"Abby is my true mate. She belongs to me and I would give my life to keep her safe." He regarded Viper with a far too knowing gaze. "Why do you risk yourself for the Shalott?"
Viper battled an unexpected surge of anger. He didn't want to explain his fascination for Shay. Not to Dante. Not to anyone.
Even himself.
"That is my business."
Dante paused as he easily sensed he had pressed Viper's temper as far as he dared. He gave the smallest bow of his head.
"As you wish." A hint of amusement returned to the silver eyes. "I will warn you that Abby will not be satisfied until she has assured herself that Shay is not being mistreated."
Viper gritted his teeth. He was the clan chief. A ruler who held the power over hundreds, no thousands, of vampires and lesser demons. But even he knew better than to try and argue with a woman.
"And how will she be satisfied?"
"She desires to have Shay spend a day with her."
"A day?"
Dante gave a helpless lift of his hands. "She was very specific that the visit be during the day."
"So I cannot interfere?"
"In part" A whimsical smile touched the younger vampire's lips. "But in truth I believe that Abby longs for the companionship of another woman. Despite being a goddess she is still human enough to long for hours shopping at the mall and gossiping over coffee."
Viper shuddered in horror. "By the blood of the saints, why?"
'That, old friend, is a question beyond vampire logic."
He gave an impatient shrug. Blood and bones. He didn't want to share Shay. Not with anyone. Unfortunately, he couldn't make himself forget the shadows deep in her eyes and her fierce determination to save her gargoyle.
She was lonely.
Deeply, heart wrenchingly lonely.
"I will extend Abby's invitation to Shay, whether or not she agrees is up to her."
Dante was swift to pounce on his casual words. "So she is not your slave?"
"She is my .. -guest."
"You knew she would be at the auction when you went there."
Viper's patience came to an abrupt end. If he were going to squabble the night away with someone, he intended it to be Shay.
That was the sort of squabbling a vampire could enjoy.
"I think it is time for you to return to your lovely mate."
Something very close to a smirk curled Dante's mouth. "She captured your attention and you sought her out. Well, well."
"Do not press your luck, my friend."
Dante held up his hands as, he gave a small laugh. "I am leaving."
"Good."
The smile vanished as Dante reached out to grasp his shoulder in a tight grip.