Page 10 of Prince with a Chance of Darkness

Vlad knew then that she sensed the forest witch’s power lingering in the area too. That he’d not been imagining it.

Ponytail Girl’s body tightened.

Vlad’s hands went to her thighs, holding her to him for fear she might go at Lucian. He didn’t much care if she succeeded in injuring the betrayer. It would save Vlad the trouble later, but he worried she might be harmed during it all. Plus, it would put her closer to a very naked Lucian.

Unacceptable!his demon roared.

She tightened her hold on Vlad’s neck and he kept his hands on her thighs. While she was glaring over in Lucian’s direction, Vlad got a good look at the hole in her shirt where she’d been stabbed. The wound was starting to heal over, but looked as if it might leave a scar. Ironically, he had a scar on his chest in the very same spot.

Without thought, he brought his forefinger to his lips, pierced the tip on one of his fangs and then pressed it to her stab wound, gifting her more of his blood in hopes it would speed her recovery, giving her what little he had left after overtaxing himself. Her blood was powerful and had given him a boost, but he’d certainly pushed too far tonight.

Her attention snapped back to him, those black eyes widening slightly at the tender gesture. She jerked slightly and snarled down at him.

He lifted his hands and stretched out his arms, trying to make her understand he was no threat to her. “I surrender,lumini?a mea.”

Radmila jerked back slightly. “The master has surrendered?”

“Anyone not shocked that it’s with a woman astride on him?” asked Lucian.

Radmila's delighted laughter filled the air a second before Ponytail Girl’s eyes lolled back in her head, and she fainted on Vlad.

He caught her, holding her body to his, inhaling her sweet scent. He committed it to memory.

The white wolf tipped to the side, passing out as well.

Lucian hurried to her and lifted her gently in his arms.

Radmila looked between the men and rolled her eyes. “Men.”

With that, she took flight, evaporating into white mist within seconds.

Katarina went to Teya and eased the hunter’s hand from the woman’s grasp. “That is enough for now.”

Teya sighed and rose slowly. “I suppose. He was starting to get stiff and smell. Rigor mortis does put a damper on things. Oh, perhaps I could snap off his hand and use it to?—”

“No,” Vlad, Lucian, and Katarina said in unison.

Teya’s lower lip jutted out. “No one lets me have any fun. Baba Koreneva would let me play.”

Katarina sighed and touched her sister’s face. “I told you before, stay away from the forest witch. She isnotto be trusted.”

Vlad looked to Lucian. “Once we get them back to the estate, return here and dispose of the dead.”

Teya smiled sweetly. “No need. Baba Koreneva will handle them. She will grind up their bones and use them in her potions and spells.”

Lucian’s gaze lingered on Teya a moment before he focused on Vlad. “Is she correct?”

“Yes,” said Teya, nodding her head. “Sheis correct. Baba Koreneva likes men less than Radmila does.”

Radmila jerked around quickly. “Not possible.”

Lucian snorted. “I’m with Red. She has alotof hate for anything with a penis.”

Radmila inclined her head. “Yes. I find most men, aside from the Master, to be tiresome and wastes of space. To be nothing more than walking blood banks.”

“We know,” said Lucian, still holding the white wolf.

Vlad shifted Ponytail Girl in his arms slightly, wanting to be sure she was comfortable despite being unconscious. “Radmila,remain and assist with the clean-up. Lucian will be back within the hour.”

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