It was at least a convenient excuse.
"I am not holding her captive for my pleasure."
"That doesn't mean you can't enjoy her presence. You have no need to live the life of a monk any longer. Why not take advantage of the situation?"
Styx's entire body hardened at the mere thought of giving in to raw lust. By the gods, he wanted to take advantage.
Warm female flesh. Fresh, innocent blood. Oh yes.
"She is only beneath my roof so that I can bargain with Salvatore," he said sharply, more to remind himself than Viper. "She will soon be gone."
Viper studied him with narrowed eyes. "What if the Weres intend to harm her? Will you still hand her over?"
That question!
That ridiculous, annoying question!
"Would you have me risk war with the Weres for a mere woman?" he said in a frigid tone.
Viper gave a short laugh. "Styx, I was willing to risk the entire race of vampires to save Shay."
That was true enough. Styx had nearly killed both Viper and Shay. "But she was your mate. You loved her."
"I still believe that some sacrifices are too great to be made."
Styx ignored the odd tightness in his chest. He didn't want to know what it might mean.
"This woman means nothing to us."
Viper looked annoyingly unconvinced. "It is your decision to make, Styx. You are our leader."
Styx grimaced. "A highly overrated position, I assure you."
Viper gave his shoulder a squeeze. "Don't allow yourself to be rushed into a decision, my friend. The Weres are troublesome, but we can keep them in check while you discover what they want of her. There is no use bargaining with Salvatore until you know precisely what your chips are worth."
Styx slowly nodded. It made sense. If he could discover what Salvatore wanted with Darcy, then he might be able to avoid negotiations altogether.
If he wanted her bad enough, the Were would have to give in to whatever demands Styx might make.
"Wise counsel."
"I do have my moments."
"Yes, as brief and fleeting as they may be."
Viper took an abrupt step backward, his eyes wide. "Was that a joke?"
"I have my moments as well," Styx murmured, heading toward the door. He had been away from the estate long enough. He paused at the door to shoot his friend a warning glance. "I will tolerate the gargoyle as long as he does not trouble Darcy. If he so much as makes her frown, he will find himself on the streets, if not worse." With his threat delivered, Styx walked out of the office, but not before he witnessed the slow, utterly inexplicable smile that curved Viper's lips.
Chapter Four
Styx returned to the dark burgundy Jag parked in the back alley.
He had no fear of walking the dark streets, no matter what the time. There were few things stupid enough to attack a master vampire. Not unless they possessed a death wish.
Turning into the alley, he came to a halt. With a smooth motion he pulled the two daggers from his boots and scanned the darkness.
Even over the stench of garbage and human waste he could detect the unmistakable scent of Were.