AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Can I drive?” Eloise bounces on the balls of her feet, her hands clasped in front of her, pushing her breasts enough to tease me with the V-neck. I thread my fingers into her hair, gripping her tight and tilting her head back.
“If you are a good girl, I will let you drive us home.”
Arousal, bright and hot, radiates down our bond as Eloise’s cheeks pinken and her breathing quickens. Her eyes are wide and hold mine as I tilt my face towards her and nip her plump lower lip with a fang and capture the bead of blood that wells up with the tip of my tongue.
“Can you do that for me, little lamb?” I ask, my tone more serious. The urge to drive her home and lock her in my—ourbedroom claws at my insides. “You have to follow any command I give you.”
She swallows hard, her lips pressing together in a firm line as the fires of determination brighten her whiskey brown eyes. “I can.” Her need to see this through resonates to me and I press a kiss to her forehead.
Only for Eloise will I temper my jagged edges.
I take her hand again, leading her to my WRX. Ashe gave me so much shit for getting one, letting me know exactly what most humans think of those who buy them. But unlike many human street racers, this vehicle is purely for its functionality.
And I like how it looks.
Helping my mate in, I crouch beside her and reach for the racing harness, making her giggle.
She tries to take the strap from me, saying, “I can buckle myself.”
I nudged her hand away. “I know that, ma belle lionne. I enjoy taking care of you.”
She doesn’t say anything as I finish up, tightening the straps until I’m satisfied. Warmth fills both of our chests and I cup her chin, running my thumb over her lips.
I pull away, shutting the door and moving to the driver’s side before I can give into the temptation of her lips.
With swift efficiency, I secure my own harness and turn the key over, the car humming to life. Pushing in the clutch, I check the mirrors and catch Eloise looking at me with a smirk.
“Yes?” I shift into gear and we head out of the garage, the door closing behind us.
“I’m just thinking about how much you liked strapping me in,” she says, her voice husky. Amusement ripples from her, but I scent her arousal.
“Naughty,” I tease, squeezing her thigh before returning my hand to the gear shaft. “Behave yourself and I might just tie you down and have my wicked way with you.”
One day, I will need to take her to Lush. One of the private rooms. But something tells me my little lamb will enjoy the experience.
“Fine,” Eloise huffs and settles into her seat. Then she sends me another taunting look. “I know old people drive slow, but really, sire?”
I growl playfully before pressing on the gas, shifting into a higher gear and launching us forward. Eloise squeals with delight, and I laugh as I turn, hugging the sharp corner. If I can’t make my mate scream with pleasure before this meeting, I’m more than happy to have her scream with delight as I discover just how much she enjoys fast cars.
* * *
To assuageMr. Garner’s paranoia, I’ve agreed to meet with him in Newgate at a location of his choice. He will believe himself in control, and I will maintain that illusion until it is time to rip it out from under him. He’d only sent the location two hours before we left, as if that would leave me little time to prepare.
Considering the meeting is supposed to be only the two of us, I gave no objection. Besides, Lan had done his job well. Lan had harried the young upstart all across the city except for three specific areas to create a false sense of security in Michael. The fool had played right into our hand, and picked a warehouse near the river on the north side of Newgate.
Michael will not be foolish enough to arrive without some sort of concealed security, just as I will have my trusted men around the building in spots of their preference. Malachi will blend with the shadows in the eves, Lan will be on the rooftop of a building one street away with sightlines into the open warehouse, Ashe and Eris will be in an SUV staying on the move and waiting for my call.
If Garner wants to survive tonight with his rising political career intact, he will bend to the superior power.
Eloise’s nerves flare as we walk towards the building’s open bay door. I take her hand in mine, threading our fingers together, and tug her to a stop. She looks up at me, one side of her lower lip caught between her teeth.
“All will be well, ma lionne,” I say before leaning to rest my forehead against hers, my eyes closing briefly. I inhale her, wrapping myself in her scent, in her very being. “I have promised you justice and it will be done, one way or another.”
She squeezes my hand, and I admire the strength in them despite my hand nearly engulfing hers. Her nerves lessen, but do not disappear entirely, although along with her anxiety I feel her strength and fortitude.
“Let’s do this,” she says, and I step away but don’t drop her hand.
As we approach the modern warehouse, made of wood and stone and tiered roof with ceiling windows, I cast my senses out. When I was first turned, I couldn’t sense who was in the room beside mine, but now my power has grown enough that I can seek out living creatures in a three-mile radius. Kasar can sense up to five miles, but he’s honed that skill as he’s become my most lethal enforcer. Each of my vampires are in place, and the few supernaturals I sense flee when my mind brushes against theirs. There are mortals in place around the warehouse, which I’m not surprised. I do think it’s strange that Garner has only hidden away human guards.
