But Lynn wasn’t laughing. In fact, her scowl caught Connell’s attention.
“What’s the worry, sweetheart?” he asked.
Lynn played with the crystal wine glass in her hand, turning it round and round on the table. “I’m not a little concerned, I’m a lot concerned.”
Naomi finally spoke up. “You’re a human. Of course you’re scared. And you should be.”
The laughter ceased and Ari scowled at the beautiful bitch sitting across the table. “Why do you say that?”
Naomi’s extraordinary features subtly morphed into a sneer. “Because Ellie is Padraig’s weapon and when he finds her, and he will find her, he will use her to strengthen the Second Bloods. They’ll be able to walk among humans. Walk in sunlight. Exist and conquer. That’s what Padraig’s goal is. He despises the Ágiros. With her blood, he can muddy the differences between the pure bloods and the copies, maybe even overcome them with her gifts. Ellie’s existence means war. She won’t live a thousand years, she’ll probably never see her teens. She’ll be sucked dry to share with his warriors.” Naomi shrugged with indifference. “Don’t believe me, then do a test. Let me feed from her.”
Cian cocked his head, the look of distaste evident with his pinched lips. “Not going to happen,” he said, before Connell beat him to it.
In fact, it was what they were all thinking.
“Why not?” she queried. “Worried I’m right?”
A Second Blood could connect with his creations through mindspeak. Although Naomi maintained she didn’t want to live with Padraig, it didn’t mean she couldn’t be manipulated into doing his bidding with the promise of being excused for running away.
Quinn had promised to protect Naomi, but clearly she did not feel like part of the clan. The last thing they needed was to squash Ellie’s freedom because they feared Naomi would undermine their plans.
Quinn shared his thoughts with his brothers using mindspeak.
“Never trusted her,” Connell stated.
“Should have culled her to begin with,” Donnor answered.
He waited for Cian’s answer. When he didn’t, Quinn turned his eyes on the brother that looked like a darker version of a twin. “Well?”
“Do you actually want my opinion?” Cian remarked.
“It’s a simple question, Cian.”
“If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’ll enlighten you. She’s your worst enemy and she’s living among us. In my opinion, she’s a plant and has been feeding Padraig all along.”
“She’s been trapped in my house. I’ve trained her but told her nothing.”
“You don’t have to tell her anything. She’s observing your strengths and your weaknesses. I’ll gladly terminate her tonight, if that is what you wish.”
Quinn placed his attention on Naomi. “Is your wish to return to Padraig?”
Maybe she would do them all a favor and walk into the jaws of the lion out of sheer ignorance. Cian had explained she was outraged that she no longer could call herself Quinn’s wife.
Naomi stood. “No.” She shifted her glare to Ari. “Just the opposite. I can deceive Padraig. Lead him on a goose chase, but in return I want you, Quinn. I’ve read her thoughts.” Indicating Ariana with a nudge of her head. “She does not want to become one of us. That is her choice, but I want to be a mother. I want the happiness of having a child that Padraig stole from me. If I’m given some of Ellie’s blood, I believe I can conceive. And I choose you as the sire, Quinn. I wish to be your mate.”
Cian shook his head and a sardonic chuckle followed. “That could only happen if Ari is dead.”
The side of Naomi’s lip lifted in a smile. “Exactly.”
Chapter Nine
A rush of curses and images of violence erupted from Ari’s thoughts, loud enough to blow Quinn’s head from his shoulders. For a vampire, the internal railing akin to someone shouting in his face. The only thing he could do was block his mate.
Ari and Naomi stood, facing off across the dining room table while the rest of the family watched, but didn’t intervene.
Quinn gripped Ari’s arm and urged her to sit. He understood why his mate was upset. Couldn’t blame her. Naomi was finally revealing her hand, at least part of it.
She made no bones about murdering his mate, which pissed him off. “This is why Padraig created the breeding nests. You neglected to clarify this before, Naomi. Although you knew of his intentions, didn’t you?”
With a petulant shrug of her shoulder, the rogue said, “He doesn’t know why Ellie’s mother was different. He believes Ellie is his offspring but doesn’t understand