The adrenaline in my veins races as my mind reels with possibilities, weighing each option carefully before discarding or deciding to put it into play.
I feel the evil of their souls before I see the sunken yellow eyes of any of the mangy shifters. But the shaggy grey wolves come out into the street from all directions, snarling, gums laid back and teeth bared. All of a sudden, it’s like it was with Lucasthat night. All the rogues are coming at us from every direction, ready to pounce and tear us to shreds. They’ve surrounded us, in a perfect circle.
The past rushes back, colliding with the present in a sea of tumultuous waves, emotions crashing over me all at once. I try my best to focus, but a force is trying to steal every ounce of willpower I possess. “Fuck you, Devora,” I scream, pulling out my sword and spinning while wielding it majestically in the air. “Hold your ground vampires, witches rise,” I yell into the wind.
The minute the shifters are exactly where I want them, I spray the ground with a rain of red flaming heat, round and round until there is nowhere for them to go. “Vampires rise!” I yell, as they shoot into the air far above the floundering and pouncing shifters as the flames flick high into the sky, sealing them off and drowning them quickly in a deadly ring of fire.
I feel him closing in on me before I see the arrogant vampire lord. “You shouldn’t sneak up on me like that. I may run you in with my sword one day.”
He closes the distance and, in the light coming off the fire I can see that upturned curve of his lips. “You wouldn’t dare,” he says, grasping me by the waist and lifting me into the air.
I look down at him. “I love you so much, vampire.”
Corvinus lowers me with the strength of his powerful arms, but keeps me suspended in the air, seconds from touching his lips. “I love you too. You’re mine for an eternity now. I’ll never let you go, Embry.”
A tear leaks from my eye. “I’ve always wanted to be loved so fiercely, so completely.”
“Looks like we’ll invite destiny to the party when I make you mine officially.”
I laugh. “She is a devious one. Who knows what tricks she’ll get up to if invited? Maybe Lucianna can point her in someone else’s direction. The nosy little matchmaker.”
He lets me slide down the length of his hardened body, and I sure as hell don’t miss the bulge of his cock, as always, ready to play. But the sound of Descallia clearing his throat puts us on point and we both look at our fearless leader at the very same time.
“That was exceptional work, Embry. I hardly expected Devora to have another surprise waiting for us after what she pulled inside, but she is a sneaky little witch. If you have time tomorrow, I’d like to go over the parts of the shadow books that most interest you, and have you explain the history of your powers, what you see happening with them in the future, and a few other things. Corvinus, if you don’t mind I’d prefer that we do it alone.”
Corvinus looks at me and then at Descallia. At first, I think he’s going to refuse our leader, but he doesn’t. “Not at all. I have business to attend and will be gone at first dark.”
Descallia nods. “Very good. We’ll see you tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ll call the masters and let them know what’s occurred, just in case they have disruption in their regions.”
Corvinus shakes his head. “Not necessary. I’ve already alerted each of the regional masters, and each of the lords for said region. They’ve all been informed to keep a watchful eye in case Devora and her witches decide to cause trouble elsewhere tonight.”
Descallia smiles. “Thank you, Corvinus.”
“Most welcome. Now, if you will all excuse us. I am taking Embry home for a little celebration of all that she’s accomplished today,” he says, scooping me into his arms and transporting me away.
Chapter 28
Corvinus
It’s late by the time I get home. She watches my gaze shift down the length of her short silky robe, as she takes a sip from her glass of wine. “Good day, vampire?”
I tug on my tie and watch the little pulse on the side of her neck beat with approval. “It was a full one. Descallia called me after he met with you. Told me he needed to make sure you were good with the relationship, everything was above board, no concerns, the normal things we expected to be on his mind.”
She nods. “He really does care. Don’t ever tell him I told you this, but he was all like in father mode. It was endearing to say the least. Of course, I told him you forced me to do wicked things to you, spanked my ass, and all kinds of kinky shit that I’d never even heard of. He seemed to handle it well.”
I close the distance while unbuttoning the top button of my shirt. “You told him those things huh? Did you also tell him that I did a hell of a lot more than that and would do it again in a heartbeat?”
Embry laughs, a sexy throaty laugh, the one she saves just for me. “Not at all, vampire. I was just kidding. He didn’t wantdetails. Just wanted to make sure we were okay, and that I wasn’t compromised by your position.” She shrugs. “It’s his job.”
I nod. “Apparently, the new vampire court we’re creating is intended to help with some of the overlap between masters, lords, and their mates who want to be more involved in programs that help us and the community.
“Descallia said that if we’re officially mated in the eyes of the vampire community, and both part of the vampire court, meaning the circle responsible for oversight along with the consulate, it doesn’t matter if there is a reporting connection.
“Whatever you and Lucianna want to work on, you can, because the vampire court has a clearing process with the masters of the consulate. All the masters get a say. Taylen has the same issue. She wanted to be part of the warriors, and Slobozia had to step into a different role to allow it. Now, he can do what he loves, and she can as well. Assuming you’ll be keeping her in the group.”
Embry gasps. “Taylen and I actually talked this morning. She is so excited about the entire vibe of the warriors, and you know as well as all the masters and lords that she knows how to fight. She’ll show everyone just how talented she is when we get her to the skills section.”
My eyebrow arches. “You’re planning to keep that?”
