“Do you know the location?” he countered.
“I know how to find it.” Considering all my back-end logic was tied to the server farm, it wouldn’t be hard to do. And his vampire friend with the Southern drawl seemed to have access to some top-end technology. That was the only way to explain his ability to track my original signal. “Give them back their child, and I’ll find your server farm.”
“Find the server farm, and I’ll consider your request,” he returned, his grip tightening. “Don’t find the server farm, and I’ll kill the pup while you watch.”
My heart skipped a beat, the flat way he spoke about such violence making my stomach twist. “He’s a lycan.”
“He’s an abomination created in a lab,” he returned. “Just like you. The only difference is, you’re useful. He’s not. Make your choice, Doctor.”
And he claimed to be different from Lilith.
I supposed he was in a way. She would have killed little Petri—Gretchen and James’s son—while issuing her demand. Just to watch the pup bleed. Maybe even enjoyed him as a snack.
Meanwhile, Jace held his life over my head as a bargaining chip.
As far as negotiating tactics went, his were more on point. Lilith had governed out of fear. Jace used strategic maneuvering to obtain what he wanted.
“I need a computer,” I told him. “And access to a network.”
“You’ll be supervised,” he said, his grip unyielding. “Don’t fail me, Calina, or you’ll regret it.” With that, he released me. “Damien.”
The Southern vampire, who I assumed was named Damien, smiled. It strengthened his features, giving him a handsome appeal. He also had ink down one of his arms, the tattoo swirls depicting an ancient pattern that had me questioning his origin. But I knew better than to ask. Instead, I met his gaze and waited.
“My turn to play?” he asked, sounding amused by the prospect.
“Within reason,” Jace replied, causing the other man to glance up at him.
“Limits?”
“Yes. Similar to your kitten.”
“Interesting,” Damien murmured, looking me over. “Well, let’s get started.”
15
Jace
I stoodin the hallway with my fingers curled into fists, my desire to punch Damien riding me far too hard.
He’d barely touched Calina—just moved her long blonde hair over her shoulder to expose her neck in a threatening manner—and I’d nearly lunged at him. Rather than comment, I’d left the room.
Becausewhat the fuck?
The possessive instinct had hit me right in the gut, my need to yank her away from the other male one I’d never experienced before in my life.
Hell, I’d enjoyed several nights in bed with Tracey and Damien just a few weeks ago. I preferred group sex to individual experiences.
And yet, the notion of sharing Calina with Damien had me seeing red.
I ran my fingers through my hair and stole a deep breath as Darius joined me in the hall with Juliet.
Speaking of sharing,I thought dryly. I’d been trying to join these two in bed since I’d first laid eyes on Juliet, but Darius refused.
And now the idea didn’t appeal to me nearly as much as laying Calina over the counter and fucking her disobedient ass into submission.
This female is making me lose my mind, I decided.It’s her scent. That mouthwatering blood-virgin-like aroma.
My focus went to Juliet, my nostrils flaring.
