“I am honored to meet you.”
“We shall see.” The storm gray eyes held a warning as she waved her hand toward the built-in bar. “I have refreshments. Or I can call for one of my sisters. There are a few who enjoy donating their blood to vampires.”
“No, thank you.” Nefri’s smile remained, but the sudden realization that Santiago might even now be at the throat of some willing Harpy jolted through her, exposing a raw emotion she hadn’t felt in centuries. Was that . . . jealousy? Good lord, she was losing her mind. “Where is my companion?”
The Harpy regarded her with a piercing intelligence. “He’s your property?”
Nefri paused to consider her answer. In Harpy society males were treated as possessions that were meant to be shared with the entire nest.
“He is under my protection,” she at last said. “And unavailable.”
“A pity.” A mysterious smile curved the woman’s lips. “We have several younglings about to enter their first mating heat.”
Nefri’s expression never altered, but she couldn’t control the frigid burst of power that made the overhead chandelier sway and at least one crystal vase shatter.
“A vampire can’t breed.”
Solaris arched a brow. “I’m aware of your reproduction deficiencies, which is why I encourage the young ones to choose a vampire for their first lover. They can have all the pleasure of mating without the concern of pregnancy. Most aren’t ready yet for motherhood.”
Oh no. Hell no.
Two more vases shattered.
“As I said, Santiago isn’t available.”
The Matron ignored the destruction of her expensive collection, her own power a steady pulse that could unleash a deadly barrage of fire.
“It’s not nice to be so selfish,” she chided Nefri. “Such a beautiful creature should be enjoyed by all.”
Don’t overreact, Nefri, she silently warned herself, the woman is only trying to provoke you.
“For now I have need of his skills.”
“Will you return him when you’re done with his”—deliberate pause—“skills?”
“No.”
“Ah.” Solaris gave an abrupt laugh. “Be careful, my sister. That one will not be easily trained.”
Trained? Santiago was a barbarian.
Not that his primitive passions didn’t have a certain appeal, she grudgingly conceded. In fact, she was beginning to think that a few hours of raw, untamed sex might just be what she needed to bring an end to her annoying fascination with the male vampire.
With a silent curse, she shoved Santiago to the back of her mind. Soon enough she would have to deal with her disturbing reaction to him. One way or another. But for now she needed to focus on the most immediate danger.
And the Matron was a danger, despite her gracious manner. One wrong answer and Nefri would go from being a guest to a prisoner.
Or a pile of ash.
Something she intended to avoid.
“Perhaps we should discuss the reason you’ve had me brought to your nest,” she suggested.
“Straight to the point?” Solaris shrugged. “Very well. I want to know why the vampires have declared war on us.”
Nefri was on instant, full alert. War? Was this a trick?
“I assure you the vampires have no desire for war with anyone, least of all the Harpies,” she cautiously addressed her companion.