by Ginna Moran
Everett punches Jameson hard enough that he has to step to catch himself. “I’d never touch a Widow. That was Mikkalo.”
Mikkalo growls at Everett’s revelation, and I wonder if one of the tattoos Zaire gave him on his side was due to one of these so-called Widows. Why they have such a nickname? I have no idea. I’m not sure anyone will tell me either.
“Relax, Mikkalo,” I say, strutting from the wardrobe. “I’m not jealous of something that happened before me.”
He closes the space and touches my cheek, peering into my eyes. “I love you, you know. Thanks for saying that. You’re it for me.”
I smile and kiss him, risking smearing the lipstick Jameson applied. “The way I want.”
“All right, brothers. Five minutes. Go get dressed and meet us downstairs. I’m taking Gwen.” Bronx materializes in front of me, taking Mikkalo’s place.
A cool whisper of a breath blossoms across my cheek with Mikkalo’s kiss goodbye, and I shift on my feet, gathering the skirt of my gown in my fingers. Bronx takes a moment to drink me in. He caresses his fingers to my jaw, his eyes flashing silver.
“You look beautiful, Gwen,” he says, pushing my still damp hair behind my ear.
I grab the lapels of his suit jacket, wishing I got to watch him dress. It’s one of my favorite activities to do with all my guys apart from watching them undress. “I want you to rip this dress off already.”
He releases a purr from his throat. “Save that thought. The second we leave this room, I can no longer touch you. You must act the part of a Blood Match. Don’t speak unless spoken to. And be prepared. I’ll do my best in handling Viorica, but if she suspects that anything is up, she will try to manipulate your mind. I’m counting on you not to react.”
I bare my teeth at him. “Can’t I just stay here? I don’t like any of this.”
He shakes his head. “You’ve been put under my care while Zaire is supposedly away—at least to the board. Something came up with Blood Rebels that will prolong his absence. When he returns, he’ll request another few weeks with you.”
I blink a few times, mulling over his words. I just hope that it works out like he plans. The last thing I need is to fail my guys by messing up. I’m not even that great at hiding my reactions to things I shouldn’t be able to hear.
“Fuck, Bronx. I’m nervous,” I admit. “What if I fail?”
“It wouldn’t be you who fails.” He pulls me in close and kisses me. “Now, come on. The sooner we greet Viorica, the sooner we can leave. We still have things to take care of, remember?”
I shut my eyes, breathing into his lips, letting our breath mingle for a moment. “I nearly forgot.”
He scoops me up and cradles me in his arms. “Give me another few minutes to handle this, and I’ll assure you forget again.”
I don’t have the chance to respond as the world blurs around us. Bronx sets me on my feet in the elevator, and I hold his gaze until the door beeps on the ground floor. I bow my head and lace my fingers together, keeping my hands in front of me. Stepping forward, I pray that my legs get their act together to walk properly in these too-tall heels. It’s the first time in a while that I’ve had to walk on my own in death-trap shoes.
Bronx leads the way to the lobby, and it takes everything in me not to lift my head to peer in the direction where I hear a few feminine, nearly musical, voices whisper through the air. I train my gaze on the three pairs of stilettos not unlike the ones I wear. Two of the female vampires show off their smooth, muscular legs—one in a short dress and the other through a slit up to her thigh in a gown. The third woman wears tight black pants with a blazer, much more business-like than the other two.
“Misses Vaduva. What an honor it is to be graced with your presences,” Bronx says, stopping in front of me, keeping his muscular form between me and the three vampires. He takes a deep bow. “I do hope this is more of a social call. Can I get you a donor?”
Whoa. Bronx must be nervous as hell to be laying his nicety on so thick. It takes everything in me not to react and touch him. If one of these vampires is head of the board, she must be extremely powerful.
“Actually, Mr. Royale. If you could please call upon Zaire. I’d like to have a quick meeting with him,” the tall, gorgeous redhead says. Her eyes burn into me as she acknowledges my existence with an arched brow.
I dart my gaze to the floor, silently kicking myself for looking up at her. I couldn’t help myself. Her voice practically commanded my attention.
