“I knew we were being tracked and I assumed that you would follow Caine. I took off to save my own skin.”
“No, you took off to try and lead us away from Caine’s estate.” He deliberately paused. “And the child you are protecting.”
“If you already have it all figured out then why are you pestering me with your questions?” she gritted.
“Because I want to know why you would be willing to sacrifice your life for a child that isn’t yours.”
Tane watched the emotions ripple over the Jinn’s expressive face, annoyed by his unfamiliar fascination. Granted Laylah was a beautiful creature. Stunningly beautiful.
And she stirred his lust to a fever pitch he hadn’t enjoyed for centuries.
But, he had one purpose in following this female.
When he’d first entered the tunnels, he’d been chasing after Salvatore, King of Weres, and the aggravating gargoyle, Levet. They’d gone missing from a cabin in Hannibal and while he would be pleased-as-fucking-punch to let both of them die a miserable death, Styx had been clear he wanted a better relationship between Weres and vampires. And what the Anasso (leader of all vampires) wanted, he got.
So Tane had led Salvatore’s servants in pursuit of Caine and the mysterious demon who had kidnapped them, not surprised when the cur had abandoned his hostages and fled in the futile hope of avoiding his impending death. What had been surprising was the gargoyle’s insistence that the demon he had sensed was a Jinn half-breed.
Suddenly his simple rescue mission had turned into a hunt for the renegade demon. The Commission had a strict policy. Jinn mongrels were to be captured and turned over the moment they were found.
He had been designated to snag and tag the abomination.
Unfortunately, things had gone to hell from the moment he had charged in pursuit.
For two days he’d trailed behind her, ignoring the realization he could put an end to the chase any time he wanted. He told himself it was mere curiosity. Why was the female so determined to lead him away from Caine’s estate? It had to be something worth risking her life for.
But, curiosity couldn’t explain why he had been plagued with fantasies of having the female locked in his lair, sprawled across his bed with her dark eyes glowing with pleasure. Or why even now the thought of hauling her before the mighty Oracles who made up the Commission seemed a sin against nature.
His brooding glance swept over her delicate features. They were frighteningly familiar. As if they’d been seared into his mind.
It made it easy to notice that there was a growing pallor beneath her perfect skin and shadows beneath the midnight beauty of her eyes.
“I don’t have to tell you anything,” she was muttering, as stubborn as ever despite her growing weakness.
“What’s wrong with you?” he abruptly demanded.
“Nothing.”
“Don’t be an idiot,” he snapped, swiftly scooping her into his arms when her knees buckled. He choked back a groan as he was slammed by the delectable feminine heat and the scent of spring rain. Dammit. The female was going to be the death of him. “It’s obvious you’re unwell.”
She trembled, a thin sheen of sweat glistening on her brow. “I haven’t eaten in days.”
Barely aware he was moving, he carried her to the back of the cavern, gently settling her on the dirt floor before kneeling at her side.
Just like a regular Mary Poppins, he thought wryly.
Except he was a cold-hearted Charon. A vampire so ruthless he was feared by his own brothers.
“I thought Jinn absorbed their energy from their surroundings?”
Her eyes fluttered shut, her breathing shallow.
“As you’ve monotonously pointed out I’m a mongrel,” she husked. “I need food and rest.”
Against his will, Tane brushed his fingers over the smooth porcelain of her cheek, savoring the feel of her satin skin.
“Tell me about your parents.”
“No.”