Page 15 of Shift in the Blood
Clara hadn’t mentioned being hungry, but she would be.
“A sizable message. There may be more coming, depending on what Ms. Manning wishes. But he needs to know that attacking me is out of the question.”
I knew how pompous I sounded. After four hundred years, I didn’t have the patience to engage in what was basically dick waving. I left people like Popov alone, and expected the same.
“It will be done by this evening.” Neville gave me a nod over his shoulder.
“Good. A little blood would be nice, too.”
“Just a little?” Neville knew me well.
“I think that’s all that’s needed.”
“Did she accept your offer?”
“How did you know I made an offer?” I hadn’t told him.
Neville turned and slid an omelet onto the plate that sat on the island. “I’ve been with you for how long? Long enough to know that you’ve never cared about all that Ouroboros stuff. But you put the ring on.” He looked at my left hand.
I followed his gaze. “I don’t remember doing it.”
“The heart wants what it wants.” Neville struggled not to look immensely pleased.
“Shut up.” I got up. “Maybe make another one of those? I have a feeling she’s going to be hungry soon.”
“Got it, boss.”
I left the kitchen, sending out my senses as I did so. I wanted to know what Clara was doing. What she was thinking.
It was fair to say I might be well on my way to being obsessed.
Her mind sent out strong signals as to how she was doing.
Still angry.
Good.
Anger made people take action. It wasn’t always the best action, but it kept them from sitting still. I could help Clara, if she’d let me. Point her anger and desire for action in the best direction.
Which reminded me. I turned and went back to the kitchen.
Neville was in the chair I’d recently vacated, eating. He looked up, a question in his eyes.
“We need to put security on Clara’s sister, Carina. Same address. It needs to be subtle.”
“Understood.”
I left, not sure what to do with myself at this point. I’d told Clara that I’d protect Carina, and give her a day to consider my offer.
Okay. What did I do until she gave me an answer? I wasn’t used to this kind of limbo. Feeling lost, I went to my study. I supposed that I’d do some research on Maxim Popov and the things he was involved in. That way, when he tried to fight back, I’d know where to hit.
A thought wormed its way into my brain. He’d kept Clara hidden, even as he was pulling of some truly amazing heists in the art world. He’d kept her, his secret weapon, hidden for years. At least three, maybe more, I thought as I considered the jobs he was rumored to be involved with.
What else was he hiding? Would it come out merely to bite me in the ass if I went to open war with him?
That had to be considered as well. I nodded. There was plenty to do. Plenty to keep my mind off the woman in the room above me, her heart beating with mine. Her scent permeating through the house.
I felt a hunger than had nothing to do with the desire to feed, although to bite her neck, as I’d told her, would be incredible. My mind went dizzy at the thought for a moment. I felt my cock harden in sync with my thoughts.
