Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101147 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101147 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Beck stands over the gnome. His massive frame is a weapon of intimidation. The gnome practically cowers as Beck speaks. “If Dante had fed from her, he could have died. Vampires are allergic to silver.”
I look down at the readout from my tablet again and force a deep breath into my lungs. If I followed my instincts, I would have taken Kaja this way. The instinct to feed from her immediately was almost overwhelming. In the past, I considered feeding an intimate act I wasn’t interested in. I never took a female in this way, never sunk my fangs into a living creature and drank. Intellectually, I know my father feeds from my mother, and Susan feeds from Colin, but I don’t find the act intriguing. It’s primal and makes me squeamish. Or at least it did, until I placed my fangs on the back of Kaja’s neck. She glows, and I know she will taste sweet. She belongs to me. Her blood belongs to me.
I shake off the dark thought. I’m not some primal seeking out the blood of those around me, keeping virtual harems of females to feed me. I’m modern. I get my nutrition from meal pills.
“I am sorry, Your Highness,” the gnome says, his head down in supplication. “The demon told me it would keep her quiet. Given the fact that she was terrifying on the drug, I did not want to see her without it. I thought it best to keep giving it to her as I was instructed. The Planeswalker warned she could escape if I did not make sure to keep it in her system.”
I glance at Kaja. She’s curled up on the bed the gnomes brought in for them. It’s the equivalent of a nice pallet. If I was thinking, I would have brought my own equipment. Then Kaja would have a proper bed to cry on.
“I need to change,” she whimpers over and over again.
I sit beside her and run a hand through her clean hair. Someone has done a number on her. “No, you don’t, sweetheart. You’re fine the way you are.”
“Please let me change.” Her clear blue eyes are narrowed in pain.
“Don’t you feed my consort that shit again,” I order, turning back to the gnome because I can’t stand to see her in pain. I feel utterly useless. If we were at home, I would have doctors to care for her. Here, there’s nothing. She shakes and seems to be running a fever.
The gnome looks to Beck. “Sire, this is not a good plan.”
I stand and show my full fangs to the Fae. I enjoy the gnome’s wide eyes. “Kaja is not married to Beckett. He has no authority over her. I own her, and you will follow my instructions. If I discover you have drugged my consort in any fashion, I’ll drain you. Do you understand me?”
I might not feed from living creatures, but I’ll make an exception in the gnome’s case if he fucks with Kaja again.
The gnome quakes and averts his eyes. I notice the gnome’s wife, Cara, enter. She goes to the bed and covers Kaja’s forehead with a cool rag. “Yes, sir. We will leave the care of your consort to you, Mr. Dellacourt.”
I’m satisfied with the gentle way Cara is treating Kaja. But I’m not about to treat her husband in the same fashion. There’s more than just the silver in Kaja’s system. “Now, explain to me why you fed my consort an aphrodisiac.”
The gnome swallows several times.
“Answer him,” Beck orders.
“I wanted the sale to go through,” Reeve replies.
“Bastard,” Cara spits even as she rubs her small hands across Kaja’s back. I’m grateful to her. It’s obvious Cara has been kind to my consort. Kaja won’t allow Reeve near her, but she clings to Cara’s hand.
“How could you?” Cara waits for Reeve to explain. When he doesn’t, she takes over, turning her head to lock eyes with mine. “If you bedded down with the consort tonight, you wouldn’t be able to revoke the sale in the morning. You have a night to decide, but if penetration occurs, the sale and marriage are final by Fae laws.”
“Get out,” I snarl. If he doesn’t leave I can’t promise I won’t put my hands around his throat and squeeze.
The Fae still looks to his king. Beck stares down at him. “I would go if I were you. We will discuss your methods in the morning. You have contracts with the demon clan, but you are still my subject. You are still bound by my laws. Cara, can you take care of the woman?”
The blonde gnome nods as her husband retreats. “I will aid the vampire. The silver should be out of her system by morning. She was to be given the elixir every morning and every evening. The demon said it would keep the change from happening.”