Page 103 of The Huntress

Syl darted around the bear, his movements swift, blurring as he plunged a fake knife into the shifter’s thick fur. Rhys roared, twisting and turning until, with a swipe of a paw, he threw Syl back. He vaulted to his feet and faced the bear. With one sweep of his massive claws, Rhys ‘sliced’ Syl’s throat, and Syl instantly dissolved. A triumphant roar from the room next door told Leo that Carter had believed the deathblow. He followed this with a string of words dripping in hatred—how he’d deceived and sold his soul for this victory.

“Well done, my kings.” Leo sent the memory of Carter’s cheer to Rhys and Syl. One by one, vampires limped off the battleground, their performances believable as they forged a path through the stunned police.

Leo was grateful they’d at least remembered the instruction not to fly. They didn’t need to reveal all their abilities to the spectators. Shifters helping their wounded was symbolic of how they cared for each other. The ‘fallen’ vampires remained unattended and dissolved, mimicking Syl’s death.

Callie consoled a grieving Gabriel, his face switching between despair and fury. Rhys moved around his wounded, offering aid where needed. He was once again human but naked since shifters couldn’t manipulate the ether. His broad shoulders glimmered in the morning light, an easy target to follow.

The room’s door clicked open, and on silent feet, apal’tsyapproached Leo. Dressed as a waiter, his young face held deceptive innocence, which was why Dimitri had chosen him for this task.

“The audio files.” He placed the memory stick on the glass table.

Leo lowered himself into the leather chair he’d conjured. It was a replica of Callie’s, right down to the indented seat cushion. For Carter, the evening wasn’t over. The man intended to celebrate into the small hours of the night, no matter the state of his liver. Leo would keep him company, albeit separated by a wall. The information on the memory stick was enough to send the human to prison for a long time, but Leo wanted to continue recording, just to make sure they hadn’t missed something. Carter, in his drunken stupor, might reveal more of his nefarious deeds. Leo knew what lay in the man’s thoughts, but he needed Carter to reveal it in his own voice.

“The extended audios, I will deliver tomorrow,” thepal’tsysaid.

“Thank you.” Leo summoned a snifter of cognac. The heady fragrance scented the air, and he pressed the glass to his lips. Thepal’tsyslid out of the room, careful to close the door without making a sound.

I sense boredom.

Leo’s heart leaped into his throat, causing him to choke on the fiery, bitter liquid as it slid down.

Valerie. He thought no more. Her voice alone had such an effect on him, one he couldn’t fathom.

How did the ruse go?Even in his mind, her words were in her usual huskiness.

Well. But with bloodshed.

You cannot anticipate everything, Leonardo.Her insight had a frown forming on his lips.No wonder you’re bored. A life without surprises is a dull one.

His frown morphed into a smile. He loved it when she used his full name. She did so because he used hers, and that irritated her.

Coming home soon?

His breath hitched, and a tremor laid siege to his limbs. Home? The way his heart pounded made him realize she was correct. Anywhere with her was home.

In a while. He managed to convey this without the tumultuous emotions roiling within him.

Be careful.

Worried about me, princess?

She snorted, then silence smothered their connection, but not the smile still spreading his cheeks. He forced her out of his mind, not willing to distract himself with how their relationship could play out. He needed to sit her down and tell her how he felt, but he feared ruining their friendship, one he’d come to cherish.

Laughter pierced the walls—a bombastic bark from Carter and a woman’s trill. He scowled, not appreciating the time wasted as the senator got his kicks off. Leo would give them an hour, force them into a sleep, then fly home. He imagined sliding between Valerie’s sheets and curling his body around hers.

The idea consumed him many times during a day, but she hadn’t invited him to her bed, not by word, thought, or deed. He played out various scenarios, and all returned to one fact. He couldn’t wait any longer. Perhaps this was the night he revealed his intentions to the beautiful, enchanting Valerie.

Chapter Forty-One

BREAKING NEWS

“Inanunbelievableturnof events, vampires and shifters united to uncover corruption and possible genocide on a state senatorial level. Senator Carter and Mayor Duhamel declined to comment as the Inner City police arrested both on numerous charges. Captain Johanna Metcalfe is confident that justice will be swift and satisfactory.”The camera panned from the reporter to Metcalfe, the city’s courthouse a backdrop to her crisp pantsuit.

“The evidence brought to our attention by the de Winter Hold and the Knights Ridge pack is irrefutable.”Johanna looked years younger as she smiled into the camera.

Callie snorted, snuggling into Gabe’s embrace. They’d gathered at the Hold to watch the news and discuss any unexpected fallout from the battle. Rhys engulfed a leather wingback chair farthest from the fireplace. Val and Leo were on opposite sides of the room, sneaking glances at each other. Callie didn’t know what the hell that was about, but she’d find out soon enough. Syl stood in front of the hearth, a hand on the mantle as he sipped his brandy.

A young man entered the room. There was something familiar about his overall shape, the color of his hair, and his large feet plowing him forward, regardless of the obstacles in his path.

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