Page 23 of Toadstools and Vampire Kisses

I nod sharply as I slowly pace forward. “Release your hold.”

Ulrek murmurs his assent, and the galkin’s eyes blink, his entire body jerking in a spasm. His eyes rove in confusion until they fall on me, and I get the immense satisfaction of watching him pale.

“I haven’t done anything wrong. Those I serve know that I am here. You can’t do anything to me or keep me here without risking retaliation,” he garbles nervously.

My smile widens, baring both sets of my fangs, and I chuckle humorlessly. “That is where you are very much mistaken. When it comes to the safety of those whom I claim under my protection, I have every right to see to any potential threats.”

He stares at me in disbelief. “There were no papers filed on your claim to the coven.”

“There is not… yet, but I assure you that they are very much mine and that the paperwork will be filed with Queen Isadora. Regardless this is now my territory. And you,” I hiss as I pluck at his sleeve with my long claws, dropping my human guise, “were not invited.”

He shivers at my touch, his eyes widening. Unlike the more common vladimiri vampires who tend to pass for something closer to human in appearance, or even the beautiful succuri who look almost angelic with their delicate wings, I know I look monstrous to him. My large wings slowly unfurl, their membranes catching the dim light of the lantern that my brethren somehow procured for this interrogation.

The galkin cringes as I step closer, his gaze skittering away from the sharper angles and thicker ridges of my true face. I lift my hand from his shirt to trace a claw down the side of his face. A cruel smile pulls at my lips as he shivers.

“Who are you?”

He does not answer at first but merely stands there trembling. It seems that he requires more convincing. I press my claw more firmly against his cheek, and he gasps. The pungent scent of urine fills the air along with the dribble of it hitting the stone floor. I glance down and wrinkle my nose at the mess, taking care to step out of the path of the stream before redirecting my attention to the human.

“D-Daniel Overson, fourth g-generation galkin to Andorra and Friedrich Shombert of Aldriech c-coven,” he stutters.

“Good,” I purr, digging my claw a little more just below his cheekbone. “Now, tell me, why are you here?”

He shudders. “I was ordered to infiltrate and report back.”

“Why?” The word is ripped from me in a snarl that has the galkin quaking beneath my claw.

A small, helpless cry escapes him. “B-because the events of the ball leading up to the final night are open for local attendance. Only the great Hallows’ Eve Ball is by invitation. Th-they wanted a count of unmated females of age. I… I wasn’t going to hurt anyone.”

I sigh, unable to stomach the idea of torturing a crying human. Despite our fierce reputation in battle, dragori are not keen on unnecessary torture, and I am no exception. Still, I press the tip of my claw against his fragile skin until it splits and blood wells out to stream down the side of his face. I lean in closer, my hunger rising at its scent. I battle back my need to feed that plagues me now in my nesting state. It is unpardonable to take from another’s galkin. I will not sully my reputation or sense of self by doing something so repugnant.

“What information have you given them?” I bite out, and he quickly shakes his head.

“Nothing yet, I swear! I had some car trouble and wasn’t able to attend the first night. I am supposed to report to them tonight.”

“Where?” I growl, my wings lifting aggressively at the thought of an unknown pair of vladimiri anywhere near this place and my mate.

“B-back at the coven compound. I am to return to the city a-after midnight.”

I step back, dropping my claw from his face. There is little I can do from there. Invading coven territories is strictly forbidden and would be a death sentence. The human drags in a pitiful gulp of air, the entire front of his pants drenched. I glance over at Ulrek.

“Go ahead and return the control of his limbs to him. Our friend is going to scurry back to his masters and relay a message for us.”

“I-I am?” he asks. His entire body quakes as his arms fall to his side and he begins to rub them warily.

“You are,” I affirm. “You will tell them that this coven is protected by blood. That I, Reynard Bell of the dragori, claim all rights to their protection by mating rights. If they seek to hunt witches, they will have to do it elsewhere. Any intrusion upon this coven will be considered a sign of aggression and will be dealt with,” I add, my eyes narrowing.

I can feel Connor’s eyes flick to me in surprise, and I have a feeling that Jace would possess a mirror image of his reaction if he were not outside with Jack keeping watch. It seems my cousin had not spread word among our other covenkin. Even Ulrik stiffens a little, his mouth tightening as if he just tasted something unpleasant. I don’t particularly care what anyone’s opinion is on this matter, least of all the approval of a gavoreth I know nothing about.

“Do you understand?” I growl, and the galkin nods.

“Yes! I’ll tell them,” he squeaks, his voice breaking with terror. “There are other covens that will make b-better hunting grounds for what they seek.”

“Precisely.” I back away from him, dragging my glamour back around me painfully. My wings flatten once more, merging against my skin under the force of the magic as I feel it reshape the structure of my face. “Now leave,” I demand coldly.

Glancing toward the vladimir and gavoreth as if to ascertain that they would not attack the moment his back is turned, the galkin flees our company with the pounding of his booted feet on the stone.

I glance over at Connor. “Take Jace with you and follow him back to the city, then return for your rest. It is early yet. Jack and I can remain on watch a little longer so that you have enough time to rest.”

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