Page 123 of Bitten Vampire
“Take over how?”
My phone buzzes. I ignore it. My focus stays locked on her. I need to get this done. We are running out of time.
“I wish I could give you more time, but you have run out,” I say, truth heavy on my tongue. If I hesitate, I will lose her. “Please forgive me. I won’t let anything happen to you, and Iwill notlet you fall into another clan’s hands.” I blur the distance, catch her wrist, flip it palm-up, and press the Bloodbrand to her skin.
She gasps. “Ow!” The sound guts me.
The sigil sears a red raven on a shield, blood beading at the beak. I fang nick my thumb, smear blood over the mark, sealing it. “You are now a member of my clan.” Calm, cold, efficient—pretending it doesn’t rip me apart to hurt her.
“It hurts.”
“I know. It’s for your protection.” For mine. For my sanity.
“My protection? What about my consent?”
“There wasn’t time.” A lie of omission; I’d have branded her even with time. Later I will beg forgiveness with my life. I hold out my hand. “Come, I’ve arranged a safe house for you.”
She hesitates.
If she says no…
Her hand slides into mine.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Bonus Scene Three – The Wedding
Valdarr’s point of view
The ruby humsagainst my finger as I step from the car into full sun. Heat bites, but the ring drinks it in—old magic, dangerous and worth the risk. I smooth an invisible crease from my charcoal suit and follow the scent of champagne, hairspray, and smug entitlement around the hotel.
I intend to observe only.
Two guards watch the lane, a driver idles three streets away, and I have a quiet plan to extract her if anything goes wrong. I promised myself I would not interfere unless she asked.
Then he corners her.
I feel it in my bones—the way her body angles back, polite retreat rather than fear—yet I know where this leads. He steps in; his hand lands where it has no right to be. I cross the lawn.
“But you’re my girl,” the man whines.
“No, I’m not. I haven’t been your girl for nearly seven months, and if we’re honest, not for years. Melissa is yourwife, and unlike you, I believe in commitment, in loyalty. I won’t lower my standards—or my morals—for anyone, least of all you. Move back, now.”
Fred’s voice is fierce, and she means every word. Then her eyes snap to mine—wide, disbelieving.
“I think you’d better listen to the lady and step back before I make you,” I say, moving past him. I’d rehearsed being gentle; I am not gentle now. “Apologies I’m late.” I kiss her cheek. Warm.Human. Sun-warm orange peel and clean skin. Her pulse flickers against my senses.
The groom, her ex, puffs out his chest. “Who the fuck are you—” he begins.
I place myself between them and let the portable ward in my pocket swell: a soft shimmer that dulls curious ears and phones within three paces. A courtesy veil; neither of them notices the magic.
“Her attachment to you is what made you special—you realise that, right?” I keep it civil, barely. “You should have counted your blessings and cherished her. She’s no longer yours. You are embarrassing yourself. Go back to your wife.”
“I’m not gonna take advice from a punk with a lip ring,” he sneers.
I give him the slow, lethal once-over and let him seewhat looks back. He pales by degrees I might find amusing if he weren’t breathing my sunshine’s air.
“Here’s the advice from a ‘punk with a lip ring’: learn the difference betweenowningandhonouring. You tried the first. I’ll be doing the second.” I vow tocherishthe incredible woman he squandered.
