Page 84 of House of Darkness
“Well, that makes my confession seem insignificant,” she mumbled.
I laughed at that. “I don’t mind. I’ll take everything you give me and cherish it. I don’t deserve your love, but I promise to spend the restof our lives trying to earn it.”
Her head fell against my collarbone. “I’ll take that.”
When our lips met, I surrendered to her sweetness. I never wanted to lose the taste of her tongue, her blood, or her pussy. I could spend a lifetime devouring her, and if tonight was any indication, she’d love every moment.
We drifted into sleep like that, though at some point, I buried myself in her just to relish the feeling. I held her tight, terrified that now I had the best thing in my life, it would be taken away. Never again. I’d sink my claws in and never let go.
I woke to her stirring in my arms, arching her back against me in a languorous stretch. There were no windows to tell the time, but the soft chirps of birds suggested it was late morning. I pressed a kiss to her cheek before releasing her. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, my love.”
My breath caught. I’d never grow accustomed to that. It would always make me grin like an idiot whenever she said it. She crawled out of my embrace, moving toward our clothes piled nearby. “We need to meet for breakfast, right?”
My eyes locked onto her—those perfect legs, the dimples just above her perky ass I ached to sink my teeth into. I responded, somewhat begrudgingly. “Yes.”
She bent over the suitcase, displaying that perfect pussy. All I could think about was how tight she was. I growled, reveling in how her heartbeat quickened at the sound. “You’d better get dressed quickly, or we aren’t going anywhere.”
She shot upright and glared at me, her face flushed bright red.I grinned. We didn’t have time, but it took every ounce of my self-control to actually care. She clutched her clothes to her front, as if that would deter me from pouncing.
We were quick to get ready, despite my best efforts to derail our plans and get back to being naked. Outside, snow had covered the pools of blood, and Erik’s body was gone. I grimaced. His absence meant I would now have to face the consequences of my actions. Though it jeopardized the alliance, I couldn’t bring myself to regret killing him.
Legally, I was justified. He had threatened me and mine, and by law, that entitled me to kill him in a fair trial. It complicated things, though—especially since he was Ylva’s head lieutenant.
An acolyte servant guided us to Ylva’s private dining chamber, a small room adorned with dark wood and stuffed animal heads. A long table was crowded with Ylva, her sister, and her imposing lieutenants, all embroiled in an argument. Silence fell as we entered.
Ylva stood, fury blazing in her eyes, her ears pinned back. “Care to explain my lieutenant’s dead body on your doorstep this morning?!”
I held a seat for Estrella before answering, making Ylva tremble with rage. “Sounds like he died.”
Her snarl nearly dislodged one of the deer heads from the wall. I braced my arms on the back of Estrella’s chair, ready for a fight if it came. “Don’t play coy, Roman. Answer me or face my wrath.”
I bared my teeth, making it clear I was more than willing to call her bluff. “He threatened me and my property. Are you going to deny that our laws state if a vampire is threatened, they’re entitled to retaliate? I didn’t ambush him—we fought, and I won on merit. Then I ended him because I protect what’s mine.”
She seethed, but her eyes softened, anger dissipating into caution. “He threatened the acolyte?”
My fingers tightened around the wooden back of the chair. “Hethreatened to take her. Twice.”
She leaned over the table, fingers drumming on its surface. I quickly surveyed the vampires around me. Her generals watched her like hounds waiting for a signal to attack. They would do so without hesitation. I could handle them, but Estrella lacked the training to properly defend herself and protecting her would be a challenge.
“Our laws are clear. If you won by merit after being threatened, Erik forfeited his life. But I’ll investigate to ensure that’s the case. If I find you attacked by surprise or without justification, Roman, this alliance is over.” Her gaze shifted to Estrella, the vague hunger and interest in her eyes causing me to tense. She may have accepted my story, but we weren't in the clear.
“Please refrain from murdering any of my people during your stay. One little acolyte is only worth so much vampire blood.”
The warning was clear, but I didn’t give a damn about her threats. “I disagree with that sentiment. Hopefully, your people will agree with you, however, and leave what’s mine alone.”
Ylva’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t press the issue. For the first time, Estrella spoke up.Calm down, love. We’re supposed to be allies, remember?
She was right. “My intention was not to come here and start fights. You know how males can get, but my hope was to remain civil.”
It was one of her lieutenants—the one now seated to her right—who spoke next. “Only arrogant idiots threaten a vampire’s acolyte. Vampires like that are a risk. We’re grateful to have them removed.”
I wondered if he was also grateful for the sudden promotion Erik’s death afforded. Vampires were always savages, and being the tsar made me the biggest brute of all. I dipped my head and murmured my thanks. His words, however cold, seemed to ease the tension in the room.
“Now that’s settled, why don’t we discuss why you’re actually here?” Ylva suggested, her voice still tense.
“Certainly. As you’re aware, the Bursuc House attempted to usurp me, beginning with a failed theft.” My hand tightened on Estrella’s shoulder. I hated the word theft, but Catina was right, it was the best way to sell this. “They’ve holed up in Molvon with the Javali House, halting shipments and threatening our economy. As my ally, I request your aid in removing the infestation.”
