Page 216 of Vameer

“Brother.” Volik gestures to the shifter. “This is Orion, Alpha of the Argus wolf pack.

This is my brother, Vameer. And his mate, Rune.”

I nod to the wolf. “A friend to my brother is a friend to me.”

“Appreciate that.” He turns to Rune. “Pleasure to meet you.”

I drape my arm over Rune’s shoulders, holding her to me.

She doesn’t try to move, but I can hear her smile. “Likewise. And I know this is under bad circumstances, but seeing the whole wolf thing was really cool.”

“Okay,” I say loudly, bringing the topic back around.

And as we explain the few details we have to Dread, Nix comes back outside.

“I’ll call my journalist friend.” Nix offers. And we all agree. This is not going to be swept under the rug.

We’ll do what we need to do to get that pup back. But we won’t shy away from any of the details. Anyone associated with the kidnapping of an Alt, especially a child, will pay.

“I’m coming with you. But only me.” Orion says it like we might argue. “We know this is a trap, but there’s a possibility the trap is to get us out of the way so they can attack somewhere else. And I won’t take any of my wolves away from my border.” He waits for an objection that does not come.

“It’s settled.” I turn to Rune. “You and Nix will remain here.”

Chapter 125

Rune

“Ilove you, Honey.” I press my palm to Vameer’s cheek. “Come back unharmed.”

“I love you, Prinsessa.” He turns his face and presses a kiss to my palm. Then he smirks as he bites down.

Heat flows through my body as he swallows what’s his. Revving his powers.

Vameer pulls his fangs free and licks his lips. “I will always come home to My Heart. Do not worry.” He presses his mouth to mine.

I grip his robe and hold him close.

There’s no use in arguing.

They’re leaving with Dread to track down the Bastard King. And then they’ll bring the fight to him.

Vameer is dressed in a new set of clothing with his sword strapped to his side and his robe open over his clothes. But still barefoot because there were no shoes in the crate.

I was happy when he chose the dark red over the black. Since I now have a matching robe still slung over my arm.

I release my hold, and Vameer straightens. “Do not worry.”

He reaches his right arm across his body. But instead of touching the hilt of his sword like I expect him to, he traces a fingertip over the heart bracelet he’s worn since he first woke.

This vampire of mine.

His obsession with me just adds to my obsession with him.

I hold my hands in the shape of a heart over my chest.

The edge of Vameer’s mouth pulls up, and then my heart thuds an extra beat.

Just one.