“If I let you.”
“You get such satisfaction out of teasing me, don’t you?”
“I still maintain that you like it.”
It wasn’t long before master vampires came to greet Jared, each with the same questions – How was Antonio? Was Jared well? Was I his new consort and did he like to share? I could sense that Jared was getting more and more aggravated by that last question. His grip on my waist intensified until it was possessive and a blatant display of ownership. Even that didn’t discourage people from asking. Of course there were the odd looks of disapproval but never did those snobbish vamps let Jared see their distaste; they probably feared causing offense.
One by one the High Master vamps that Jared had told me about last night also came to greet Jared, except for Bennington. Although I glanced around and feigned disinterest, I was listening intently to every word that was exchanged and the tone in which those words were delivered. I almost laughed aloud at how their consorts, all Kejas, seemed to look down on me. They disliked me even more when the High Masters questioned Jared about me, his new consort. I didn’t let it show that I was getting sick of being referred to as a consort. It brought back memories I didn’t want to think about.
When Jared discretely gave my hand a supportive, comforting squeeze I gathered that he had picked up on my irritation. It unnerved me that we could read each other like that. I had slowly gone from being able to sense when he was near to also picking up on what he was feeling at times. If Jared and I had shared blood at some point then I could blame this weird link on that and have the comfort of knowing the link was only temporary. But right now I had no idea what this link was or how to get rid of it.#p#分页标题#e#
What do you think about the High Masters then? asked Jared as we made our way out of the patio which overlooked a large, fancy swimming pool complete with a man-made waterfall.
I’d say Carlos’ loyalty is questionable, and I’d say the same about Winston Jones. But I reckon the others would be loyal to Antonio, especially Bran.
You and me are on the same wavelength then.
Oh I knew that and it was what disturbed me.
Have you noticed Bennington acting odd?
A couple of times I saw him whispering and lingering around the other High Masters. He’s been looking over at you quite a bit.
Actually, I think it’s you he’s been looking at. The idea seemed to piss Jared right off.
If he is, he’s probably thinking how best to approach the prospect of you passing me onto him. An idea popped into my head. How about you go leave me alone for a sec and let him have the opportunity to speak to me on my own?
Hell no, Sam, I’m not leaving you alone. I told you, you don’t leave my side.
Just act as if you’re going to answer a call of nature, it’s not like I can’t defend myself if I have to but I can’t see anyone, not even Bennington, trying to hurt me.
No, I’m not comfortable with having you out of my sight.
I pressed myself up against him, seizing his gaze. Instantly his irises began to glow.
Don’t even try seduction to get your way, Sam.
Just give me five minutes.
Hell. No.
With my tongue, I drew a circle on the patch of skin that was exposed by the V of his shirt. He shuddered. I scraped my teeth over the patch the way I knew he liked. Jared, you know this is a good idea.
Sam, will you quit the teasing.
Oh this isn’t teasing, I’ve got every intention of biting you tonight. So let’s get the business crap out of the way and then we can get out of here. Don’t you want that?
He shuddered again. You’re evil.
Five minutes, Jared.
He sighed, half surrender half frustration. Three minutes. He swatted my arse and then pointed a finger at me. Making a show for anyone who might be watching, he sternly said, “Stay here. I’ll be back in a minute.” I nodded. If anyone hurts you I swear to God I’ll kill the pair of you for it.
I mentally rolled my eyes. I suspected that it wouldn’t be long before Bennington came over; he wouldn’t want to chance Jared getting back before he’d had a chance to get whatever it was he had to say out of his system. I was right. Something like thirty seconds later I heard:
“Well hello, Samantha. It’s been a while.”
I nodded and smiled a little. “Yep, it has.”
“I take it that Victor had a price for you after all.”
“Oh he didn’t sell me, he’s dead.”
Bennington’s thick black brows rose. “Dead? How?”
“I killed him.”
“You killed your own Sire?”
“I’d kill anyone who tried to hurt Antonio. And if Victor really thought he could attack Antonio and live to tell the tale he was a daft sod who was just begging for an immediate death.” I saw Bennington’s head working away. He probably didn’t like that I was clearly very loyal to Antonio.