“King Raphael isn’t treacherous,” I cut in. “He’s a worthy guy. Don’t you want to know the other side of the story?”
She nibbles on her lower lip, frowning. “Are you here to take me to your king?”
“No, my instructions are different. I’m here to escort you to see your mother.”
SOPHIE
I was ready to bolt, but Mauricio’s words get my undivided attention. How can he take me to see my mother? There’s only one explanation—Queen Tatiana isn’t ill like my father told me. She’s been captured by the usurper king.
“What has he done to her?” I grit out, not hiding my aggression.
Why are you protective of a female who gave you up and not once acknowledged that you were her daughter, Sophie?
“Nothing bad, I promise.”
Footsteps approach from behind, putting me on high alert. Someone else is coming—a vampire male. I pivot on the spot. “This is a trap.”
Vaughn turns as well, and he’s tense too. At least he’s just as surprised as I am.
“This isn’t a trap,” a smooth voice replies before he emerges from the shadows.
A tall male with tanned skin and green eyes materializes in front of us wearing a sharp dark suit that’s at odds with the woodsy area. He looks familiar, but I can’t place him.
“Derek? What are you doing here?” Vaughn asks, relaxing his stance.
“I’m your ride.”
Derek… Where have I heard that name before?
“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I say.
Vaughn touches my arm. “It’s all right, Sophie. Derek won’t hurt you.”
His eyes are sincere, but in the short time I’ve spent with Vaughn, I learned he’s naive to a fault.
I look at Derek. “Where are you keeping my mother?”
“She’s in her residence. Didn’t your father tell you when you woke from hibernation?” Derek narrows his eyes, studying me.
“What my father told me is none of your business. I don’t even know who you are.”
“I’m Derek Blackwater, the owner of Havoc. Surely you’ve heard of my club?” The hint of a smile appears on his lips. He’s amused at my expense, and I don’t like it.
“Yes, it was mentioned to me a couple of times. I haven’t visited your establishment yet.”
“I’m not surprised considering your father kept you hidden all these years. Iamastonished that he allowed you to live on your own.”
This guy knows too much about my family. I doubt he’s only a club owner. I don’t trust him at all.
“Were you the one who hired the warlock to help us escape Larsson’s crew?” Vaughn asks.
Derek switches his attention to Vaughn, allowing me to breathe more freely without the weight of his scrutinizing stare.It’s almost like he can read my thoughts, but surely that’s impossible.
“Yes, and it wasn’t cheap,” Derek replies. “I don’t know what you two did to piss off Larsson, but I wouldn’t step foot in his territory for a long time, if ever again.”
“We weren’t planning to,” I blurt out, and it’s only when Derek arches a brow and smirks that I realize I said “we” as if Vaughn and I are together.
I feel myself blush, and I’m glad it’s dark. Hopefully, Vaughn doesn’t notice.
