Wetness surged between her thighs. “Gabriel.”
He kissed her hard before shifting into tiger. She ran her fingers through his fur. The soft rumble of a purr sounded in the room. She kissed his head as she fastened the collar on his neck. Then she snapped the leash on the hook.
Facing Maximus with his leash, she squirmed under his studious regard. He caught her wrist and tugged her arm upward toward the O-ring. Metal binged against metal, but latched with ease. The witch was already collared and leashed.
Looping her fingers through the handles of the three leashes, she called up the portal mist. Using a smidge of magic, the cage housing Gryphon elevated off the floor. He gripped the bars as she thrust the stainless steel into the opening, and then she guided Gabriel, Maximus, and Kat into Atlantis.
A small vestibule led to the doorways of the Hall where she knew she’d find Empress E’Neskha. The guards positioned on either side of the doors wouldn’t refuse her entry even if their nervous glances at those in her company hinted they’d like to. Vampyrs weren’t allowed in Atlantis because of their superiority over most species and a siren’s inability to serenade them. Kept Atlantis safer that way. The way Maximus’s fangs protruded over his bottom lip left little doubt as to his ancestry. Gabriel caused little commotion and Kat even less.
She motioned for the guards to guide the crate holding Gryphon. As she approached the doors, they opened. Empress E’Neskha was receiving court. Perfect since it allowed for a bigger audience for what would transpire. And Sameya would bet it was why she held court.
Positioned at a higher elevation than everyone in the Hall, the leader peered down at her. Lucius was at her side; his slack-jawed gape directed toward Sameya drawing a lopsided smile from her. She bet he didn’t expect her to enter the building, much less arrive with one of her mates in tow. And with the way he peered at Maximus, she had no doubt he recognized the vampyr.
Silence descended in a rush, rippling through the crowd like a wave. E’Neskha rose from her throne as those in residence turned toward Sameya. Only after she and her group came to a stop a few feet away from the steps leading to the Empress did Sameya speak.
“Good to see you’re well, Lucius.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Pompous bastard elevated his eyebrows and stared down his nose at her.
“I’d heard you were injured in a raid. I was worried your sister would be distraught.”
“But not you.”
As an answer she smiled. Using the side of her foot, she kicked the cage holding Gryphon and turned her attention toward her leader. “One of the traitors set to destroy you, Empress.”
“Impressive work. Quicker than I anticipated, as well.” E’Neskha descended the stairs, her spine straight and her shoulders squared.
“I would request a private audience with you to give you the name of the traitor in Atlantis.” If she wasn’t mistaken, Lucius’ breath hitched. She offered him a lopsided grin. “You will want to join us for that meeting, Lucius.”
He bristled and said in his haughtiest voice, “You do not tell me what to do, siren.”
“If Sameya wants you to join us, Lucius, then you’ll be at that meeting.” E’Neskha had always trusted her strategy and played along with Sameya now. “And the others with you?”
“A gift for you.” She offered the leash strapped to Kat to her leader. The witch snapped a surprised glance in her direction, but offered no objection. E’Neskha didn’t bat an eyelash in shock, but cooperated, her eyes alighting with genuine delight. “A witch with magical promise, Empress. Easily serenaded, but I grant you permission to override my sway and handle her however you desire.”
Kat walked toward E’Neskha in a drone-like state as the Atlantis ruler slowly tugged her leash forward. “I shall treasure her. Thank you.” The Atlantian fingered the witch’s cheek, her dark hair, and then pulled the taller woman down so they were nose-to-nose. “What trick shall I have you perform first?”
“Whatever pleases you the most.” Sameya had to give Kat points, she played the serenaded part well.
“What of the vampyr?” E’Neskha tugged down on Kat’s collar. “Sit, my pet.”
As Kat sunk to recline at the Empress’ feet, Sameya replied, “My new plaything.” She grinned, knowing Maximus wouldn’t like her statement. “He’s charmed, and as docile as a well-fed pussy-cat.”
“Does he bite?”
Often. “Only if I want him to.”
The fair-haired ruler peered at Gabriel, who suddenly began to purr, startling the crowd. E’Neskha chuckled. “You always did have a taste for the exotic, Sameya.”