Cruz has already gone in through a side entrance with Moira’s invitation.Krishka and Akasha are nearby with the ward team.Aldron and Malichai stay hidden because their presence would announce war before we reach the lower level.
My job is simple.Stay with Briana, get her out if something goes wrong, and don’t lose control.That last part would be easier if she didn’t look like vengeance dressed in velvet.
We stop beneath the awning.
The vampire at the door wears a white suit and an empty smile.His pale gaze lands on Briana’s collar first.Then her face and recognition flickers.
Not of the woman but of the prey he thinks has returned.
“Well,” he says.“Someone found her way home.”
The bond flashes, ice-cold, through my veins.This time it’s not from me but from my mate.
I look down and watch Briana’s chin lift.Her pulse races, but her hand stays steady in mine.
“The door,” she says.
The vampire’s smile widens.“Still spirited.”
Her thumb brushes once over my hand.A warning.I stay still...Barely.
“She has an invitation,” I say.
His gaze slides to me.“And you are?”
Briana answers first.“My mate.”
The word hits the night like a ton of bricks, and the vampire goes still.So do I.
I knew she had accepted me.I knew she chose the bond.I felt it seal beneath my skin, felt her mark on my shoulder, felt her heartbeat settle beside mine.But hearing her say it here, in front of one of them, while wearing their false symbol of control around her throat?
My beast bows inside me.
The vampire’s eyes narrow.“Mate.”
“Yes,” Briana says.“Try to keep up.”
A sound rumbles in my chest.Pride.Possession.A little awe.
The vampire’s nostrils flare, probably catching my scent on her now.Not just around her.In her skin.In the bond.In the mark hidden beneath black velvet.And his expression tightens.
Perfect.Let him understand the girl they lost didn’t come back alone.
Briana removes the black envelope from her clutch and places it in his palm.She doesn’t let his fingers touch hers.
He breaks the seal and reads.“Briana.”
My hand tightens once, and she squeezes back.I loosen my grip immediately.
The vampire glances at our joined hands.“Lucius will be pleased.”
“No,” Briana says softly.“He won’t.”
The vampire opens the red door, and warm air spills out mixed with sweet smoke, blood, perfume, and fear.
Briana’s hand jolts in mine, and I step closer, not in front, not blocking, just enough that my shoulder brushes hers.
“I am here,” I say under my breath.
