Page 26 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

Alex was high strung. Darius was the only one who kept smiling. I wasn’t surprised Knight had found us so easily. His werewolves controlled part of Whitechapel and were aware of anyone who came and went. Or should be.

“Ravenhill, Strange, Miss Harlowe.” Knight’s deep scar, running from his left ear to his chin, added a layer of menace to his persona.

“Knight.” Alex nodded. “We were just leaving. We went to the mortuary to take a look at the three men killed by a vampire.”

Shock flamed burgundy in Knight’s aura. “Was it a vampire?”

Alex cocked an eyebrow. “You had no idea. You found us quickly, yet none of your werewolves was aware of a vampire killing at will close to your territory.”

Knight’s shock turned into burnt orange shame. He regained his composure. “You can’t leave now. I need to show you something.” He flipped his fingers, signalling we had to follow him. His commanding tone didn’t escape Alex’s notice, who clenched his jaw.

“You don’t give me orders, Knight.” The tips of Alex’s fangs made an appearance.

“It’s urgent.” Knight’s tone became stern and left no room for argument.

But Alex might have a different opinion.

9

HIDDEN PAIN

Irene

Knight started walking, but Alex didn’t move to follow him.

I tugged at his hand. “The sooner we see what he wants, the sooner we can leave.”

Besides, we were very close to Knight’s territory. His commanding attitude was understandable, and Alex had never caused petty problems with the werewolves.

“Alex,” I whispered.

“Fine,” he gritted out.

We sped up to match Knight’s long strides. His long dark coat fluttered around his thick legs. He led us through narrow alleys smelling of rotten meat and humidity. Children in tattered clothes and dirty faces waved and cheered when they saw Knight. Judging by their amber eyes, they had to be werewolves.

One of them grabbed his leg and flashed a toothless smile. “Your Grace.” He talked with a lisp, and his aura spread a happy yellow light around.

Knight stroked the child’s head. “Is your father better?”

The child nodded and released the Moon Duke’s leg. “Thank you, sir.”

Knight returned the smile before proceeding. I watched the yellow and mauve aura of the child, sensing his absolute joy and admiration.

A yank on the bond caused me to jolt.

“What is it, Knight?” Alex nearly growled. “Where are you leading us?”

Knight glanced at us over his shoulder. “You know Miss Lucy Graves, don’t you? You visited her a few days ago.”

“Is she all right?” I held Alex’s arm more tightly.

He gave me a sweet, boyish smile, only for me. “I asked a physician to examine her,” Alex said, returning serious, “and I sent my footmen to bring her supplies, because she was starving, as is everyone in this bloody hole.”

Knight spun and came face-to-face with him. They stood a few inches apart. Before the deal with Carabosse, Alex would have leapt back at the closeness.

The tips of Knight’s canines appeared from underneath his upper lip.

“Are you accusing me of something, Ravenhill?”