she realized it would help ground her if she could see them. During her time in the cage, she had refused to form any lasting connection to the others in the event she was forced to fight and kill one of them. Clearly, she hadn’t been successful because, now, more than anything, she needed to know that they were okay. Looking out for them had been her primary focus. She had placed herself in the demon’s path time and time again to prevent another’s torture. Better her than someone else, she thought.
When no one responded to her, she tried again. “Cami, Crystal, are you guys there?”
Rustling of sheets sounded before a relieved cry. “Shae. Oh my God,” Cami called out. “I thought that guy killed you.”
Ice-blue eyes flashed in her mind, making her stomach clench with awareness. Gerrick. The sorcerer who had been part of rescuing her had placed her under a spell when she attacked Breslin. That fact had rage bubbling even as she thought about what an undoubtedly sexy male he was. To her utter surprise, her body reacted with interest when she thought of his strength pressed up against her back. “He used his magic to knock me out. I’m fine. How are you guys?”
“Everyone is here and they gave us clothes and food.” At the mention of food, Shae’s stomach rumbled loudly. She hadn’t eaten real food in over six months and was famished. “We’re frightened. Well, I am, but they haven’t hurt us. I keep waiting for someone to come in.” Shae could hear the uncertainty in Cami’s voice.
“Zander is a good leader and won’t hurt us unless we pose a risk to the safety of others. You will be safe here. And, don’t worry. Zander isn’t going to leave us here indefinitely. He will use every resource he has available to help us.”
“You really believe that? I was thinking they would just kill us.” Shae understood Cami’s doubt, but the human didn’t understand supernaturals. They didn’t think like humans.
Humans were a throwaway society with a high divorce rate. There was no such thing as divorce in the Tehrex Realm. You were born carrying a portion of your Fated Mate’s soul and once you found that one being made just for you, you didn’t betray that in any way. The fertility rate amongst the Tehrex Realm was extremely low, thus supernaturals treasured children and families in general. They invented the term ‘family first.’
Shae believed there was a deeper appreciation and devotion amongst supernaturals, and as the Vampire King, Zander would do everything to save them. That was the one thing Shae didn’t doubt. What she did question was whether or not they could be saved. They were no longer decent members of society. They were unpredictable, ruthless killers.
As she stood there, her hunger morphed to a lust for blood she’d only ever experienced during her captivity. As a vampire, she had always had control over her fangs, but now they were ever-present and had a mind of their own. With the thought of feeding, they descended even further, filling her mouth. She felt more like a saber-tooth tiger than a vampire.
One thing was certain, she couldn’t feed from anyone until she curbed her appetite; otherwise, she would kill the next person she fed from. The sound of boots on stone had her turning her head to the stairs and she cringed that one of the warriors would be witness to her struggle. She didn’t want anyone to see her like that, especially Gerrick.
She took a few steps back and stood with her arms crossed over her chest. Within seconds, Zander and another female came into view. They weren’t there to kill them. Zander would have sent the warriors to do that task. And, Shae had no doubt, this female wasn’t a warrior. Not only had she been absent during their rescue, she didn’t carry the mark of a Dark Warrior on her forearm.
“Liege,” she murmured, genuflecting in respect.
“Shae. ‘Tis good to see you awake. How are you feeling?”
“Much better than I was when you found me, but not like my old self. When can I go home? I miss my family and I know my mom is worried about me.”
“Your mamai and the rest of your family have been hounding my warriors for months. I’m positive they would love to see you, as well. But, I canna allow you to go home yet. Your earlier outburst is only part of the reason. We took blood