“How so?”
“Vampires act like they’re better than humans, but they know deep down they aren’t. They’re worse. You all are vain and weak, but werewolves feel their arrogance is fulfilled. They think they’re the greatest creatures on earth, all because they are still human, they have mortal lives if they want them, and they think they’re in control of everything.” She snickered. “Davy always talked how wolves were the best to be around. They repressed everything; she didn’t have to feel their emotions.”
A grin teased over his face. “That sounds like her.”
She mirrored his amusement, but looked over and it faded. She stared with an intensity now. It drew him to ask, “What?”
Her mouth tightened. “Why did you leave the witch with Mavic?”
His jaw slackened at her words and he whirled to her. It happened so fast, faster than in the blink of an eye, and his hand clasped onto her arm. “How did you know about him?”
She never blinked. “I’ve been watching you since Davy insisted she was in love with you. She was a fool,” she spat out. “You’re both fools.”
His fingers loosened. Just a little. “What do you know about Mavic?”
“He is a traitor. He is the worst scum underneath the dirt on my shoes. I want to squash him into the earth until his loins burst and his body bleeds dry. I want to—”
He lifted his hand free. “Okay. I got it.”
She drew upright. The embers in her eyes burst into flame. “What are your plans for the traitor sorcerer?”
Roane shot her an annoyed look. “I’d still like to know how you could stalk me without me knowing about it.”
“I did not stalk.” She squared her shoulders back. “I do not stalk.”
One of his eyelids twitched.
She frowned. “I hunted you. I did not stalk you. Hunt. That’s more . . .”
Bastion stuck his head around. “Less creepy?”
Her shoulders dropped. “Yes. I am not creepy.”
The two vampires shared a look.
“What?” She looked from one to the other.
Bastion shrugged. “You’re a bit creepy.”
“I am not.”
“Yeah. Yeah, you are. Sorry to break the news.”
She took a deep breath. Her chin lifted and she sat to her fullest height. “I am the representative of my clan. I am here to help a fellow sister, the followers of my sister, and I . . .” She clamped her mouth shut.
Bastion raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”
Her shoulders sagged down again. “Nothing.”
Roane grinned. “You’re creepy, but in a good way.”
“Thanks.” She lifted her head again.
The two shared a slight smile, and Bastion groaned. “I’m getting the creeps now.”
“What is the plan?” The question was almost thrown from the other side of the bonfire like a challenge. The small exchange between Saren and the two vampires was interrupted, and the small moment of a slight break in tension was sniffed away like it wasn’t supposed to have been there in the first place.
Roan straightened, remembering how Christian Christane had once taken the woman he loved. A dark emotion took root inside of him. He wouldn’t allow that to happen again. He didn’t fear for the same repetition, but that he’d lose Davy because of the Alpha wolf. That would not happen, and the wolf sensed the deep determination. It was like an old rivalry, once buried was awoken again. His nostrils flared, knowing the near loathing was there. He couldn’t do anything about it, and the two weren’t on speaking terms. They couldn’t speak about Talia, at least.
Pippa glanced up at him, picking up the undercurrents. She pressed her lips together and let out a small growl. She looked at both and said one word. “Davy.”
Roane and her brother received the message. The small flare-up dampened immediately, but it was still there. It was a back burner turned to simmer. It was still hot and still dangerous if left ignored.
Saren narrowed her eyes. She harrumphed. “Foolish human emotions.”
No one responded, but she stood, and as she stepped away from the fire, she vanished.
Roane continued to stare across the dancing flames at the werewolf. Neither looked away.
DAVY
I woke up on a bed and lifted my head, or I would’ve. My neck wouldn’t move. Stabbing pain sliced through me, and I cried out. My body instantly locked up, and I started trembling, sending even more stabbing pain through me.
“Davy.”
Gavin rushed inside, the sound of something was shoved aside, like a tarp. He added, “You’re awake? Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I’m—” I couldn’t talk. My teeth were grinding together.