“We’d love a donor and some company, though,” the brunette next to the woman says.
“Perhaps the pretty thing behind you,” the last woman, another redhead, says. She risks stepping closer to me, giving Bronx a foot of space. “What’s your name, Miss?”
“Ms. Royale,” I say, flicking my gaze up to meet the sharp features of the woman now standing uncomfortably close.
She looks a bit younger than I’m used to, almost like she transitioned as a teen, but her fierce gaze says there is nothing young or inexperienced about her. “What’s your first name, darling? There’s no need to be formal with me.”
“Gwen,” I respond.
“Step back, Heidi,” Bronx warns.
The other woman grins, showing off her fangs. “Oh, Bronx. We wouldn’t dare hurt her.” She wiggles her fingers at me. “Would you like to join my sister and me for a little fun?” Turning her attention to Bronx, she adds, “Is Mikkalo around? I’d love for him to join us.”
Bronx doesn’t react, keeping himself in check, though I know her words get on his nerves. He hates that she shows me attention at all. Stepping more in front of me, he says, “Unfortunately for you, Merrick, Ms. Royale is unavailable for donations. She Blood Matched to Zaire. I’m only watching her in his absence and can’t grant you permission.”
“Absence?” the first redhead asks, tilting her head. She steps closer like she can intimidate Bronx, and I guess she does, because he steps back a little.
“The board was notified, Viorica,” Bronx says, using the woman’s first name. “Zaire followed the necessary protocols.”
I should’ve known she was the leader of the board. She exudes authority, her very presence screaming that we must abide to her whims. Releasing a small breath, I try to keep calm. All three of the women scrutinize my every gesture, even if Bronx blocks me.
Viorica hums under her breath. “It must’ve slipped my mind. Oh, well. The trip to see the growth of the Royale Region has been interesting. Your coven has done an excellent job.”
“Thank you, Viorica. Is there something else I can do for you while you’re here? I’m acting head of our region during Zaire’s absence. I can arrange a tour of the city. Perhaps a trip elsewhere?” Bronx remains straight-backed, even-toned. It helps with my nerves.
Viorica shifts her eyes from Bronx and to me again. “Since we’ve come all this way, I suppose you can provide me a region update. Any more problems with the Blood Rebels? It’s rare for a female to travel alone, you know. I’d think Zaire’s Blood Match would have an army searching for her.”
Fear sneaks up to clench my chest as Viorica unexpectedly acknowledges my past. Her attention turns to me to gauge my reaction. Of course she would know I was a Blood Rebel. My matching information was given to the board, which means she knows I’m not a normal applicant.
“She had a brother and a blood source. Both now deceased.” Bronx glances at me. “From what we know, she had no personal ties to any nests in the last few years. The vampire assisting her and her brother hadn’t actually been involved with rebels.”
I clench my jaw as to not react.
“I’m assuming Zaire took all necessary precautions in handling her?” Viorica’s voice lowers to a pitch I shouldn’t be able to hear. “It sounds like he extracted the information appropriately.”
“Yes, Viorica. Gwen is not a threat. She’s been surprisingly obedient and has adjusted well. I think she enjoys the lavish life Zaire bestowed upon her.” Bronx turns to me wi
th a smile. “Right, Ms. Royale?”
Ugh. I wish he didn’t ask me a direct question, especially in regards to anything to do with Zaire. I get heated just thinking about him. Though, now I’m glad he tried to get all bitey with me. If he hadn’t, who knows where I’d have been with my guys.
I nod my head. “Yes, sir. Very much so.”
“And what about Zaire? Do you enjoy him?” Merrick asks, speaking up. I nearly forgot she and Heidi were listening.
Heidi looks from Viorica to Merrick. “How could she, Merrick? Mr. Royale isn’t here. He must not have been fully interested in Blood Matching. Probably testing to see if she attempts to murder one of his brothers. I mean, that’s what I would do.”
“I would never.” My. Dumb. Mouth. I just couldn’t take them talking in front of me like I’m not here. It doesn’t help that I want to defend myself.
