Page 14 of The Vampire's Hunter

As if that were an excuse to throw her to the wolves. Her brother likely hadn’t intended for her to share that tidbit of information, but he hadn’t exactly given her much choice.

“Of course.” Corbin strode closer, coming to stand in front of her, eyes no longer cold. Slowly, he reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “And so, you ran to me.”

Dani’s breath quickened. The way he was looking at her then terrified her. It was almost…startingly in its reverence, so unlike every other version of him she’d ever seen before, and yet, still so wicked she couldn’t help but consider all the things she’d beg him to do to her, if given the chance.

One night. Nothing more.

She pulled away from him then, remembering herself. “In a manner of speaking.” She lowered her gaze a little, but not fast enough to miss Corbin’s bemused grin.

“Clever, clever girl,” he repeated.

Her eyes shot to his, searching for the pride that had settled there once before, but then his hand returned to his suit coat, leaving her standing there, alone.

As he had so many times before.

What exactly about tonight had been different?

“And what’s the Execution Underground want with Lucien this time? A petty theft charge? Fraud?” Corbin sneered, making it very clear exactly what he thought of the human organization’s prior efforts.

They’d failed to pin Lucien down more than once before.

“Quinn says Lucien’s been trafficking human women for blood sport,” Dani said, watching the club owner make his way back toward the window. “Tell me you didn’t know.”

Corbin didn’t offer her any such comfort. He simply paused for a prolonged moment. “Must you think so little of me?”

Dani frowned. “That’s not an answer, Corbin.”

He turned to her, red eyes aglow. “It’s being addressed.”

“Being addressed?” Dani’s felt herself stiffen. Everyone who’d ever had even cursory dealings with theCosa della notteknew what that meant. “In other words, you’re planning to make a move toward him?” To end Lucien, once and for all.

“My plans are none of your concern,human.” Corbin’s expression was so hardened then, that for once, Dani was glad for the distance between them. “But should your brother wish to end Lucien, he best get in line.”

Relief coursed through her. She’d hoped Corbin wouldn’t be involved, and yet, she hadn’t known for certain. The vampire before her had undoubtedly done more than a few terrible things in the span of his long life, but recklessly hurting women wasn’t one of them.

Corbin was above that.

Vampire or not, he didn’t need to prey on the weak to keep himself from being small.

“Do you know where they are then? The locations where he’s holding them?” she asked.

Corbin bristled. “That’s a bold ask, Dani, even for you.”

Dani fought not to roll her eyes. She doubted anyone had ever called her bold before, though shehadjust encouraged him to finger her in full view of his club, hadn’t she?

Perhaps she was bolder than she gave herself credit for.

“It’s what Quinn sent me for,” she added. “The locations of the drop houses.”

“A lofty task, if not unmanageable.”

Dani stepped forward, ever hopeful. “Does that mean you’ll help me then?”

“After that little show at the club, I’m not certain I have a choice, do I?”

Something inside her prickled at his words, but whatever emotion she was feeling, she pushed it down. To that place that held any hint of defiance or self-defense. Like she had so many times before. Such hope for the future had gotten her nowhere. Had never helped her. “So, you meant it then? That I’m yours? That I’m under your protection?” she whispered.

“Make no mistake, Dani. I meant every word.” The red glow of Corbin’s eyes cut toward her as he unbuttoned his suit coat, stripping down to his only shirt. He rolled the sleeves up to his elbows, exposing the muscled forearm below. “Until this is over, you’re mine and mine alone. Do I make myself clear?” he asked, looking directly toward her.

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