I have no desire to keep it displayed. I don’t want a single piece of Rowena in my home—alive or dead. I’d rather drive to the swamps and let the gators feast on her.

Rowena’s painted lips pull back in a hiss, white fangs exposed. “Get the fuck off me. Do you know who I am?”

“A dumb cunt who really doesn’t know her place in this world,” Lor offers without a second of hesitation.This is the first time he’s met the female vampire, but his deduction of her is immaculate.

The Lor I’m seeing now is the reason I called him. The man who makes inappropriate jokes and lacks a filter is the disguise the killer underneath wears.Thisis the side I find most tolerable. Cool and calculating. Merciless when he needs to be. All attributes that make him an excellent hired gun.

“Might I remind you I could have kept this information to myself. He’d have no idea that his precious human was being auctioned off like a goddamn prized pig if it weren’t forme.”

Stepping closer, I snarl, “You didn’t bring this to my attention because you wanted to help. You’re very skilled in manipulation, Rowena, but everyone sees through your tricks. You’re predictable.”

“And you’re pitiful,” she spits. “Everything you’ve created will be threatened and for what?Her? You can’t be serious.”

Lor chuckles like he finds everything about this comical. “You really are an idiot, red.”

“You should know to watch your words when you’re in my presence, Rowena. They’ve always gotten you in trouble in the past and my tolerance for you is quickly depleting.” I don’t have time to properly deal with her now, but someday soon, she’s going to be reminded of her proper place in my world. “You’re scarcely on my list of priorities, and tonight you’re even less so. I will deal with you at a later date. I suggest you leave now while I still feel inclined to allow it.” Sliding my eyes to the blond vampire, I add, “Or before Lorcan decides to have his fun with you.”

At my nod, Lorcan lets her go with the slightest shove. “It was apleasuremaking your acquaintance.” he gestures with the knife in an overall dramatic bow.“Hopefully, we’ll have a playdate soon.”

She shoves away from him with an angry huff. With wild angry eyes, Rowena threatens, “What do you think will happen when the rest of them find out about your affections for the human?”

“Go ahead and tell them, Rowena. Tell them all about her, but when you do, make sure they all know that she is under my protection and that if someone so much as steps in her direction, I will make the pits of hell look like a vacation compared to what I will do to them,” I warn venomously. “She is mine, and everyone will soon be reminded of what happens to those who touch what belongs to me.” I don’t much care to hear what her retort will be. Without giving her the chance, I turn and head back toward the house.

But Rowena’s never been one to know when to quit. Calling after me, she says, “I hope you understand how pathetic this all makes you look. She’s a fucking human, Silas. You deserve more than her. She’s not worth it.”

Stopping in my tracks, I look over my shoulder at the hateful woman. “And you’re worth nothing.”

This time when I walk back to the house, I don’t stop.

Lor catches up to me and in a low voice, he asks, “Did you fuck that?” Even if I felt inclined to answer, he doesn’t give me the chance. “There’s no way it was enjoyable. It’d be like fucking a lizard in designer clothing.” His whole body shivers at the thought. On a dime, he switches the topic of conversation. Once again, his dark side is tucked neatly in place. “What are you thinking? How are we going to find where Gideon is holding Quincey?”

“I’m going to put my hacker to use.”

Rory paces back and forth in front of the dining room table. Her lips move as if she’s having a silent conversation with herself, and her hands shift restlessly at her sides. The guard who’d brought her inside leans against the wall watching her, but not saying anything. He doesn’t ask questions about the things he sees while on my payroll. As long as the checks keep clearing in his bank account, he doesn’t care. That’s what is so great about the men Duke finds and hires.

They don’t ask questions.

Rory is the same way. Her ability to sweep everything under the rug and pretend it’s not happening is something I appreciate about her. Many times, she’s been tasked with looking into things that pertain more to my underground businesses. Each time, she’s simply nodded her head and asked when I needed it back by. Easy as that. Based on her anxious movements and panicked facial expression, I don’t believe it’s going to go that way tonight.

The guard looks my way, and at the subtle wave of my hand, he walks away without a word.

Standing at the doorway, I give her the opportunity to address me first, but when she continues her pacing, I say her name.

Her head shakes and her mouth moves faster.

“It appears we’ve broken the poor girl.” Lorcan’s amused voice comes from behind me. “What a shame, I truly did enjoy her company.”

Ignoring him, I step closer and say her name louder, my tone demanding her attention, “Rory.” Finally, her steps falter and her head snaps in my direction. “Sit down.” I motion to one of the wooden dining chairs with my chin. When she remains frozen in place, I stare pointedly at her. “Now.” In stiff movements, she pulls the chair away from the table and sits down. Her eyes continue to dart between the two men in the room, a nervous look in them. It’s as if she’s finally seeing us.

“Under normal circumstances, this is something I would have revealed to you in a more...gracefulway.” I start. There is never really an easy way to explain this. Everyone handles the information differently. Della fled town for a month before she showed back up at my door one night after she’d come to accept it. Quincey, brave to a fault, vomited on her shoes after learning my secret. Ira shrugged and told me he already knew. He then promptly went back to trimming the hedges. “Unfortunately, for purely selfish reasons, I can’t permit you the adjustment period that is usually needed in this situation. We don’t have time for that—Quinceydoesn’t have time for that.”

“You’re—” she sputters. “You’re both...”

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