Page 34 of Luka

Luka scooped up Spencer into his arms. “No, I need a ride from you, too.”

“You got it.” Rayne dipped his head, but he looked at the vampires in the room and curled his lip. “That’ll give time for these bloodsuckers to clear out. The stench is making me nauseous.”

Luka was taking Spencer home, and then, when his mate recovered, they were heading back to the cabin. Screw Spencer’s job. If his mate wanted to work, he could find another occupation. If not, Luka had no problem providing for both of them.

If his mate never wanted to return to Ridgeway, Luka most definitely would make that happen. He was retired once again, and his only goal was to make Spencer as happy as possible with the most boring life imaginable.

* * * *

“I have someone you might be interested in.”

“Now how in the fuck did you get this phone number?” Luka asked.

Eleazar made a noise in the back of his throat at how crude Luka was. “That doesn’t concern you. What matters is that Lazarus is being brought to me at this very moment.”

“He’s all yours,” Luka replied. “Lose my number, Eleazar. As of this very moment, I’m retired. Contact me again and I won’t be so polite the next time we talk.”

Eleazar smiled as he hung up. He’d expected nothing less from Luka.

He stood when he heard a ruckus outside his office. Eleazar swung open the doors and saw Lazarus being dumped onto the floor. His elite of six stood there, as if daring Lazarus to get back up.

“What is the fucking meaning of this?” Lazarus snarled. “Your men dragged me from an important meeting so you could what?”

Eleazar snapped his fingers and turned, heading back to his desk. Lazarus was picked up and dumped into the chair in front of it.

“I have a proposition for you,” he said as he sat.

“Why should I consider anything you want?” Lazarus snapped.

Eleazar slowly rose, pressing his palms into the polished wood of his desk. “Check your tone with me or the only thing you’ll have to consider is how swiftly I kill you.” He looked up at his men. “You may leave.”

They walked out, but Eleazar could tell they didn’t want to leave him alone with Lazarus. Eleazar could handle the crude vampire. Lazarus wasn’t one to be trifled with, but Eleazar wasn’t either.

“I’m listening.” Lazarus looked him over. “What’s your proposition?”

It killed Eleazar to even make it, but Kellam’s lack of enthusiasm was starting to grate on Eleazar’s nerves. If the guy was dragging his feet on becoming a leader, then he wouldn’t make a good one.

As much as he wanted someone with a business sense in place, someone with a level head, Eleazar knew time was running out. Nelo’s coven was even more unruly than before, and they were only getting worse.

If someone didn’t rein them in, and soon, the damage they’d caused might not be reversable.

“I’ve heard you’re thinking about taking over Nelo’s coven.” Eleazar sat, straightening his suit jacket. “First, Spencer’s debt is gone. He is no longer your concern. Now tell me of your goals, Lazarus. I want to know exactly how you plan on putting a leash on your new coven.”

* * * *

“Oh my god. You scared me to death,” Luka said as if he were a robot, his words stilted on purpose.

“You’re so full of shit.” Spencer pushed Luka’s shoulder. “You could have at least pretended I’d graduated to water ninja status.”

Spencer swam toward the waterfall and went under again, holding his breath as he swam back toward his mate. When he popped out of the water, Luka grabbed him around the waist and pulled him close.

“How about you just be my cute little mate?” Luka chuckled. “Have I told you how gorgeous you are when you’re wet?”

Spencer rolled his eyes and laughed. “Yes, I think you’re making it your life mission to remind me of my cute side.” He wrapped his arms around Luka’s neck as he leaned his head on his mate’s shoulder. “Besides, I think that’s why you coaxed me into the lake again.”

“I do enjoy the view.” His mate smiled and leaned closer, his nose nudging Spencer’s neck. “What say we dry out on the rocks?”

Spencer nodded, entwined his fingers into Luka’s hair, and pressed his lips to his mate’s nose. “I think that’s a great idea.”

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