Merrick raises her perfectly arched brow. “Hmm. Just what I expected. Their leader’s away so the Royales will play. Which one do you favor, Gwen? It couldn’t possibly be Bronx. He doesn’t...do donors.”
Heidi laughs. “It’s most surely Everett. He has rather low standards.”
Ah, hell no.
I clench my hands into fists, my body reacting without my mind’s consent. Merrick devours my reaction, parting her perfect plum lips in a dazzling smile that makes her even more gorgeous.
Bronx steps back to block me, puffing his chest out to create a solid wall of muscle. I can’t tell if he’s protecting me or these so-called Widows. “Enough. You will show me and my brothers respect in the Royale Region, Ms. Vaduva. Gwen is a part of our household and nothing more. Because of the sensitivity of the situation, I want to make it clear that Gwen is Zaire’s personal blood source. He was not going to risk losing his investment after so little time. So please, keep your ideas to yourself. I don’t need my brother getting unfounded thoughts upon his return.”
“Which will be?” Viorica asks, directing his attention to her. The silent woman hasn’t moved an inch from her spot, though Merrick stands so close to Bronx that she can brush her fingers to his hand. And then she does.
He crosses his arms. “I’m not sure.”
“Call him and ask. He hasn’t returned a single message I’ve left him.” Viorica snaps her gaze from Bronx to the archway that leads to the hallway.
I spot Jameson, Mikkalo, and Everett standing nearby. I have no idea how long they’ve been there, but it takes a lot of effort not to react to them. They must sense my desire to run to them, because they all materialize around me and Bronx, which cages me in between their bodies. I don’t know if it was instinctual or what, but my tight nerves relax, especially feeling Jameson’s chest press into my back.
“I’m sorry, Viorica. Due to a breach in security, Zaire is off the grid. He’ll not check in for another two days.” Mikkalo tugs out his com device from his pocket and hands it to Viorica. “As you can see, he’s gone out of the Donor Life Corp territory.”
Viorica tightens her jaw. “He did not discuss these matters with the board.”
“He didn’t want to raise any alarm. Zaire is plenty capable of ending any threats to our region.” Mikkalo puts his com device away.
“I suppose you’re right. But please, the next time he checks in, I want you to inform him that he’s needed in Midnight Valley. It’s mandatory. One week from today.” Viorica turns to the other women. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll be on our way. My daughters and I still have time to make it home before dawn.”
And like that, the three of them disappear.
Bronx releases a deep growl and slams his fist into the nearest wall. “She knows. She fucking knows.”
I inhale a small breath at his words. “What?”
Mikkalo closes the space to Bronx and rests his hands on his shoulders, stopping him from taking out his rage on the building. “We don’t know for sure.”
“Even so, if she requires his presence, she’ll find out.” Jameson keeps his voice even, but his frown says everything.
“We’re screwed,” Bronx says. “We’re going to lose it all. Then what? It’s our influence and power that protect Gwen.”
I close the space and wrap my arms around him. “That’s not true. It’s you.” I turn to Jameson, Mikkalo, and Everett and motion them closer. “And the three of you too.” I attempt to hug my arms around all of them, smothering their heads in the process. “Plus, we’re going to take care of the Barons tonight.”
“Hell yeah, we are,” Mikkalo says.
“And I don’t care about power. All I care about is being together. The four of you and me. I’d be happy even in the shadows.”
“Mmm, I can’t ever get over how perfect you are,” Everett whispers, bringing his lips to mine.
I smile. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me.”
“How we want,” Jameson says.
“Now, someone get me out of this dress,” I say, swirling my finger.
Bronx sweeps me off my feet, lifting me up before his brothers can even try. “Gladly. I’m in desperate need of a little more stress relief.”
I giggle and pat his chest. “Then you better hurry.”
Bronx turns to his brothers. “Get the car ready. Make sure the Vaduvas leave the city. We’ll meet you in thirty. I’m going to give our girl whatever the hell she wants.”
Nothing has ever sounded better.
Chapter 3
Aftermath
THE SCENT OF VAMPIRE BLOOD fills the air, permeating from the open door of a brick house. Bronx tightens his hold on me, choosing to carry me against his chest to assure his arms never leave me. Mikkalo leads the way with Everett beside us and Jameson watching our backs.
