Page 48 of Sorcia's Heart
Everyone followed his gaze to see Hortense perched in the branches, her glowing eyes wide with fascination as she stared at Jace—more specifically, his lack of clothing.
The elf hesitated before climbing down carefully, her hands brushing the bark of the tree in a tender gesture.“Hello!”she said nervously, her grin widening.“I’m Hortense.”
As she moved toward Jace, a low growl rumbled through the air.Anikka, previously perched by Sorcia moments ago, was now at Jace’s side, her golden eyes fixed on Hortense.
The elf froze mid-step, her glow flickering uncertainly.Sorcia, despite her exhaustion, couldn’t stop the faint smile tugging at her lips.She walked over and stroked Anikka’s fur, murmuring softly.Anikka whined briefly, then turned her gaze to Marcus, who chuckled at the wolf’s dramatic display.
Jace placed a firm hand on Anikka’s head and looked at Hortense with a mix of patience and warning.“This is my mate,” he said simply, his tone making it clear where his allegiance lay.
Hortense’s grin faltered, and she stepped back, her glowing eyes darting between Jace and Anikka.“Oh.Right.Mate.”She cleared her throat, clearly flustered.“Well, it’s…uh, nice to meet you both!”
The elf grimaced, glancing nervously at Anikka.“I’m sorry,” she murmured, offering a slight bow.“I didn’t know.”
Anikka, apparently satisfied, rubbed her head against Jace’s bare thigh.The elf gave a tentative smile before backing up cautiously.
But just as the tension began to ease, a streak of motion and a sharp gust of wind sent leaves swirling.
With a startled squeak, Hortense vanished again into the treetops.
“Hi, Viktor,” Sorcia said with a resigned sigh, leaning her head against Marcus’s shoulder.Without missing a beat, Marcus pulled her against his chest, wrapping his arms around her protectively.She didn’t even hesitate this time.Nestling closer, she soaked in his strength and warmth.
“How are you doing, Gracie?”Sorcia asked with a smile toward Viktor’s wife who swooped in next to her new husband.
“Getting better,” Gracie replied, reaching for Viktor’s hand.Their fingers intertwined, but Viktor, clearly not satisfied with the distance, released her hand only to pull her firmly against his side.Both vampires were dressed in sleek, black leather from neck to toe, the unofficial uniform of their nocturnal operations.
“We’re here to help however we can,” Viktor said, his tone smooth but laced with quiet authority.
“We need drivers,” Marcus replied, tilting his chin toward the idling dump trucks.“And we need to figure out who illegally dumped this toxic waste here in the forest.”
Viktor’s smile widened, flashing a glimpse of his fangs.“Corporate research?”He glanced at the trucks.“Ah, now you’re stepping into my playground.”Reaching into his leather coat, he pulled out a phone and dialed one-handed.“I need…” He paused, counting the trucks.“Ten people who can drive dump trucks out of the forest.Have them park at one of Sorcia’s warehouses.”He glanced at her for confirmation, and she nodded.“Then wake the troops.We’ve got an investigation to launch.”
He listened briefly, then nodded.“Perfect.”Ending the call, he pocketed the phone with a flourish.“The drivers are on their way.They should–”
Before he could finish, a series of rapid blurs streaked through the forest.About fifteen additional vampires appeared behind their clan leader, their movements unnervingly smooth.
“What are we driving?”asked Trent Kilkov, Viktor’s second-in-command.Built like a linebacker and with a grin that could make a ferocious lion second-guess its life choices, Trent scanned the scene before his gaze landed on the trucks.He froze, then looked up, spotting Hortense peering nervously through the branches.His grin widened, wickedly amused.
“Breakfast?”he asked, his voice a teasing rumble.
Another squeak.Hortense, who had been cautiously observing from the relative safety of the trees, leaped higher into the canopy like a startled squirrel.
Trent turned to Viktor, his expression one of mock concern.“She knows we can jump, right?”
A round of low chuckles rippled through the vampires.
Viktor groaned, rubbing his temple.“Trent, behave.”
Trent shrugged, still grinning.
From her perch, Hortense’s voice floated down, trembling with indignation.“I’m an elf, not a snack!”
Sorcia stifled a laugh.Marcus gave her a knowing glance but didn’t say a word.
“Well, elf,” Viktor said, his voice dry as he looked up into the branches.“If you’d rather stay up there, I’m sure Trent won’t mind offering some…motivation.”
“Not necessary!”Hortense snapped, dropping down a few branches.“I’ll come down.Just keep that one”—she pointed dramatically at Trent—“away from me!”
Viktor tilted his head, his piercing gaze cutting through the camouflage of leaves.“Enough tormenting of the elf,” he grumbled, glancing pointedly at Trent.“Sorcia needs her cooperation.”
