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Still, there were rules, which varied from syndicate to syndicate. Per Maritime Syndicate tradition, you were allowed two silver weapons. Also, a challenge was fought bare-chested. It provided a clear view of the target—the area over the heart—and proved you weren’t wearing protective gear. Most of us opted to fight barefoot as well, for balance and better awareness of our surroundings.
Finally, no one could aid the combatants in any way. It was the seconds’ task to ensure that.
Prosper stripped off everything but his pants, handing his T-shirt, shoes and socks to Matthew. I removed my shoes and socks and gave them to Cain.
I sought out Twilight for one last look. In the dimly lit ballroom, she stood out like a vibrant star, her inky hair smoothed back from her stunning oval face into an intricate braid, her slender form clad in a cream-colored henley and shimmering silver jeans.
My heart fisted in my chest.
She was air. The blood in my veins. My own personal goddess.
Of course, she was my mate.
I was an idiot not to have realized it before now. But I’d been too blinded by what was expected of me—mate with a vampire, preferably a princess like Zoe Tremblay—to recognize my mate when she was literally standing in front of me.
Twilight winked at me. “Kick some ass,” she mouthed.
I was still reeling, but I felt the corners of my lips tug up. Yeah, this was the woman for me.
Talon held out the box with my daggers. Dragging my gaze from Twilight, I selected one and turned back to where Prosper waited, dagger in hand.
The vampires fell silent. We ritually touched the blades together. In the hush, the quiet clink sounded unnaturally loud.
I took a last look at Twilight and drew a breath, centering myself. Reminding myself one last time what the stakes were.
Prosper raised a sardonic brow. “I see you’ve recovered.”
“Disappointed?” I returned.
“I didn’t have anything to do with it, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“But you know who did?”
He moved a shoulder noncommittally. “I have an idea, yes.”
“Ready?” Talon asked us.
“Yes,” I replied, my gaze on Prosper.
I extended my fangs, allowing my vampire full rein. All my senses sharpened—my hearing, my sense of smell, my sense of touch, and most of all, my vision.
The lieutenant bared sharp white fangs, his irises shining blue. “Yes.”
With my senses cranked up, I caught helpful nuances. His heart rate had increased and he was breathing harder than he should’ve been.
My lips pulled back in a feral smile. He wasn’t as confident as he wanted me to think.
Matthew raised a hand over our heads, then slashed it down. “The challenge for primus has commenced!”
27
TWILIGHT
The other vampires eyed me with varying degrees of anger and dislike. I’d invaded the inner sanctum—a mere thrall—and they weren’t happy.
I let a slight smile curve my lips.
Up yours, bloodsuckers. I’m here, and I’m staying.
