Page 67 of Marked
That moment seems to replay in my mind, repeating over and over until it superimposes over her unconscious face. The pain in her expression, the terror, the hunger in the vamp’s eyes...
I scrub my hands over my jaw and grip my neck hard.
This is exactly what I was trying to avoid.
It was so fucking stupid letting her go with us. For thinking she was safe.
A group of five men—some of the strongest I have ever seen—and we still weren’t fast enough to protect her.
“He was young,” Markus finally says into the tension. “Possibly newly transitioned. It is unfortunate your men were not able to salvage the body.”
I glance at Tanner where he leans against the wall across from me. His pale eyes are like stones. “I would not risk one of them, my lord,” I say simply. “Horan saw an opening. He knew to take it.” My second largest regret to Lilah getting hurt is not tearing the newborn vamp to shreds with my hands. But Tanner’s teeth and Caine’s daggers worked just as well.
Markus sighs. “She will recover fine,” he says as he stands. “A few hours of sleep, plenty of fluids ...You know the drill.”
I nod.
His topaz gaze goes around the room to the assembled men. Ones who now refuse to leave. Even Caine seems almost worried. Or he is more silent that usual, with no witty remarks or glorious sarcasm to further ruin my day.
“She will be disoriented when she awakens. Perhaps it would be a good idea to not crowd her,” Markus adds. “May I suggest shifts?”
My lips pull back on a snarl of fangs before I can stop them.
Gage’s earth and leather scent fills my nose a moment before his hand lays over my shoulder. “We would prefer to stay near, my lord,” he says. “At least until she awakens.”
Markus sighs. “I believe, on this, there will be no budging any of you.” We remain silent. “Then you have until she awakens. After that, I expect your team ready to mobilize, Captain.”
I grind my teeth. “Yes, my lord.” For the first time in six years, I hate my job. And I don’t care who knows it.
Markus’ face closes down, and he walks from the room without another word. Before long, the main door closes behind him.
I hate the decorum that goes with my title. The almost human bindings. I want to kill the motherfucker who bit Lilah. Again and again. And it still won’t be enough.
Gage tugs me gently. “Come on, Cap. Let her rest.”
Begrudgingly, I follow him out into the main room. The others take up posts wherever a space is available as I drop into my old recliner next to the bedroom door.
“We need to trace the charm,” Tanner says. “I’ve been thinking about that other scent since I caught it. Where has she been all day?”
I scrub my face. “I found her at Underground. She was supposed to start working there in a few hours.”
“Well, Raina wouldn’t do it. Not if she thought it would hurt her,” Tanner mutters. “They seem to be thicker than thieves already.”
“Larry was there,” I mutter. “But what motive does he have?”
“With or without motive,” Tanner says, “he is what we got so far.”
“Especially since there was nothing at Carnage,” Gage adds. “I checked. Hell, the only reason we didn’t pick up on the charm sooner is because I never thought to search either of you.”
I wave off his words. “My perception has been skewed since she showed up. It’s not your fault.”
“Perhaps if you bedded her, it wouldn’t be so bad.” My head whips up, expecting Caine’s crass voice. Horan stares back at me, arms crossed and his square jaw firm. He holds up a hand. “Your attention is divided, Cap. We can all see it.”
The others shift.
My teeth gnash. “And when do you think I should seduce her, Horan?” I ask, voice cold. “Now? While she remains unconscious because of an attack onmywatch? Or when she is fully awake and the terror of what I am really sets in?”
His gold eyes flash, but he remains silent.
