Lost in thought, Sebastian barely had time before the familiar prickle of warning raced over his skin In one sweeping motion he had reached beneath his jacket to remove the deadly dagger and turned to confront the golden-haired vampire regarding him with mocking disdain.
"So very touching, Sebastian."
"Drake."
Taking a step closer, the vampire allowed his icy gaze to flick over Sebastian.
"You know, you are an insult to all vampires," he drawled. "'Tis embarrassing enough that you do not feast upon such a delectable morsel, but to actually turn aside her obvious desire to be ravished is shameful."
Sebastian lifted the dagger before swiftly regaining his composure. No. He could not allow himself to be goaded. He needed his wits sharply clear. This vampire was a traitor. And perhaps was in league with the deadly attacker who had so readily used forbidden methods. One moment of distraction and he might be destroyed.
Leaving Amelia alone to face the desperate renegade.
An unbearable thought.
"Thankfully, the majority of vampires have gained command of their more savage impulses,"
he retorted in cold tones.
Drake gave a rasping laugh. "Fah. They have become spineless eunuchs."
"You believe scavenging in dark alleys like an animal is a superior existence?"
The overly pretty features abruptly hardened at Sebastian's well-aimed thrust.
"Scavenging? You fool. I have been gaining power. Powers that are a vampire's right. Would you care for a taste of my newfound strength?"
Sebastian shrugged a shoulder. "You do not frighten me, Drake."
"That is because you do not know what you face." A hard smile touched the thin lips. "Soon enough you will be eager to join me."
Drake's decided edge of smugness made Sebastian Abruptly still. He had always been arrogant and certain of his superiority over all. But Sebastian sensed that now it was more than mere arrogance.
He slowly narrowed his gaze. "Because of the mysterious renegade who assists you?"
Abruptly realizing that he had perhaps given more away than he had intended, Drake determinedly returned the sneer to his face. That in itself was enough to convince Sebastian that the vampire was well aware of the mysterious assailant.
"I need no assistance. Certainly not to overcome one of your pathetic abilities."
So, he wished to deny the connection. Perhaps there was something here that he could use to his advantage.
With an effort, Sebastian managed a faint smile. "Clearly your cohort is not so confident in your glorious powers. He attempted to take matters into his own hands."
Drake could not hide his shock. "You were attacked?"
"Yes. Perhaps you should keep a closer leash upon the villain if you wish to be the one to better me."
It took a moment before Drake was turning away to hide his expression. "Perhaps your brothers have come to the same conclusion as myself and have decided you are an appalling specimen for a vampire."
"Or perhaps your fellow traitor has decided he does not desire to share the powers of the Medallion."
With a growl, Drake whirled back to face Sebastian with deadly anger. "I should kill you now."
Sebastian held the dagger ready. "You are welcome to try."
"You believe that absurd dagger will save you?"
"We shall soon discover," Sebastian retorted with grim determination.