Mikkalo stops at the front door and holds up his finger. “Do you hear that?”
I close my eyes, trying to hear what Mikkalo does. A soft whimper cuts through the air. I’ve never heard anything like it—maybe a hurt animal. Possibly a cat. It’s not quite loud enough to distinguish.
“It’s a child,” Everett says, stepping forward. He swivels to look at me. “Doesn’t sound hurt. Just in need of care.”
My heart seizes, my breath quickening. What the actual fuck? “A k-kid?”
Mikkalo grabs Everett by the shoulder, stopping him from rushing inside. Everett flashes his fangs, fully ready to fight to enter the house. The two of them square off.
“You can’t just charge in there, brother. It could be a trap,” Mikkalo says, tugging his com device from his pocket. He taps into a nearby security feed and studies it for a minute. “All the feeds are down in the area. The last thing recorded was a Baron douche.” He replays the same video that Corona showed Bronx earlier.
“Cortland.” I can’t stop his name from escaping my lips.
“You know his name, Gwen?” Bronx whispers, confirming that’s why I say the name.
I bob my head. “He was the one who wanted your head.” I swallow, my heart aching at the memory. “I’d never forget a horrible threat.”
“That’s great, dandelion. The more information we can gather, the better.” He hugs me tighter.
“Maybe tell us sooner, next time.” Jameson wraps his arms around both me and Bronx.
“We agreed to let her process at her own speed,” Everett says, chiming in. “That night was awful. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like reminding our girl of our shortcomings when it comes to these assholes.”
“That’s enough,” Bronx snaps. “Mikkalo, sweep the perimeter. Jameson, back me up. Everett, stay with Gwen. Gwen, protect Everett’s ass. You’re the better fighter.”
I don’t even get to touch my shoes to the ground as Bronx hands me over to Everett. Mikkalo disappears around the side of the house, and Jameson leads the way with Bronx right behind him. I feel utterly useless, just hugging Everett. I know my safety is my guys’ number one priority, but whatever they can handle, I know I can handle too.
“Don’t take it personally,” Everett says. “Bronx knows what a badass you a
re, but he also knows that a room full of dead vampires might trigger your wild side.”
I crinkle my nose. “So, this isn’t about protecting me?”
He shakes his head. “Bronx would rather have you back him up.”
“I can hear you,” Jameson says, appearing in the doorway. “Not cool.”
Bronx smacks Jameson on the back. “He’s only speaking the truth, brother.”
Holding his hand out, Bronx motions for Everett to put me down. I link my fingers through Bronx’s and let him lead me inside the house. Everett slides past us, following behind Jameson as he guides him to the soft cry of the supposed child. I tug Bronx with me to follow behind them, but Bronx stops me.
“No, Gwen,” Bronx says. “I need you to come with me upstairs.”
I stop in my tracks, a dozen questions flitting through my mind. “It’s bad, isn’t it? How many?”
Bronx turns his gaze away from me like he doesn’t want to see my reaction. “Nine vampires, at least.”
“And humans?”
“None. That’s why I need you. They’re locked up on the second floor.” He clenches his jaw, stopping himself from mirroring my frown.
“Before or after the attack?” I ask, staring at the streak of blood running up the pristine carpet. At the top of the landing lies the beheaded body of a male vampire. I try to remain expressionless. I know if I react, Bronx will relocate me outside in case. It’s like he thinks I might lose my shit and start licking some stranger’s blood off the floor. I mean, I’m a little hungry but not that hungry.
He rubs his lips together. “I don’t know.”
I groan. “Fuck.”
He tugs me closer, hooking his fingers to my side. “Are you up to it? I think it’ll be less traumatizing if you approach them than me. I’m not exactly—”
“A dandelion?” I say, interrupting him. “You’re right. You’re definitely more of a big, hard-ass beast with a soft spot right here.” I touch his chest. “Just keep your fangs in check and don’t stand so straight, and we’ll be fine.”
He releases a soft chuckle and smiles. “You know I love you, right?”
