Page 11 of Eternally Bound

A low rumble comes from his chest, and I frown at him. I was sure he’d go after Makenzie.

“Segugio Infernale,” he takes her hand and kisses it softly.

“Hellhound?” She gasps, trying to pull her hand away.

Nico straightens and gazes at her like she hung the moon.

“Tu parli italiano?” He draws his fingertips down her jaw while he speaks.

“Um, Abbie? Are you ok?” Madeline goes to break the connection forming between the two, but I snag her wrist before she can reach them.

“Do not interfere, beloved.” I pull her into my chest, and we watch Nico’s thumb stroke Abigail’s bottom lip.

She bites the digit, and all hell breaks loose.

Nico growls as he grabs Abbie and runs down the hall. Mackenzie chases after them, and Gaius sighs loudly.

“We called him here for what again?” I chuckle at the look on his face.

“Backup. Now, you only have three to contend with.” He turns to find Emma standing directly behind him, and they trip over each other.

In all our years together, I have never known anyone that could sneak up on his celestial arse.

“Lucifer, help me! Why has he sent you to torment me?” Emma recoils with tears in her eyes.

“Fuck,” he exclaims and takes off down the hall.

“Nice friend. Is there a reason he’s being a right bastard to Emma?” Madeline pulls away to hug her friend.

“She’s bringing back memories he’d love to forget. I know that’s not an excuse, and I can’t apologize enough for his behavior. May I suggest we all shower and change for dinner? There is much to discuss.” She sniffles and nods.

I glance at the only woman standing who hasn’t spoken a word.

Olivia stands with her back to the wall, watching and waiting. Something tells me to keep a close eye on her.

Another crash comes from the left side of the house, and Gaius vanishes in front of the ladies. Two gasps, and Olivia giggles.

“Cool.” Madeline spins to glare at her friend.

“Liv! Are you serious?” She shrugs and walks over to take Emma’s hand from Madeline.

“Says the woman married to a Vampire in a past life? That was the first proof I’ve seen that any of this is real. So yes, cool.” Touché.

I smile as they turn to go back into Emma’s room.

“I like her.” I glance down at my wife, who is chewing on her thumbnail.

“Liv is the realist of the group.” I nod and lift her into my arms.

“Oh, it’s real, and I’m going to prove it as soon as we get back to our room.” I should have known we’d never make it.

Six

MADELINE

This is crazy. I’ve clearly gone insane, or I’m having some type of psychotic break.

A centuries-old vampire is my husband?

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