Page 71 of Little Mate

21

GABRIELLA

“A glorified necromancer as the bride of the vampire king. I never thought I’d see the day the monarchy stooped so low,” a male voice I’m now very familiar with says, entering the library where I’m relaxing. We’ve been home two months now, and I’m acclimating myself between my duties here and back home where Leo and Uncle Roberto are working on his magic.

It took a while for me to forgive him, but I get it now.

Just as Isabella’s hands were tied, so were his, and that was the dying wish of our father. If Roberto interfered, we would’ve stayed on our land and trouble would’ve landed on our doorstep. Be it the fae king or others, we’ll never know because we didn’t interfere. Many are alive because of that.

However, there are days when I still wonder if Uncle did the right thing or made it worse, but then Theo walks into the room and life calms—finds purpose again. This is the path that fate set out, and I must follow it.

Like now when all I want is a bit of peace and quiet. I’m tired, cranky, and miss Theo, which leads to a volatile little sorceress. I’ve had a busy morning so far, dealt with a problem back home, and dealing with this imbecile is the last thing I want.

“What can I do for you, General Veltross?” My tone is bored, and my facial expression holds annoyance. I tolerate him as much as he likes me. “As you can see, I’m busy.”

“You don’t belong here. Your kind is an abomination I’d have eradicated if—”

“You’ll never sit on that throne no matter how much you whine about it.”

“And he’ll never change you. I’ll make sure of it.” It takes everything in me not to react like he wants; I know he wants a fight, but ire doesn’t win wars. Clear thinking does. “My daughter is the rightful queen, and you’ll only live long enough to see it.”

How long has he been grooming her for this? Feeding her these lies?

“I’m sure you’ll try.” Standing from my seat on the couch, I take the steps between us and stand toe to toe. I will never be intimidated by this man who reeks of narcissism and greed. “But keep in mind that I’m a firm believer in a hand for a hand. And while you have fangs and sharp nails, I can take a life with a few simple words and the touch of my fingers. Do not threaten me.”

“Those things won’t work once you’re dead.”

“They will when I come back. And I will,” I say with a saccharine-sweet tone. “My deal with the devil is sealed in my enemies’ blood, and I deliver on my promises. Never threaten me again.”

He opens his mouth to reply, but my husband enters the room. I know he heard most, if not all, and the tightness in his jaw shows he’s holding back, but just barely. “Is there a problem here?” Theo isn’t asking me, and I don’t volunteer an answer, choosing instead to retake my seat. “Veltross?”

“None at all, my king. Just chatting with—”

“You have nothing to speak about with my mate, General. Learn that quickly.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Leave.” Veltross walks out stiffly, his footsteps loud and then faint the further away he gets until nothing. Theo’s eyes narrow at me, lips in a thin line. “Why can’t I end him again? Why not be done with it?”

“Because I think he’s our rat and the way to figure out Larue’s next move.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am.” Handing over the invitation to Larue’s home; I watch his face as he reads. From anger to amusement and then to that cockiness I adore, my husband doesn’t disappoint. “How grand of the king to offer a dinner in our honor.”

“Yes, but more importantly, Tero saw the messenger and Veltross together. Your general received a large sum of money along with that letter, which he singlehandedly delivered to me.”

Three days later, we find ourselves on foreign soil and in a kingdom where the subjects either looked scared or full of piss and vinegar. No in-between or even a normal serious disposition.

Yet, King Larue seems jovial and enthused at our arrival.

My sister is also here, along with her mate.

There are a few representatives of each army: vampire, werewolf, and Wiccan here. But going by his expression, you’d say he doesn’t get much outsider company, good or bad, and this is nowhere near a social visit.

“Welcome, friends. We are all so pleased to have you—”

“Cut the bullshit and get to the point. I’ve never been one for small talk, and you know this.”

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