Page 22 of Prince with a Chance of Darkness

Radmila quirked a brow. “Who are you speaking to?”

Lucian snorted. “I believe he speaks to the young slayer. I think she is doing something to keep his temper in line.”

Radmila’s eyes widened. “Perhaps we should bottle whatever it is she is doing. For his is a temper that when set free, needs much in the way of calming.”

Both men looked at her, waiting for her to get the irony of her words.

She didn’t seem to notice.

Lucian’s attention slid to Vlad. “I know I will have to answer for my sins very soon. I cannot undo what was done. I will not make excuses for it either.”

“I hope Master allows me to be the one to kill you,” said Radmila with a sick grin. “I will make it slow—painful.”

Lucian winked at her. “Now you’re just flirting.”

She scoffed.

He grinned. “Does Katarina know you are down here? Did she not forbid it?”

This was the first Vlad was hearing of such a thing.

Lucian continued. “I could have sworn I overheard her expressly forbidding you from setting foot near either of the twins for the time being. And did I not hear her tonight—upon your rising—tell you to stay clear of Vlad? Why is that? What is she so worried you will do or say?”

Radmila faced Vlad. “Master, I implore you, permit me to wipe this earth of the mutt. You have my word. I will make him sorry he ever betrayed you.”

Vlad had little doubt in her words. She would make the wolf-shifter suffer.

“Yes, Vlad,” said Lucian with a spark of excitement in his voice. One that did not match his eyes. “Gift me to her.”

“In such a hurry to meet your fate?” questioned Vlad.

Lucian’s gaze faltered slightly. “I am in a hurry to be her plaything. Kinky.”

Radmila groaned.

Ponytail Girl eased around Vlad slowly, her hand still on him as she pushed her way under his left arm. When she was done, she was left standing by his side, pressed against his body, his arm around her like they were longtime lovers.

Lucian’s expression lightened when he saw her. “You are looking less…”

“Undomesticated,” offered Radmila.

“I was hoping for a better word, but yes,” said Lucian. “Your sister is eating on her own finally. A good sign.”

“I know you,” Ponytail Girl said, causing Radmila and Lucian to wear dual shocked looks.

“She is speaking now?” asked Lucian. “Her sister has yet to return to human form and will not communicate with me via her mind.”

“Human form?” asked Ponytail Girl.

Vlad stared down at her as he used his other hand to touch her cheek tenderly. “Lumini?a mea, you remember Lucian?”

More of the black fled her eyes, leaving behind even more blue. “Yes. He was naked.”

Anger surged through Vlad. “Lumini?a mea, careful or I will be his undoing here and now. I do not like knowing you saw him naked. The knowledge makes me want to kill things. Lots of things.”

“Hopefully him to start,” said Radmila flippantly.

Lucian laughed.

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