Page 42 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

“The Council has announced the next rite will take place in Venice during Mardi Gras. I think someone pulled some strings to make sure you two could attend.”

“Doesn’t being a Queen earn me a get-out-of-ancient-rites-free card?”

Next to me, Julian snorted, and I had my answer.

“Ok, so if you’re going to be in town, we should have a girl’s night. Jacqueline is here.” At least, she had been. I hadn’t seen her at all this morning. “And Aurelia can come.”

“Come to what?” my bodyguard asked.

I ignored her.

“That sounds excellent. I need a night away from shapewear and ballgowns,” Quinn agreed.

But before we could make plans, we rounded the private corridor to find Mariana and Zina waiting—along with a small army.

“Maybe I should find my parents,” Quinn muttered. “You seem busy.”

“Good idea.” I hugged her quickly, aware of everyone watching. Julian and Aurelia moved a step, flanking either side of me.

“I’m trying to decide what to do with you,” Mariana seethed, her delicate hands clenched into fists at her sides.

“Well, I was already crowned and announced.” I shrugged. “It seems like it’s time for champagne or cake.”

Julian’s dark chuckle filled my mind, followed by Careful, pet.

“This is not a joke,” Zina said. “You’ve committed treason against the crown.”

I guess they hadn’t heard my speech, but before I could launch into it, Julian spoke. “I have no wish to be king.”

“She practically crowned you,” Mariana snapped. “There’s only one thing that can be done about it.”

Judging by the cold violence in her voice, whatever that was, was going to be bad—very, very bad.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

JULIAN

I did my best to wedge myself in front of my mate. Thea was powerful. I knew that. I could hear the magic humming in her veins, murmuring in my own. But she didn’t know how to wield it. Mariana did. Zina did. Thea might be stronger than both of them, but her power was raw and unhoned and she had no clue how to use it. She couldn’t face them yet.

But I knew she would be pissed if I told her that, so I did my best to keep my movements small but precise.

You aren’t fooling me.

So much for that plan.

Reading my thoughts, or am I that obvious?

You’d be less obvious if you beat your chest. A smile twitched at her lips, but she held it back. Her gaze stayed locked on Mariana’s.

“It’s the twenty-first century. I’m sure we have more than one option,” Thea said. She didn’t smile to soften her words.

Mariana’s eyes narrowed into snake-like slits. “That may be, but only one makes sense.”

“Is that so?” I let some of my newly freed dark magic loose. Shadows around us lengthened, and the room grew cold enough that we could see our breath. Zina shivered slightly and quickly gathered herself. But I’d spotted the crack in her reserved exterior. Mariana’s mouth gaped open before she slammed it shut.

Le Regine was not immune to my power anymore. I wondered if anyone was. I didn’t dare look at my mate to see if she’d been affected.

Later, I’ll need you to explain what the hell just happened.

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