on his side, but I would have to be grateful to him for snatching my husband from what was sure to be described as the jaws of death.
I was going to prove he’d been the one to endanger Devinshea in the first place.
I felt the moment Daniel’s intentions changed. He needed physical affection, needed to be close to me.
“Zoey, I don’t want to bother you, but I haven’t fed.”
I went up on my toes and brushed my lips against his. Maybe I needed some affection, too. It had been a long time since I’d practiced my trade, and longer still since I’d stolen anything close to this dangerous. If I got caught…
Daniel took over the kiss, his mouth mastering mine. No matter how many times he made love to me I was always overwhelmed by him. His fingers tangled in my hair and he tugged my head back, giving himself full access. His tongue invaded, sliding alongside mine.
The world seemed to recede as he pulled me up against his body, and I would have sworn I could practically feel Dev here with us. This was his space, where Daniel and I would often come to find him if he was working too late, and we would all end in a tangle of arms and legs and mouths. I loved it when all three of us were together, the love and sharing complete. Daniel shifted, turning around and setting me on top of the desk. He pushed my legs apart and made a place for himself even as he started to work the fastener on the slacks I wore.
I let my head fall back, giving him full access to my neck, though if he’d wanted to get to his knees and drink from the vein that ran up my thigh, I would have let him.
But that was the moment I heard the elevator doors open with a quiet whoosh. Danny’s head came up and I could see that his fangs were out and he practically growled.
“Your Highness,” an unwelcome voice said, “I am sorry to interrupt, but we need you to help us prepare. Nimue has decided to use death magic as the base for her spell. There is no one even close to your power in this.” Myrddin. The wizard still wore his dark cloak, but he’d pushed back the hood. “I would ask another vampire to stand in, but this is Devinshea we’re talking about. I thought you would want the most powerful spell possible.”
Daniel’s jaw tightened and I watched him gain control again. He stepped back, then leaned over and kissed my forehead. “I’m sorry, Z.”
I was sorry, too. I buttoned the top of my slacks again. “I’ll have Albert send dinner down.”
He nodded shortly and joined Myrddin. “I’ll get him back for us.”
The doors closed and I was alone again. I had no doubt that Myrddin would perform some kind of miracle that would bring Dev back.
It was up to me to do the same for Daniel. I took a deep breath and got ready to do what I did best. Steal.
Chapter Seven
Summer
I had managed to haul myself up onto one of the large branches of an oak by the time the vampire stalked into the clearing. I hadn’t paid much attention to his appearance before except to note that he wasn’t wearing the protective gear that was typical of the vampires. He had nothing to protect his skin from the harsh sun on this plane, but it didn’t seem to bother him. He wasn’t burning at all. In fact, he turned his head up as though enjoying the warmth on his skin.
He was stunning, his face all harsh planes and predatory lines. There was no question in my mind that this vampire was a hunter. Often the vampires I’ve met seem civilized, and it’s easy to forget that they evolved from ancestors who preyed on living beings. Now they’re all about meal pills and pretending there isn’t a savage predator under all that civility. Though I understand that when a vampire takes a consort, they exchange blood in the old ways. Vampires try to distance themselves from their bloody past.
This vampire didn’t even try to hide his nature. The beast inside him was every bit on display as he breathed in the air around him, likely trying to catch my scent.
I will not harm you, bella. This I promise to you. Come out and let us talk. I know you can hear me.
I could. I could