His expression was cold, aloof. Giving nothing away.
"They must answer to me."
"Are they your employees?"
"Employees?" The word sounded awkward on his tongue. "No. They owe me their fealty."
"Fealty. You mean like serfs?" Darcy gave a short laugh. "Isn't that a little medieval?"
A hint of impatience touched his beautiful features. "The Weres are beneath the laws of the vampires, and as the leader of the vampires they must obey me."
She blinked. If he was crazy, he at least made sure he was the head lunatic. A madman with ambition.
"So you're what? King of the vampires?"
"I am the master, the Anasso," he retorted with a smooth pride.
Darcy felt her lips quiver. She couldn't help it. There was something about such sheer, unmitigated arrogance that always struck her as funny.
Of course, most things in life struck her as funny.
She had discovered long ago that if she didn't laugh at the world and all its follies, then she would drown in bitterness.
"Wow." She widened her eyes. "Mr. Big Shot."
His expression remained unreadable, but the dark eyes seemed to flash with . . . something.
"Mr. Big Shot? That is a human term for leader?"
Darcy frowned. "You don't get out in the world much, do you?"
Styx shrugged. "More than I wish to."
"Actually, it doesn't really matter." She gave a faint shake of her head. She was glad that she wasn't the hysterical sort, but then again it was probably not the smartest thing to sit here chitchatting with the king of vampires. Or crazed lunatic. Whichever the case may be. "I've told you that I know nothing of this Salvatore. I certainly don't know anything about werewolves. I don't even believe in them. Now if you don't mind, I really need to get home."
"I fear I cannot allow that."
Her breath caught at the stark denial. "What do you mean?"
"Salvatore has gone to a great effort to track you down."
"I've told you, I can't help. I don't have any idea why he would be following me."
"Perhaps not, but your presence will still prove to be a benefit."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
His gaze remained steady. "I believe that Salvatore wants you badly enough to negotiate for your release."
Stupidly it took a moment for Darcy to understand what he intended. Perhaps because she hadn't seen it coming. Or, more likely, because she just didn't want to believe he would really be that coldhearted.
She preferred to think the best of people. Even if they did happen to be blood-sucking monsters.
Go figure.
"You . . ." She licked her lips, not missing the way his gaze watched the movement with a dark intensity.
Unfortunately, she wasn't sure if he was thinking of sex or dinner. "You intend to hold me against my will and then negotiate to hand me over to the Weres?"