Page 50 of The Vampire's Claim

That didn’t sound good, like he understood something that she didn’t.

Julian moved toward her in two strides, his body tense with restrained aggression. “What’re you doing here?”

“What do you mean what I’m doing here? You’re the one who ordered me here.”

“What?” Julian’s expression darkened to a thundering storm as seconds passed without Leah answering.

“You didn’t give the order,” she guessed and told him about Clement’s visit with her.

“No, I didn’t. You need to go.”

For a moment, she was flabbergasted, but she took a deep breath to calm her racing heart and glared at him. She’d come here with a mission and would not give up so easily.

Devon placed a gentle hand on her arm. “Please forgive Julian. He’s not as appreciative of beautiful women as the rest of us.”

“Devon.” The people around them froze at the rumble in Julian’s chest.

To Leah’s surprise, Devon didn’t bat an eye. Other vampires would’ve turned tail and scampered at Julian’s tone. She’d seen it yesterday. A familiar oppressive power spread out from Julian.

Okay, so Julian hadn’t wanted her here. That threw a wrench into her sordid plans, but she could still make it work. Julian’s eyes had a hint of red. He looked like he might murder Devon on the spot.

Was he jealous? Or was that her hope speaking?

When the orchestra struck up the first strains of a waltz, Leah made up her mind to test her theory and turned to Devon. “Would you like to dance?”

“As this is the first time a lady has asked me for a dance, I must say yes.” He even had the gall to hand his glass of champagne to Julian to dispose of. “If you’ll excuse us.”

Leah hid a smile as she and Devon joined the dancers while Julian’s heated gaze followed them around the room.

Devon was a smooth lead, much better than the bumbling college boys she’d danced with. Still, it was impossible to enjoy the dance, and the company of the handsome vampire, when she was using all her willpower to resist looking at Julian.

“I must say, I’m a little disappointed.” Devon’s words drew her attention back.

“What for? Am I a terrible dancer?” Leah thought she was doing fine.

“No, which almost makes it worse, that you dance so perfectly without even paying attention.” Devon sighed dramatically. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Now, what must I do to gain your full attention?”

Leah’s cheeks warmed, and she pulled back as much as the intimate dance allowed. Despite their closeness, she didn’t feel anything more than a hint of desire for Devon, nothing even close to how much she craved Julian’s touch. She looked up at him and the unrepentant grin on his face. He was way too gleeful.

Something clicked with her.

“You’re doing this to torment Julian,” she accused.

His smile widened, showing a hint of his fang. “Yes. He deserves a bit of tormenting, don’t you think?”

She liked him. What would Dmitri say if he knew how she felt about the vampires? Probably skin her alive as an example for the others. Was he watching even now? Studying the various vampire attendees through her eyes?

“You’re not afraid of him.”

“Should I be?”

“I haven’t met many vampires who aren’t afraid of Julian.”

Devon chuckled. “That’s the point. That’s why we elected him to rule Vegas.”

“We?” Her eyes widened. No. Way. “You’re a Councilor?”

“Surprised?”

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