Page 63 of Luna Ascending

“I can't tell my Luna off. For that, you have to be my friend Freya” he grumbles.

I smile at the grizzly's admission he considers us friends. I doubt that came easily to him.

“Well then,Freyawould like to know if majik is once again permissible?” I mock

“Just get on with it!” Lyell barks

Smiling to myself I settle in. I'm sure she's close. Once I clear my mind and centre myself I try reaching out to sense her. She's very close. I try activating the crudely fashioned mind-link we'd made for her, and bingo. The sneaky Rex gave us the room right next door!

Aurora feels all flustered, and distinctly cross at being found, so I quickly grab Lyell's hand and boost his link with her. I just hope he can calm her down enough that she doesn't take off.

Chapter Forty-Six

Aaron's POV

Samantha glides towards me, her lips the same distracting blood red as the first time we met. She is an exquisite looking woman, and she knows it. She catches me watching her and a small smile preys on her lips.

“Aaron, so lovely to see you again. You're not changing your mind about us are you?” she whispers in my ear while kissing me on both cheeks.

I back away quickly. There's something intoxicating about her, it's not the same feeling as I get from Freya, it's more artificial, but damn similar. It's dangerous. I have to play this carefully. We need her help, but I don't know how fickle vampires can be.

“There is no us Samantha!”

“Call me Sam” she croons at me “And that's no way to ask for help Aaron” she pouts delicately.

Groaning inwardly I plaster a smile on my face “Sam, then. You know I have a mate. I don't understand why you're still helping, but Iamgrateful. I need, the pack needs, all the help we can get”

She smirks but stays silent so I bash on “Freya has gone after my sister who ran away. She cast some kind of spell hiding her scent, and although we've picked it up again in town... it vanished. We're at a dead end. The Coven are rising and we have no Luna. I have no mate. I need her back.”

“You wouldn't consider say, a substitute?” she grins wickedly at me and I feel my heart rate rising. Shaking my head roughly a low growl escapes me.

“I'll take that as a no. Aaron Varg,you do have a habit of disappointing me! Never mind! If I don't get you, then my help has another price. ” She chews her lip thoughtfully.

Those lips. I groan. “I'll pay whatever the price is Sam. I need her back.”

“Done!” she smiles at me, all trace of seduction vanished. “I'll even throw in your little baby sister to seal the deal”

The speed at which the pact is made is alarming. I wonder if the fluttering eyelashes and strong come on was all a show, playing to my arrogance. What have I done? What exactly have I agreed to? It will have to wait, we'll deal with it together, once I have Freya back.

Sam takes us to The Sanctuary. A place run by vampires that harbours all sorts of fugitives. I'd heard of its existence but like everyone else who's never had need of it, I didn't know where it was. They have some trick, the Vamps, of keeping it hidden unless you need it. Still, I can't believe I've never noticed such a fabulous looking building before.

As we traipse inside I feel my jaw drop. It's one of the most upmarket establishments I've ever been in; it's all smooth lines and glistening surfaces with artistically placed plants and a calming aesthetic.

I catch Sam watching me and she looks pleased at my surprise. I'd always assumed it would be a series of dirty little hovels, full of grim and filth to go with the society that frequented it. Maybe I've got some things wrong about the vampires.

“Rex!” Samantha's voice has a fire to it I've not heard before “Rex, I believe you might be hiding something from me?”

The young man at the desk is already pale, but he looks ghostly hearing Samantha.

“I'm sorry ma'am” he whispers staring steadfastly at the floor “I think they're just coming...”

“No matter, we will go to them” Samantha breezes before her tone turns steely “and I will deal with you later” The guy visibly cowers, and I feel a little sorry for him.

I follow Samantha through the hall. Just as we enter a large, high-ceilinged lounge she stops and pulls me to the side, pointing ahead. My heart hammers loudly in my chest and I nearly break into a run – there's Freya. Sam's hand holds me back.

Stepping around Freya is Marciel de Vaudou. What the fuck is that creep doing here?! Why is he with Freya? I strain my ears to pick up what they're saying, catching bits of it.

“Lovely to see you again baby-doll” Marciel croons. I cringe at the endearment, but at least we come across them just as they've met. Maybe it's entirely an accident. I start forward, but again Sam holds me back.

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