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He turned, pulling her in his arms. His lips brushed against hers and whispers in French filled the space. The interpretation in Tessa’s mind left their conversation as clear as day to me.
“I love you. Don’t be upset with me, ma minette. It had to be said.”
“It’s said. Never again does it have to be repeated. We love each other. He knows that.”
“I know, but I still have to make my feelings clear. We may not be bonded anymore, but that changes nothing. You will always be mine.”
“Always,” she said, lower. “The fact that I can even have this conversation with you in a language foreign to me proves that. The bond we shared may be no more, but the effects will last forever. All that you are is imprinted in me. Hunter will love you, because I do. And you will love him, because you love me. This will be a beautiful joining, and stronger because of our trials.”
Her hand rose and she traced down his cheek with her fingertips. The kiss that followed from him was deep and I didn’t miss the way he clutched to her.
“I will have you tonight. If.” He paused. “Can you … be with me yet? Here,” he said, moving his finger to her temple. “You’re unsure.”
Tessa’s confliction ate at me, just as it did her. I felt her sadness and confusion.
“You want me after what I did?”
“After what I did?” he corrected. “This is my fault. Everything that has happened after my decision to tie with Aetas is my doing. I don’t blame you, nor do I look at you any differently for your actions. I know your heart. It’s here, inside of me. You love me and I love you. That’s the end of it. Let it go. I already have.”
Prickling stabbed at my skin and my head whipped to the side. “We have to go,” I cut in. “Something’s not right.”
“Everything is fine.” Marko spoke to me, but still faced Tessa. “What you feel is Niko. He’s detected us. He’s coming.”
Coming? All I could do was nod as I pushed Tessa’s emotions far away. I was expected to take charge of this member. The vampire could probably end my life in seconds if he wanted, and yet I had to order him from the place he called home. I could do it. I knew the words and authority would come, but could I back them up if it came down to it?
I wasn’t so sure.
“Hunter, step closer.”
I obeyed, still trying to focus. When Marko grabbed my hand, I couldn’t help but look down at the connection. The warmth emanating from his touch crept up my arm, branching out into my chest as it took me over. My pulse was increasing and sweat began to coat my skin as his power filtered through. “I need you to see, nothing will change unless you believe. Feel your source—you’re path, as I do. Feel your greatness as only I can.”
His grip tightened and the electricity that followed jolted my body rigid. Air gushed from my mouth, devoid of tone. It was meant to be a yell, but I was incapable and it was all because of Marko.
Flashes blinded me. Vivid colors swirled and I could see myself panting as I glared ahead … right into Marko’s eyes. It was of our first meeting after my change. I was going wild, tearing at the invisible shield. My power surged, building and growing as I went crazy to get to him. Even then, as Marko, I could feel it.
Time drew out, and still I increased. Outside of the memorial, my aura hovered through the air like a heavy fog. It mingled with Marko’s and I could feel how the vampire tested it against his own.
“Don’t fucking threaten me. Who the hell do you think I am?”
My early anger sent a tidal wave sweeping over Marko’s skin. He was so sensitive now. He picked up everything and I almost couldn’t believe that it had come from me.
The room warped and I suddenly saw the memory of a man I knew had to be Nico. His light brown hair was short and his piercing blue eyes were so close to my own light color. Marko was staring him down and I could feel their anger toward each other, but there was only one thing I cared about above all. Marko was testing him, just as he’d done with me, and even now with as young as I was, I knew I surpassed him. It didn’t seem possible for the lack of skills I seemed to possess.
“Aetas’ blood mixes well with those who are below him, but his biggest mistake was tainting the source. There is no future to rule,” Marko said, dropping my hand and bringing me back. “We are already there. Now face the truth. Take charge and tell him to go. Make him by any means you feel is necessary. This is all you.”
The heaviness of the member grew closer, but I didn’t wait for him to appear on his own. My core was on fire, coming to life inside of me as I searched out the male who was made to serve me. Marko was right. I couldn’t wait for this to come on its own. It was there and I’d force it to me, just as I planned to do to the member.
Instinct.
There was no room for humanity in the height of war. It was lead or follow—fight or die. Fuck not having a voice in this disaster we were facing. This city was technically mine and it was overtaken. I had the say on what happened to it.
My power burst from my body, seeking out my target. The moment our powers clashed, a shockwave took my breath away. I could feel his location. Feel how he was momentarily stunned as I drew him in to me. I had control. Only me as his tall frame stumbled forward. Vibrations of thoughts left my hold shaky, but I refused to be weak. More, I lured him in against his will, holding to our connection tightly.
“You don’t belong here.” My voice was deep as I closed the distance between us. “This is my city and I’m ordering you to leave. Do you hear me?”
A strangled sound left him and I dropped the web I had invisibly woven. When he didn’t answer, my hand locked around his throat. Anger, it was all I knew. Reality of our world was beginning to sink in as my true self tore through the confines of my newborn status. The change was still so fresh that the buffer kept me only focused on Tessa—my mate. She’d be taken or end up dead if I didn’t do as Marko said and break through the restraints of my condition.
War. War. War.
