Page 55 of Auctioned for Her Blood
“I have previously brought this matter to the head of security,” I tell her, “but he seemed unconcerned.”
“Then why shouldIbe concerned?” she asks.
“Because he has stolen from us—from you—and I cannot abide any vampire who insults you in this fashion.”
She shifts, confirming I have taken the correct angle, making this personal.
“This vampire has stolen bonds, gold, countless millions of dollars, and now he dares show himself in your city—inside your syndicate’s territory—flaunting the success of his crimes.”
The door behind me opens, letting in a stream of cooler light, and I turn.
“You called for me?” Diederik strides into the room, bumping my shoulder on his way past, and then stands, legs spread, hands clasped behind his back, a few feet ahead of me—closer to the CEO.
“Zuben has discovered a thief,” she says, sounding bored.
Diederik turns toward me and glares, a look so full of hatred I can feel it, but I look past him toward the CEO. If making an enemy of Diederik is the cost of freeing Ember from Ryker’s clutches, so be it.
“I brought in his so-called pirate,” Diederik says. “But Zuben lacked proof, and I think you’ll agree that I was right to let thisparticularvampire go.”
“Who is it?” she asks.
“Ryker Stone.”
Octavia’s eyes widen visibly.
“Ryker Stone is a pirate,” I tell her. “And what Diederik does not yet know is that I have additional proof of this villain’s crimes. He has—had—four gold bars in his possession, two with unique markings I can trace to our goldmine. And I am certain the others were also taken from—you.” Even if she has a soft spot for Ryker, he is a thief and I need to make this personal, like he’s insulted her.
The CEO steps around the side of her desk, her five mates continuing to flank her, as if they’re attached and moving in tandem. There is no way Octavia could defend herself in her low cut shiny blouse, her tight black leather skirt and extremely high heels, but with her mates’ presence she has no need. And her mates are beyond loyal and obedient, never leaving her side.
“Why come to me with this new evidence?” she asks. “Why not bring this proof to Diederik’s attention?”
“I…” I raise my chin. “Diederik seemed unwilling to arrest Ryker. I suspect they have made somepersonalarrangement.”
Her eyes narrow, and she directs her gaze toward the vampire beside me. “Is this true, Diederik? Is the head of my security force a traitor? Have you taken a bribe?”
He widens his stance. “Of course not, but—”
“But what?” She glares at Diederik and his entire body is shaking.
“I knew of your personal relationship with this vampire, that he was your…friend—”
She steps even closer to us, so close that her alluring scent, sandalwood and frankincense, fills my head and scrambles my thoughts. “And you believe I let my friends steal from DEFTA?”
Diederik shakes his head stiffly, as if it’s hard for him to move. “I didn’t want to bother you with trivial matters. If the new evidence merits attention I’ll make an arrest.”
Frustration bubbles inside me. I can’t take the risk that Diederik won’t act on this. I need Ryker out of the picture—now—so that I can protect Ember.
“Madam CEO,” I say.
“Zuben, are we not old friends?” She turns toward me with a seductive smile. “Are you not one of the few here at DEFTA who knew me before my promotion? Call me Octavia, please.”
I nod as her attention fills me with warmth and unmistakable arousal. This is how she gets so many vampires onto to her side—her seductive power that makes others desperate to obey her. I am immune to such matters of the flesh.
“There is more,” I tell her.
“Such as?”
I glance toward Diederik, then back to her. “It is a highly sensitive matter regarding a particular area of my research. I would prefer to discuss this in private.”
