Page 106 of Royal Bite
“Oh, she’s around. The last time I saw her, she was speaking with Lord Vilson.” Corbin smirked.
“And you know she’s not supposed to be doing any business tonight and you’re here to tell on her.” Stormey arched an eyebrow at her mate’s personal advisor. She now understood why Hegna kept Corbin close to her. He was loyal to his princess, and in doing so, he was loyal to Stormey. He agreed Hegna worked too much and needed to enjoy her life. One thing he’d said to her not long after her change had stuck with her.
Why be immortal if you aren’t going to enjoy the pleasures in life?
“I wouldn’t want my friend to be in the…what do humans say? Be in the doghouse?”
Stormey barked a laugh at his attempt at an innocent look. She had learned a lot about the vampire, and this man before her was anything but innocent.
“Point me in the direction of your princess, and I will take care of her,” she said. Her gums burned. A signal she had learned meant that her fangs wanted to descend. She hadn’t quite mastered how to control them yet. They broke free and slid down into place. She playfully flashed her fangs at him. “I know what will distract her away from business.”
He tilted his head toward a small crowd near the far corner away from the orchestra.
“Thank you, Corbin. You are so good to my mate. I appreciate it.” She reached over and squeezed his arm.
A shirtless man, with a toned body dressed only in dark linen pants, approached them. She didn’t remember the waitstaff not wearing shirts. As the night grew later, the human donors would start appearing. The night was young, but it would seem one of the males wanted to claim Corbin early.
“I’m glad someone knows it.” He tossed her a wink, turning his attention to the male sidling up to him.
Stormey shook her head and made her way to her mate. She had promised to not discuss business. She didn’t want to have lycans being deliberated about at their mating celebration. She shivered thinking of the animals that had almost taken her life.
Azura Michaels’ death had been talked about all over the newsfeed. Her vicious vampire mate had ensured the lycan’s dead body had been publicly displayed on national television. She had planned to kill Stormey before the world, and Hegna had ensured her death was proved in the same fashion.
The human Stormey would have been appalled at the thought of showcasing a headless body lying next to its head to be barbaric and cruel. The vampire Stormey didn’t think it was good enough.
So Hegna had Azura’s body burned.
On national television.
Since the killing of Azura, lycans had retreated in hiding. No one had heard word from Azura’s twin sister. Hegna and her sisters were preparing their armies for retaliation. But for now, all had gone quiet. There weren’t any recent reports of lycan attacks since they went into hiding. It was only a matter of time before Rayna acted. Until then, the royal army would be waiting.
“We are going to install cameras on every street corner and increase security. I want humans and vampires to feel safe. It was because of the few cameras we already had that we were able to pinpoint my mate’s abduction,” Hegna said.
There was a small crowd of men and women around her mate. They were all hanging on to every word the princess said.
“Going into the future, we will do all that we can to protect our humans and lower-class vampires. My mate has opened my eyes to the importance of living in harmony with the humans.”
“But they are our food.” An older-looking vampire bristled.
“Ah, Lord Hampton. The humans are only your food if they allow it.” Stormey arrived at her mate’s side.
Hegna turned to her with a guilty expression. She brought Stormey flush to her side and snaked an arm around her waist. Stormey faced the wealthy vampire lord and arched an eyebrow at him.
“Your Grace,” murmurs went around as they all bowed their heads to her.
Stormey held back a grin, still getting used to the notion that she was royalty now.
“Better living environments, secured employment with decent wages, and healthcare would enhance their lives. By doing that, you’d have not only an increase of donors at the blood bank but healthier ones. Our economy can and will thrive once humans are able to better themselves, open businesses, be creative, and prosper as they once did. All of this will be possible with the help of vampires.” Stormey met the stares of her audience. She tilted her head to the side and leveled Lord Hampton with her gaze. “Don’t you agree, Lord Hampton?”
“Um, well, yes, since you put it that way.” Lord Hampton swallowed hard. He pulled a handkerchief from his jacket and wiped his brow.
“Then I’m sure I can expect a sizable donation for the medical clinic we are going to be opening. I’ll make sure to have someone contact your office.” Stormey leaned into her mate and glanced up into her eyes. She could admit she had grown bold since becoming a vampire. Hegna loved her spunk and her sassiness, and that was all that mattered.
“Yes, Your Grace,” Lord Hampton muttered. His angry footsteps sounded as he stomped away.
“You all won’t mind if I take Her Royal Highness away from you, would you?” Stormey innocently glanced over her shoulder at the remaining members.
Lord Vilson bowed to her as well as the others before they walked away.
