Page 39 of The Secrets of Roan Island

She grabs my arm. “Then we should go somewhere more private.”

I should take her up on her offer. Though I don’t trust myself with Ruby, I could feed from Mrs. Kinner without concern. She’d be good for taking the edge off. But the thought makes my stomach roll and muscles tense. Besides, if I go off with Mrs. Kinner, no one will be here to find and protect Ruby.

“You presume, madame.” I shake her hand off my arm.

She steps in front of me and grabs my belt. “Come now, Noah. You know I’m a good time.”

My fangs elongate with anger, with hunger, with impulse. Taking her wrists, I rip her hands away, squeezing a little too hard. “You should be careful,” I growl, my Mavarri nature in control.

She whimpers, eyes wide, as if she has no idea what I am. Foolish woman thinks we Mavarri are made for her pleasure rather than the other way around. She’s been tricked into forgetting how dangerous we are. Though I think she likes it.

“Mrs. Kinner,” Jafeth says, stepping between us. “Ignore my brother.” He glances over his shoulder at me and nods. “He’s under a bit of stress lately. Perhaps you would allow me?”

Jafeth offers her his hand as I move away and scan once more for the familiar red dress.

I’ve a one track mind. Ruby. The thought of feeding from anyone else is an impossibility. I don’t know what I was thinking with that plan. She’s the only one who will satisfy.

When I spot Shemaiah, I grab his arm, nearly pulling it from the socket. “Where is she?”

“She was supposed to be in the Gate House with you.” He casually glances around the room.

“Fuck! It was you.” I fist his tie, fighting the urge to throw him across the room.

“Control yourself, brother. We have guests.”

“I don’t care about the fucking guests!” Heads turn in our direction, and my father glares from his place at the head of the room. I drop my voice to a whisper. “Where. Is. Ruby?”

Shemaiah sighs. “I honestly don’t know. I thought you’d both be knocked out for a few more hours.”

I let him go, giving him a little shove. “Why did you lock her down there with me? You know what could have happened.”

“I knew you'd keep vital information from her. This way, she knows. Besides, I figured she was safer there than up here.” He sips his drink, all ease and elegance.

“She would have been safest on the boat!”

Shemaiah pulls me to the side of the room. “Did she find anything?”

I grind my teeth at his change of subject. “Nothing of note.”

“Then it’s good she’s still here and can keep looking.” When I glare at him, he adds, “We need fresh eyes, Noah. You know it. Even if you won’t admit it.”

“She saw me.” My hands clench and release. “Sheknows.”

Shemaiah is quiet for a moment. Thoughtful. “Maybe that’s good.”

“You know it’s not. If father finds out…”

“Let’s just take this one step at a time. Go find your girl and get her out of here.”

As if ordained by the goddess, a splash of red catches my gaze at that exact moment. I lift my nose to catch the scent.

“Ah, there she is,” Shemaiah says.

The crowd parts, and I see Ruby. With a man. Just as I catch sight of them, they slip behind a curtain that partitions off sections of the room designated for discreet engagements. Everything in me clamors. Mine. Mine!Mine!

“Who is that with Ruby?” Blood surges in my veins, pounds in my skull. Claws burst from my fingertips.

“Not sure.” Shemaiah shrugs. “He was a last minute addition to the guest list.”

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