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“That wasn’t on the leader’s agenda. The hunters planned on it, though, but never got the chance. You rescued me before that happened.”
He practically slumped in relief. “Okay. I’m sorry. I just had to know. If they had, I wanted to make sure you got help. Counseling, something.”
“Thank you. But it didn’t happen, so I want you to forget that part. I have a question of my own, though.”
“Whatever you need to know.”
“Did you and Tarron . . .” She swallowed, pushing down the dread of his next answer. “Did you see the videos of wh-what they did to me?”
His blue eyes darkened with anger. Sorrow. “Yes. I’m sorry. I ran out to start tracking you while that monster was torturing you the first time, but I watched the rest of the recordings with Tarron a short while ago.”
“Why?” she whispered, the shame rushing back.
His reply was gentle. “To see if we could get any evidence off the recordings.”
“Evidence? Didn’t you guys get the vampire? Is he dead?”
“No,” he said, voice betraying his frustration. “He got away.”
That news filled her with terror. “Any idea who he is?”
“Not yet. But we will figure it out, and when we do, he’s going to die. Painfully.” He looked so fierce, she had to give in to a small smile.
“I’ll cheer when you get him.”
“Bloodthirsty mate.”
“Literally.” Nick paled. She must’ve said something wrong—shit. “I’m not a danger to you, or to anyone I care about. I could never hurt you, ever. Please believe me.”
“I do. It’s just hard for me to shut out what Carter put me through and move on.” He shook his head. “I believe you. In you. I just have to get past the mind fuck he left for me, and I’m going to do it.”
“That’s a good attitude, but don’t rush yourself,” she advised. “He put you through a terrible trauma. That’s not something a person just gets over, like they’re suffering from a cold.”
“Do vampires even get colds?”
“No, and quit trying to distract me while I’m lecturing you.” She frowned at him, and he laughed.
“I’d never presume. I’m looking forward to an eternity of listening to my beautiful mate.”
“Ha! You’ll listen, but will you heed what I say?”
He arched a black brow. “If it’s in our best interest as mates, yes. If I feel you’re clearly wrong, then no.”
“I see how this is going to be.” She sighed.
“That’s what you get for hooking up with the Alpha of the Alphas. You don’t buy steak expecting bologna.” His grin said he was very much enjoying their small bit of sparring.
“Good grief,” she murmured, rolling her eyes. She liked his teasing as well. “Get me out of here, please? If I have to rest, I’d rather do it in my own bed.”
“Anything for the princess.”
His tone when he said “princess” wasn’t mocking, but rather lightly teasing, so she let it pass. A short time later, she was released with strict instructions to rest for at least two days. Then Nick seated her in a wheelchair, over her strenuous protests, and rolled her to her chambers, where he lifted her into his arms and carried her to bed.
“I kind of like this part,” she told him, resting her head on his broad chest.
“Me, too. But next time I’ll be carrying you to bed for a much happier reason.”
The idea made her hot inside, flushed and feverish. She wanted him again. Couldn’t wait for him to claim her. She just hoped he allowed her to do the same, because if he didn’t—
