Uriel clenched his hands. Had Victor become a mind reader?
Damn. Talk about disturbing.
“I logically understand that she was more than likely a victim,” he said stiffly. “A Jinn wouldn’t hesitate to rape and impregnate a helpless female.” His hand instinctively lifted to rub the scar that was directly over his unbeating heart. “Bastards.”
“But?” Victor prompted.
With a restless motion, Uriel turned on his heel and paced toward the window that overlooked the manicured parkland. He could easily sense the dozen vampires who patrolled the grounds, as well as the vast series of tunnels that ran beneath the estate. Closer at hand he could detect Juliet, Victor’s mate, and in the private quarters the fairies who happily provided dinner (and whatever else might be desired) for many of the warriors.
Including the exquisite fairy that was supposed to be on his menu.
“But I would rather return to our hunt for the Sylvermyst,” he said between gritted teeth.
Victor remained silent a long moment, then he moved to stand at Uriel’s side, his gaze boring into Uriel’s profile with a tangible force.
“I have never pressed you to share what happened in your battle with the Jinn, even when I eventually realized that you had been . . . altered by the encounter,” he said, politely referring to Uriel’s sharp surge in power. A vampire gained his full strength within the first few decades of his transformation. It was unheard of for one to acquire a master level after centuries of life. “I think it’s time you shared.”
“And if I choose not to?”
“I won’t force you.”
Uriel unclenched his jaw, accepting the inevitable.
He’d known from the minute Tane had arrived in London with his half-breed Jinn that the truth would have to come out.
Fate was too much a pain in the ass not to interfere . . . again.
“It’s not much of a story,” he said, reluctant to start. Not only because he had done his best to block out the painful memories, but because Victor was not going to be pleased.