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Nadya was careful not to lie, but she did the damnedest things with the truth. She twisted the facts to fit her narrative, omitting anything that would cause an outright lie. Jean-Pierre had warned her about Maksim’s developing ability to sense lies.
Maksim couldn’t hold his tongue. “My father always told me Therians were beastly creatures who lacked honor or responsibility. They’ve wronged you as well.”
She nodded, her face grim. “Your father is a wise man, Maksim.”
A shiver of pleasure ran through his body when she spoke his name. He struggled to reign in his lascivious thoughts and focus on her words. He felt a powerful need to defend this woman from those who’d grievously wounded her, but he also wanted to rip off her clothes and fuck until neither could see straight.
“He is a Therian, but he escaped from their terrible hold. He’s a lucky man. He found freedom from his oppressors, love with your mother, and life’s greatest gift in you.” She sat up straighter and grinned when his gaze remained on her breasts. She couldn’t blame him. Her tits looked fantastic in this dress, and she’d worn it just for this purpose. Nadya leaned forward to give him a better view. “Maksim.”
His gaze snapped to her eyes, and he blushed. “I am so sorry, Your Majesty.”
She smiled again, then purred, “It’s okay, Maksim. I don’t mind if you look. I rather enjoy it. After we’ve concluded our business, perhaps we can find some time for…recreational pursuits.” She stood, crossed the room, and returned with shots of vodka for both of them.
Reclaiming her seat, Nadya removed the flirtatious tone from her voice. “I’ll get straight to the point, Maksim. I need your help if I am ever to free my people from Therian tyranny.”
Maksim tried to focus after her abrupt change of subject. He was still thinking about the recreational pursuits they might engage in. “Wh-what do you want from me?”
Nadya smiled, and her eyes sparkled. “I want to turn you into a vampire, Maksim. The Therians would consider you an abomination and call for your death. I think you are the most precious thing this world has to offer, hope to free my children and safeguard the future of my people. Will you join me, Maksim, and help me save my family?” She extended a slender, graceful hand toward him, palm up, and patiently waited for him to make his choice.
Maksim was confused. How could he make a choice like this, and how could he choose anything other than Nadya? “Why me? I’m just a human. I did not inherit anything from my father except my long life.
Nadya shook her head. “You’re wrong, Maksim. You are no mere human. You are everything. My scientists have been working for years to discover the origin of the magic that fuels Therians. We have isolated it to a common genetic component in humans, which deviated into multiple branches and gave the world Therians, witches, and humans. The concentration is what determines which one is born. It is also what stops me from being able to welcome Therians who want to join me into my ranks. I need you because you are not a full-blooded Therian, Maksim. I believe your human side will allow my magic to overcome your natural defenses, and the transformation might let you take the dragon form that is your birthright.”
Maksim sat still, thinking about the many ways this decision would affect the rest of his life. It should be a momentous decision, not a spur-of-the-moment choice without serious consideration of the options. However, he’d never been one to linger over difficult decisions. He weighed the pros and cons, sorting through everything he knew of Therians and vampires.
In the end, the chance to get revenge for the exile that had harmed his father decided Maksim. In his current state, he could not join the ancient fight or become part of something this much larger than him. He’d longed for a purpose, and he believed he’d found it. Given his upbringing, Maksim had no reason to feel loyalty toward, protect, or even like the Therians. Surely, if vampires were the greater threat, his father would have mentioned that instead of painting his fellow Therians as monsters in his tale.
Maksim took Nadya’s hand. “Yes. I will join you, Nadya.”
She gave him a dazzling smile and pulled him to his feet so they stood face to face. Nadya pressed her body against his, and Maksim gasped when her hand slid along his aching length. “Excellent. We’re going to be such good friends, Maksim.”
She took his mouth in a kiss that made his senses reel. “Mmmm. Very good, indeed. Come along. It’s time to play.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Hyena Therian Compound, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Monday, December 17, 2012
Jules Sournois looked at the notes his assistant had delivered moments ago to prepare for his next meeting. Since Nikoli’s untimely death, it had been nothing but meetings for him. He was exhausted, and the temptation to shoot everyone and fuck off to the beach grew by the day. Nikoli’s damned son had singlehandedly destroyed his business before the bastard even ascended to the throne. Luca’s ban on slavery had crippled his thriving empire.
“I’m sorry to interrupt again, Jules, but I have more news,” his assistant Donna began as she entered the office.
He growled and glared at her. “What is it now?”
She paled. “The Costa Rica site partners backed out of the deal.”
“Fuck!” he shouted and slammed his fist on the hardwood desk.
Jules had spent most of his life making connections between slavers in multiple countries and building an impressive and efficient market in the major Therian strongholds. King Nikoli had been his best customer, but since the brat’s coronation, his contacts had all pulled back for fear of incurring the new king’s wrath.
Jules was desperately trying to hold the pieces together. Rebellion against Luca’s progressive ideas looked more appealing each day. Behind the scenes, he’d been gathering the support of other powerful individuals who felt the same way.
When they gained enough power, Jules and the others would strike and kill the new king, then install someone with more common sense in his place. Maybe even Jules. As the person who had orchestrated Luca’s downfall, he would deserve it. It wasn’t like Nikoli had left any of his other male heirs alive. Someone had to rule, so why not him?
Before Donna could explain further, two people waltzed into Jules’ office like they owned the place. He supposed they did. The operation needed money, though Jules had been forced into hiding. Still, the attractive redheaded woman and her short, ugly companion were the last people he wanted to see. He pasted a fake smile on his face and came around the desk to greet them.
“Lissette, Enrique! What a pleasure it is to see you both!” he exclaimed.
The woman waved away the pleasantries. “Cut the bullshit, Jules. Have you gotten the slave trade going again?”
