“I do not care.”
She lifted a warning brow. “Victor.”
His jaw tightened, but with a muttered curse he turned to lead her down a narrow corridor to a door hidden by a cleverly woven enchantment.
“The carriage is waiting for us.”
Ignoring his cold disapproval, Juliet smiled wryly and followed him through the narrow tunnels that crisscrossed beneath the vast estate. Despite their intense connection, they were both strong-willed individuals who were destined to quarrel on occasion. And while she might not have much experience with being a mate, she did know that Victor’s natural arrogance would overwhelm a woman who did not have a stiff backbone.
“Good,” she said. “I need to return to Justin’s house before we go to the docks.”
“Why?”
“Because there is an amulet that might be helpful to us.”
He turned into another tunnel, this one with a flight of stairs at the end.
“What is its power?”
“It is capable of absorbing our scent.”
He paused at the base of the stairs, glancing over his shoulder in puzzlement.
“Forgive my ignorance, but how would that be helpful?”
She shrugged. “It can be divided and left in several tunnels, ensuring our scents are in many places instead of just one.”
The silver eyes flashed in appreciation. “Clever.”
“We shall see.” She grimaced. “First I must find the means to take the amulet without alerting Justin. It is one of his more valuable possessions.”
He turned to smoothly climb the carved stairs, pushing open the trapdoor at the top.
“You have no need to fear Hawthorne.”
Juliet gritted her teeth as she hurried to catch up with her aggravating mate, not surprised when she stepped directly into the stables. Vampires delighted in being able to travel from place to place without fear of sunlight.
“Victor?”
He inspected the sleek black carriage that was already attached to a pair of restless black steeds.
“Yes, little one?”
“You are feeling remarkably smug,” she accused. “What have you done to Justin?”
He turned to meet her frown, casually leaning against the back of the carriage.
“Hawthorne arrived at the front door demanding to see you.”
She shook her head, not surprised by Justin’s brazen stupidity. Indeed, she had expected him to arrive hours ago. Not out of any love for her, but out of sheer greed. And, of course, a petty refusal to allow Victor to steal what he considered to be his personal property.
“Is he…”
“Dead? No, but he was foolish enough to threaten Uriel with a nasty spell.” A cruel smile touched his lips. “My servant decided the intruder was in need of a lesson in manners.”
A chill inched down her spine. “I do not think I want to know.”
“He will survive.” With a sudden motion, Victor straightened and opened the door to the carriage. “Which is more than he deserves.”