Page 100 of The Vampire's Soul

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

ELLA

“Eat honey, he will be here soon.” Sage leaned across and rubbed her hand.

She’d met all the females and warriors now, but the royal family was nowhere to be seen, which was surprising given how small the Tuscany mansion was compared to the castle.

Then again, she suspected they were being guarded heavily.

Ari Moretti was sitting beside his mate, Sage. He’d only just turned up in the dining room. When he arrived, he kissed her forehead, sat down to eat, and said very little. Clearly, deep in thought.

As they all were.

There was something about him that screamed power and intrigued her. She couldn’t stop watching him.

“I can’t eat either.” Brianna pushed away her stew. “I’m going to see Willow and Issy.”

“I’ll stay with Ella,” Madison said, looking as miserable as she was waiting for Kurt.

“Same.” Anna glanced at the doorway, clearly hoping Ben would walk through it.

Another female walked in and sat on the other side of Sage. There wasn’t room, and she clearly thought everyone was going to budge over.

Ari lifted his brow but didn’t look up and kept eating.

“Move,” the female said.

Sage rolled her eyes. “This is my sister, Piper.”

“Hey,” Ella said, and the female shot her a quickhey, nice to meet you.

“Ari, move.”

“Please,” Ari said without looking up. “Please, is the word you are looking for, Piper. Otherwise, you are welcome to come over here and move me yourself.”

Despite the horrible situation they all found themselves in, Ella chuckled. Even if all five of the girls tried, they wouldn’t succeed in moving that huge male.

But...Piper got up.

“Piper, for the love of God!” Sage dropped her napkin on her plate while the female started shoving at Ari’s shoulder.

The vampire didn’t move.

Ella watched his lips twitch, and he quickly glanced up at her and winked.

“You. Big. Oaf. Move.” Piper kept pushing, and it was like watching her try to move a ten-ton truck.

Anna and Madison shook their heads, but no one looked surprised by her behavior. It was as if this was classic Piper.

“She’s stressed,” Sage explained. “Oliver is with the guys. Her mate.”

“Oh.” Ella nodded.

Next minute, Ari lifted his head. Then, so fast she didn’t even see him move, he was behind Piper—who squealed—and lifted her up like a bag of potatoes. Then carried her out of the dining hall.

“Come on! The boys are here,” he yelled over his shoulder.

Anna and Madison leaped out of their seats.

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