Page 21 of Captured Desires

During the bonding process, both the vampire and their mate may experience a weakening of their abilities. They are vulnerable to attack. Physical contact, from holding hands to intimate acts, strengthens the bond. Surviving the bonding process results in the vampire breaking off from their sire and gaining newfound powers. However, the process is fraught with risks and uncertainties, making it a daunting prospect for many vampires.

Surviving the bonding process? Did that mean that Maverick could die? Pearl nibbled on a slice of bacon. Maybe it was for the best that he didn’t know they were bonded. Maybe it would go away on its own. She felt a profound sadness at that, but she didn’t want to explore the feeling any closer.

A boy came running in just as she was finishing up her last cup of coffee. “Message for you, miss.”

She tossed him a nickel and eagerly opened the envelope.

Come back ASAP. Finalize the Maverick situation. Bring back the gold.

Nothing about the vampire mating bond. But more importantly, how did she know about the gold?

Looks like she was going to be spending the majority of her day with Hank until they settled this.

***

THAT NIGHT, PEARL BARGEDinto the hideout where Clyde and Harlan were counting the gold. Esmerelda was nowhere in sight, but Maverick was sitting in the next mineshaft on an old sawhorse, nursing a glass of wine—or maybe it was blood.

Maverick looked up from where he sat. A muscle ticked in his jaw at the sight of her, eyes dark with guilt and self-loathing.

"We need to talk." Pearl's voice was hard as flint. "Now."

Maverick set his glass down heavily and stood, avoiding her gaze. "Ain't sure that's a good idea, darlin'. Not after what I... what happened last time we were alone."

Pearl marched over to him, the air between them crackling with tension. "I don't give a damn. Sarah sent urgent telegrams. This can't wait."

The space between them was charged with an electric current that spoke of both danger and desire. His haunting blue eyes, windows into a tormented soul, skittered away from her gaze. When he still hesitated, she grabbed his arm with a firm grip, feeling the solid muscle beneath the fabric of his shirt. Yanking him after her, she led them to the room where they had made love just nights ago. Being there again sent a shiver down her spine, memories of tangled limbs and heated caresses threatening to distract her from the task at hand.

Pearl released him and paced, rubbing her wrist where the mate bond tattoo pulsed like a second heartbeat. The intricately inked rose seemed to bloom beneath her touch, a reminder of a bond he wasn't ready to acknowledge. She wrestled with the sensation, the knowledge of their connection and the primal urge to seek comfort in his arms.

"Talk then," he said.

Pearl swallowed hard, the air thickening around them, laden with unspoken words and suppressed yearnings. She needed to focus, to deliver the news that threatened to sever whatever fragile tie was forming between them. "Sarah," she started, forcing her mind back to the task at hand, “knows about the gold.”

“How?”

“She assigned a Pinkerton agent, a wolf shifter named Jasper, to shadow me and provide backup if needed. Jasper witnessed us finding the stolen gold shipment and immediately reported back to Sarah.”

“Son of a bitch,” Maverick cursed.

"There's more." Pearl hesitated, knowing he wouldn't like what came next. "Sarah wants the gold. Says it's crucial for dealing with the supernatural threat they're recruiting you for."

Maverick whirled to face her, eyes flashing crimson. "Like hell! We had a deal. That gold belongs to my gang. Sarah and her lot can find their own damn funding."

Pearl moved closer, hands held out placatingly, even as her heart raced. "Maverick, listen to me—"

"The Pinkertons can't just demand the gold, not after our original agreement." His voice was low, dangerous. "I won't let them strong-arm me or my gang."

"I understand your anger." Pearl kept her tone even, soothing. "But Sarah wouldn't ask for the gold if it wasn't important. This supernatural threat is big. Bigger than any of us realized."

Maverick scoffed. "And I'm just supposed to take her word for it? Trust the same people who've been spying on us?"

He turned away, but not before Pearl caught the flicker of hurt in his eyes. The realization that the organization he'd considered joining had betrayed him.

Her hand itched to reach out, to offer comfort. But she curled it into a fist instead. "I know trust is a lot to ask right now. But I'm asking you to trust me, Maverick. I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe this was necessary."

Silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Maverick spoke, his back still to her. "I can't just hand over the gold, Pearl. Not without more information. My gang needs that money, needs to know I have their backs." A pause, then quieter, "I need to know you have mine."

Pearl's heart clenched. She wanted to promise him that, wanted it desperately. But duty held her tongue. "Come back with me tonight," she urged instead. "Talk to Sarah directly, get the details you need. Then we can figure out our next move together."

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