Page 69 of Nearly Dead

“I didn’t sleep with him,” I answer.“We fought in the trial thing.Sully is the new Alpha.”I shrug.“And apparently I’m on the werewolf board of directors, whatever the hell that means.”

“I think they call it the Chosen Guard.”

“Whatever.”I shrug again.The itching is beginning to burn, and I’m propelled to walk toward the side door.He whips past me almost faster than I can track only to hold open the door to let me pass.

“Thank you,” I say softly.“Very gentlemanly of you.”

He inclines his head slightly, accepting my gratitude.“You should get cleaned up.The estate has been active in your absence.”

The careful way he says it puts me on high alert.I remember picking up the new scent on my way in.“What kind of active?”

“Your uncle has been gathering allies.”

I sigh.Of course he has.

“My uncle is an asshole,” I grumble under my breath.“Mortimer never misses an opportunity to manipulate a situation to his advantage.Let me guess.He’s trying to convince everyone I’m too dangerous to be allowed to roam free?”

“Among other things.”

I run a hand through my tangled hair, highly aware that I’m roaming the house naked.“I should have expected this.He’s still pissed I didn’t want to marry Chester Freemont and pop out magical babies like a broodmare.”

Costin flinches.He takes a step closer, his eyes softening with concern.I feel his nearness pulling at me.I can think of several things I’d rather be talking about than Mortimer and Chester.

Or not talking about.

I start to reach for his waist, thinking only of pulling him against my naked body.

“Freedom,” he says.

The word takes me by surprise.It’s not what I expected him to say.

“You resisted becoming Alpha.You will learn your vampire side.I will help and I will never try to control you.”He touches my cheek.“When you face your uncle, remember your ultimate goal.Freedom.”

“You’re not coming?”

“The sun rises,” he reminds me.“I’ll be in the guest sanctuary beneath the east wing unless you call for me.Astrid’s coverings on the windows help, but I cannot be at my full strength if I stay in the light for too long.If you need me, I want to be able to fight for you.”

I nod.“Wait, we have a guest sanctuary under the east wing?”

Figures.This house has more secrets than a Devine family reunion.

He grins.“This house is full of surprises.”

“Maybe I should go down there with you?”I suggest.It’s not all pragmatic.I’m feeling a little amped after the run.“I notice the light affects me too.”

“A vampires curse.”He pushes my hair back behind my ear.“I was hoping that was one thing you’d inherit from the wolf.”

I shake my head.“No.”

I press against him.The firmness of his body makes me shiver.Every nerve is raw and the feel of him sends a ripple of pleasure over me.I can’t help the small moan as I rock my hips forward.Cool hands move along my hips.

“I find my nighttime habits lean toward the vampire,” I whisper, trying to kiss him.

He chuckles, stopping me.“What does that even mean?”

“It’s seductive!”I slug him on the arm.

He glances down where I hit him.“That temper would be the werewolf in you.”

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