Page 19 of Red Queen

Most of our allies have arrived or sent a representative, but in here? It’s only me, Ivan and a few others.

The chamber’s a sanctum. A place for strategy, where the weight of war is balanced with wisdom and foresight.

And it’s a sanctum that leaves no room to think of Eleanna as I last saw her; naked and?—

The door creaks open, bringing a draft of cold air with it, and like I’ve just conjured the devil, she enters.

Eleanna.

I barely flicker a glance her way but I’m aware of her, down to her increased pulse, something I feel in the ether itself. But I don’t look or acknowledge her. Instead, I continue the conversation with Ivan.

Part of my mind, however, is hers.

I’ve kept from Eleanna the past few nights. I want her to feel the burning ache for my touch more deeply. I want to invade her bone and sinew.

When we came together this time it was a pyre lit. Not of love, that’s gone. But desire is dark and hot and a powerful tool. And holding back took effort. But it’s going to be worth it. I see clear ahead, and I’m a man who strategizes now in all aspects, but especially with sex.

Once when I thought it was love, long ago, I held back, too. Intent to dampen the darker parts of my urges. This time, knowing she holds the key I need to the realms, I’ll unleash my darkness on her. Dominate. Take. Mold her to my bidding.

The spark of desire flares higher, deep within me, a flame I can’t douse. As Ivan and I talk, she moves with the elegance of a queen and the fierce countenance of a warrior.

It’s fucking compelling.

She’s making herself known without uttering a word or a sound and I look up, drinking her in.

Eleanna is beyond stunning.

Her long red hair cascades over her shoulders like a fiery stream flowing to the small of her back. Those bright blue eyes scan the room, as if demanding respect—and her flawless luminescent skin seems to drink in the torchlight. Her attire clings to her form, a dark red corset paired with a floor-sweeping, fitted skirt accentuating every curve of her lethal body. The skull and raven tattoo on her leg that speaks of her legacy, peeks from beneath the slit on her skirt.

I glance at the others. Only Ivan appears unmoved and I finally sigh.

“Eleanna,” I say, betraying none of the lust she stirs inside me. “Meet my unit.”

“I know Ivan.”

The man in question steps forward, his skeptical gaze locked onto her. He embodies the very essence of a vampire bred for battle. Despite standing beside me for centuries, his loyalty does not extend to her without reservation and she knows it.

“General Amanar’s trust in you doesn’t come lightly,” Ivan says. “Mine is another matter entirely.”

“You surround yourself with dissidents?” she asks me.

Ivan doesn’t smile. “My loyalty’s to the general, not to you. Stay in line and all will be well.”

Henry, Nicolai, and Marianne, their presence a solid front under my command, take in their verbal and silent exchange closely.

“Betray me,” she says to Ivan, “or the general and I’ll have your heart.”

“Then we’re in agreement.” Ivan’s crossing lines, but I allow it.

I move a hand at those gathered. “My key players.”

With his tall stature and dark, brooding eyes, Henry sizes Eleanna up, a blend of intrigue and caution in his expression. Nicolai, ever the strategist, his features sharp and gaze calculating, offers a curt nod of acknowledgment. Marianne, with her short blonde hair and chilling beauty, regards Eleanna with a cool smile.

“Welcome, Eleanna Cordon.” Marianne speaks for them, smooth as silk. “Your reputation precedes you.”

“Let’s hope it serves us well,” Eleanna says with a sultry merge of confidence and underlying menace.

She meets each of their stares directly, but in this we are all united. They exchange firm handshakes with her—a gesture of alliance amid the looming threat of bloodshed.

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