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I let out a noise of protest.

Beau seems to agree. I can feel his frantic energy

Kian growls louder, and suddenly, he grabs Beau’s jaw and squeezes. The crack of bone slips past the fog in my brain. The vampire hisses in pain. His fangs slide out of my skin, and he jerks back. As soon as he releases me, I slump into Kian’s arms.

I stare at my bloody wrist, my senses sharply returning to me.

Beau touches his jaw. He manipulates it and glares at Kian. “That was unnecessary.”

“Her heartbeat,” Kian snaps.

My head hurts, and trying to track their conversation is making it worse. “You⁠—”

“It’s the venom in our fangs.” Beau gives me a pitying look. “Better that our prey enjoys it, don’t you think?”

I’m still leaning heavily on the wolf shifter at my back, but I don’t bother telling him I already know.

Beau covers my wrist, and hot healing magic—at total odds with his ice-cold skin—slides into me. The bite knits itself together, leaving just a bloody echo.

Kian hasn’t released me. I glance back to find his expression stormy, and his fingers tighten on my hips. If anything, he seems less in control now. His wolf is right at the surface, peering back at me.

I cover his hand with mine. “I’m okay,” I assure him, then step away. My vision flickers, and my head swims.

He lifts me off my feet in an instant, and I squeeze my eyes shut. He sets me down on the couch, facing off against Beau. “Was it worth it, bloodsucker?”

“Quite.”

Something cool presses into my hand, and I open my eyes. A box of juice with a bendy straw is now in my weak grip.

Kian perches beside me and helps me raise it to my lips.

I swallow the sugary liquid. My mouth is unusually dry, and my magic flickers dimly under my ribs.

“Your magic is exquisite.” Beau takes a seat across from us, his attention fixed on me. “I haven’t tasted anything like it in centuries.”

Kian eyes me.

“Um… solid genetics?” I don’t know what to say beyond that.

Beau appraises us. He shakes his head, like my excuse is the dumbest thing he’s heard. “Your magic is being suppressed. Blood can’t hide it, and magical genetics can’t be tasted like that. It’s clear you don’t know how strong you could be.”

“Suppressed?” I shake my head. “No. By what?”

I’ve never heard of such a thing.

The vampire pulls a handkerchief from his pocket and dabs at the corner of his mouth. “That is a matter to be discussed at an earlier hour. Now is the time to experience Vegas, Ms. Somnium.”

Kian and I exchange a glance. I’m not sure whether I can trust either of them, but Kian at least seems to be an ally here. Our request was rather simple—we wanted to explore Vegas. Well, I wanted to do that. I’m pretty sure Kian’s plan was to indulge me for a day before dragging me back into his pack’s territory, then force me to help him.

A little give and take, I suppose…

Beau straightens his suit and licks the last drop of blood from his thumb. “You’ll see a side of Vegas you’ll have never seen on your own. I can promise you that.”

I perk up.

Kian grimaces. “Is it safe?”

“If you stay with me, yes.”