Page 66 of Happily Ever Bitten (Underworld Royals 2)

He winked at me, then crept through the gates, toward the tower. A handful of guards stood at attention just inside, their stances the same as those outside the palace walls.

It’s like they’re statues, I muttered in my head.

Yes, he agreed. That’s exactly what they seem to be. He walked up to one and waved his hand in front of the guy’s face. Their minds are just… empty.

Like their auras.

It’s bizarre. They have orders rolling on repeat to keep whatever is in this tower contained, but that’s all I’m hearing. He went silent for a moment while he rewired their thoughts and sent them wandering outside the gates after the other group he’d sent on a march.

Who’s in charge here? I asked him. Are they all under hypnosis?

I’m not sure, but it seems that way. He glanced at me. It’s strange that yours wore off, yet my mother seems to still be under the hypnosis, and the same with all these guards.

Another ability? I half joked, my stomach churning with the notion. I mean, why not add another to the pile, right?

He gave me a soft smile and pulled me to him for a quick kiss. We’re going to figure this out, Zay.

Keep saying that, and maybe I’ll believe you someday. Because right now, I didn’t feel all that confident where my abilities were concerned.

He pressed his lips to my forehead. Come on, let’s scout the tower. Consider it a distraction.

Okay, I agreed, needing to do just that. Thinking made my head hurt.

He led the way inside, pausing on the threshold. A guard stood by a staircase, staring vacantly at us. This one is missing a helmet, Grigory thought, stating the obvious.

I guess it’s not needed inside?

Maybe. Grigory shut the door behind us, then unlatched the side buckle on his head, removing the device covering his face. He sniffed the air tentatively and shrugged. Yeah, the air is cleaner in here. Smells better, too.

Is it enchanted? I wondered, following his movements and removing my helmet as well.

Maybe. He took the item from my hands, setting both of our helmets to the side. Then he focused on the vapid guard. This is so fucking bizarre.

Same edict in his head?

Yep. He worked his magic, but this time he put the guard to sleep. Don’t want him wandering around unprotected.

How kind of you, I replied.

He shrugged and started up the stairs. Stay behind me.

Yes, master, I drawled.

Cute. Consider using that in the bedroom next time.

Never going to happen.

We’ll see, he murmured, glancing back at me with sin in his expression. I think I’ll like you on your knees, Zay.

Focus on the task, Grigory.

I’m focused, he promised, his gaze trailing over me as he continued climbing the stairs. Somehow, he managed not to trip, his footing sure with each step.

I was almost impressed.

You’re very impressed, he corrected.

Stop flirting with me.

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