Page 83 of Julian

“Thank you,” Cassia said as she averted her gaze.

Julian knew what she was thinking. He’d been thinking it too. They’d nearly made love in front of the others … with Rafe. While unconventional, he’d blame it on whatever mood-altering concoction filtered in the air. But the truth lay in his beast, a primal urge to claim her, to demand her submission in pleasure, in every way possible until every last soul in the universe knew she was his. With his concentration solely focused on Cassia, he’d barely noticed that Dominque, Rafe and Greyson had sidled up next to them.

Sayuri whispered a few words to the servants who promptly headed toward the door. She turned to greet them. “We hope you’ve enjoyed the experience. Though I regret to inform you your portion of the performance has ended, you will be happy to know Thorn has arrived and waits in great delight for your arrival. Please follow me.”

Greyson and Julian exchanged a brief but intense look, both preparing for any surprise attack the half-demon may have planned. He’d rather have been the one to direct the meeting, but Thorn played by his own rules or not at all and they were at his mercy for more information.

Julian glanced to Rafe, whose expression remained impassive. Yet the Alpha sensed the wolf’s anger, which seeped from the pores of his skin. Though Rafe’s wolf and vampire silently waged an internal battle, his soul fought them both for dominance.

Julian brushed by him and briefly touched his shoulder, sending calming energy. Rafe smiled in response. They’d get through this together. Rafe was pack, his brethren, his beta.

The Alpha squeezed Cassia’s hand as they passed through a column of bamboo. The scent of lilies purified the air but the sweet scent did nothing to assuage his concerns regarding the demon.

“Please, come in.” Thorn sipped champagne and waved to them from a white bamboo chair. He sat upon a red velvet cushion, dressed in metallic white board shorts and fluffy fur slippers. With slick raven hair tied back into a bun, and a clean-shaven face, he wore nothing else but a smile.

Sayuri gestured to the circular seating arrangement. The Alpha eyed a crimson velour settee directly across from Thorn. Julian sat down, Cassia by his side. Greyson, Rafe and Dominique each chose a seat where they could strategically protect the Alpha and his mate.

“Gentlemen. Ladies.” Thorn stopped speaking as several servers entered and dispersed glasses of a blue bubbly drink to everyone. “Ah, Harold, thank you. This is my latest business endeavor. I can’t wait to hear your opinion. Show them Sayuri.”

She nodded and held up a glass bottle shaped like a winged dragon.

“Listen carefully. Picture this …” Thorn handed off his drink to a servant who waited obediently while he continued speaking. “Blue. Dragon. Champagne. Light your life on fire. Or … or … Fly with Fire. I’m still deciding. Go on, go on … drink, drink.”

Julian looked into the blue drink and sniffed it. With hints of blueberry, it hardly appeared exceptional.

“Come now. Don’t be like that. I promise it’s not poison. I’d never do such a thing to a royal guest. Besides, I never fool around when it comes to champagne. Never.” A cool expression washed over his face.

Julian locked his eyes on Thorn’s. The motherfucker dared him to drink it. What the demon didn’t know was that he was practically immune to everything. His last trip to Hell had ensured as much.

The Alpha forced a smile as he pretended to drink it, allowing only a drop on his tongue. Though he reached deep within, feigning pleasure wasn’t an option, alas he couldn’t lie.

“I appreciate your hospitality, but I regret to inform you this tastes like piss.” Julian maintained a stoic expression, waiting for the half-demon’s response.

Thorn burst out in maniacal laughter and then his expression fell flat. “I blame the blueberries. And the dragons.” He clapped his hands. “Get rid of this piss! Now!”

The servants scurried, collecting all the glasses.

“No one tells the truth anymore.” Thorn sighed. “They tell me it’s good. It’s perfection. Yet it’s the words of an Alpha that gift me the truth.”

“I believe in transparency and the truth. All else will follow,” Julian said.

“Well, isn’t that refreshing.” A broad smile crossed his face as he turned to Greyson. “Ah, vampire. We meet again. How is your brother?”

“He’s well,” Greyson grumbled, wearing a scowl.

“He’s delightful, isn’t he?” Thorn waggled his eyebrows with a smile. “Always the light of the party.”

“And you.” His eyes narrowed in on Dominque. “You’re Kade’s darling? I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“I’m not afraid of demons.” She descended her fangs and glared at him.

Thorn sniffed the air. “Ah, but you have had a touch of Hell. But don’t you worry, sweetheart. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“And you, baby vamp. How’s the transition going?”

Rafe answered with silence, glaring at him.

“Sadly, mommy couldn’t attend tonight. She’s such a busy bee, that one.” Thorn smiled at Cassia. “Lovely, lovely lady. Why are you with this troupe of supes?”

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