Page 37 of Forever Desired
Sorin turned to find the couple standing at the edge of the path, staring at them. Alarms blared in the back of his mind.
“Sorin,” the male called out. The soft lights of the garden showed off the weapon he held in his hand—a stake. “I have a score to settle with you.”
“What do you want?” he asked, pulling Athena to him. He stood in front of her, ready to defend her. He released a curse that Linkin and his men weren’t storming the area.
Sorin wasn’t worried about his safety. He could take care of himself, but to have two humans standing before him brandishing weapons, he had to ensure Athena remained safe.
She was all that mattered to him.
“Oh my God,” she gasped. She gripped his arm.
Sorin narrowed his gaze on the couple as they slowly walked toward them. His gums burned while his fangs broke through his gums.
“Stay behind me,” he warned.
“Give us the girl,” the woman snapped.
“Like hell I will,” Sorin growled.
The humans must belong to the hunters.
“We’re going to save you from the monster, my dear,” the woman said to Athena. “Don’t be afraid.”
“Monster?” Athena’s gasp reached his ears.
He cursed, not wanting her to discover his true nature like this.
“Your men are all scurrying towards a distraction we created. You are all alone,” the man threatened, showcasing his stake. His other hand held a sharp knife. “You vampires just think you can kill and not be punished for it. You will pay!”
“I don’t need my men. I can take care of myself,” Sorin boasted.
Athena’s hand rested on his back, and he would defend the both of them.
“What did he just say?” Athena’s voice shook with what he was sure was fear and shock.
Sorin was unable to take his gaze off the man and woman. He’d kill them just for scaring her.
Tonight it looked as if she’d get a crash course of vampirism.
“You killed my brother!” the man yelled, rushing forward with the stake held high.
Sorin released a curse and stepped forward, breaking his connection with Athena.
He was vastly faster than the human. Sorin swung his hand, deflecting the weapon away from him. He landed a punch to the human’s elbow, disarming the hand with the wooden stake.
The man released a howl of pain, for the arm was surely broken.
“You son of a—” He stumbled back from Sorin.
“Get away from me!” Athena’s cry echoed through the air.
Sorin turned. The woman wrestled with her.
“He’s a bloodsucking monster! I’m trying to help you,” the woman screamed.
“Let her go,” Sorin growled. His fangs were out, and the bloodthirst had been triggered. A red veil dropped over his eyes as the instinct to protect his bride grew.
He took a step toward the woman who had her hands on Athena’s arm, trying to drag her in the opposite direction.
