Page 78 of Isabel and the Werewolf Beast

Professor Ludwig stared into Dante’s eyes as he shook his hand and rubbed his finger over the crest on his lapel then left the infirmary, his steps firm and solid like the vampire, constant like the tick of a clock. As though mesmerized, Dante stared after his retreating form for entirely too long. Knowing Professor Ludwig that might be possible. I snapped my fingers in front of Dante’s face. He didn’t flinch.

Damn the professor.

There was one way for a vampire to break another vampire’s hypnotization and that was by taking their blood. I rose on my tiptoes and without preamble sunk my fangs into Dante’s neck. His blood burst over my tongue and slid down the back of my throat in a sensual glide that made me moan. I’d only meant to break the professor’s thrall but the taste of Dante’s blood made me sink my fangs in deeper to get more of the exquisite taste. Dante’s powerful hands clasped my waist, and he hauled me into his growing erection. A different need rose swiftly inside me. I sealed the wounds on his neck and stared into his eyes.

“Dante, you’re mine.”

His lips spread into a grin. “Happy to hear you say that.”

“I thought he hypnotized you.” I frowned.

Dante laughed. “No. I’m yours. You’re the only vampire who can boss me around.”

I grinned. “Take me outside and show me I’m yours in every way.”

“Mate, it would be my pleasure.”

He threw me over his shoulder and marched through the castle to the back door. Toward our tree. Our special place. Nemisis flew across the night sky and let out a squawk as she sat in the tree, her black claws hanging onto the twisted branch.

“I’m not sure I’ll ever trust that bird,” Dante said.

“It wasn’t her fault.” I whistled. Nemisis flew down and landed on my shoulder, her sharp claws not digging into my flesh. I scratched her neck with my finger ruffling her silky ebony feathers. “See she’s friendly.”

Dante stepped closer and scratched Nemisis under the chin. “Her feathers are soft.”

“Like your fur.”

Dante chuckled. “I never liked my fur until I met you.”

“I wouldn’t mind experiencing your fur on my naked body,” I said.

His eyebrows rose. “You want me half-shifted?”

“I want you any and every way.”

He eyed Nemisis. “Bit hard with your pet on your shoulder.”

“We have plenty of time for everything.”

He cupped my face with his other hand accepting me, my pet, and this new life we’d make together. “Eternity.”

Chapter thirty-eight

Dante

Asher was in a coffin. My mind fixated on that time and time again as the steady cadence of the train rattled over the tracks. Even Isabel’s hand in mine wouldn’t take my mind off the fact I might never get my brother back. He might be stuck in the curse. Might never wake. Never live again.

We stood on the gray concrete platform as the train attendants loaded the shiny dark timber coffin into the baggage compartment. Only one attendant emerged from the dark depths, nodded at us, and strolled over theother bags on the luggage cart.

“I mesmerized the attendant to keep watch of the coffin the entire trip,” Isabel said. “He won’t move until I say so.”

My insides twisted at not being by my brother’s side. I’d watched Isabel use her vampire powers to mesmerize the train attendant but seeing it for the first time meant it was hard for me to wrap my brain around.

“It’s risky if we stay in the baggage car, but we can if you need to. I’ll mesmerize anyone who sees us.”

“No, I trust you,” I said, turning my attention from where Asher was now lying in an endless sleep to my mate.

She threaded her fingers through mine and led me along the platform, passing through the crowd of people milling about, waiting for the doors to open. As though on cue, the train doors hissed open and the crowd surged forward, disappearing into the train. We followed into the passenger car closest to the baggage car. Isabel assured me we’d hear if anything happened in the other car even over the noise of the train. Another perk to becoming a werewolf that I hadn’t considered in the two years I’d been one. Isabel had opened my mind and heart to accepting all of who I am.

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