“Protection work? I wonder what kind of trouble he thinks he might get into.”
“All I know is Seb DM means nothing to me. Is it a place? A person? A—”
“Hold on.” Max put her on hold. He came back a few seconds later. “I got an address out of him but nothing more than that.”
“Wait, he has a phone now?”
“No. Hey, Talon, hold— Damn. He’s gone. Something has him majorly spooked. I’ll send you that address.” He texted it to her. “Check that out. But be careful.” He lowered his voice. “We’ve been dealing with Wildridge and Raven’s Eye dires, lately.”
“I thought Raven’s Eye was on our side.”
“I did too, but they claim we’ve been raiding their allies, the Torn-Fang pack, and breaking our non-aggression agreement.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“I know, but someone attacked the Torn-Fang yesterday. It wasn’t us, but it was the work of lycans, for sure.” He sighed. “The timing is suspicious.”
“Well, that’s not all you have to worry about.” She filled him in about the Darkness Hecate had mentioned but made no mention of Bloode Stones, not sure who might be listening.
“Shit. Really?”
“Really. There’s a reason she’s got powerful vamps from six different tribes working together.” She lowered her voice. “Working witha master,Max. Kraft is really strong. And he’s not even in charge. We could have real problems if they decide we’re not cooperating enough. Six of them, plus someone called a Bloode Witch. We need to amp up security in Noblewood.”
“I know. Ivan’s coming back, hopefully by tomorrow, and my mom keeps talking to the mage council for help. Since, you know, a ton of their people do live here.”
“Ugh. We need to get distance from the Rainier mages, not ask them for more help.”
“Right?” He sounded glum. “We’re taking on danger from all sides. And you’re a huge pain in my ass.”
“Thanks a lot.”
“I meant I’m worried about you, dumbass, and I can’t leave here if you get in trouble.”
“Oh. That’s nice. Not the dumbass part, but the worrying.”
He chuckled. “Take care of yourself. Get them what they want then bring us back the artifact. Anddo notget dead, or I’ll have to come kick vampire ass. And we both know I’ll probably die doing it.”
“So now your potential death is on my conscience. Thanks a lot.”
“You’re welcome. Now do what you were sent to do and come home.” He disconnected before she could tell him to shove it. But their conversation made her feel better, grounded once more to pack and those she cared about.
Sitting in the living room with another five plus hours until sunset, she wondered what to do. And yawned. Without questioning why she felt the need to check on Kraft again, she found him just as still as he’d been before, on his back, looking perfectly mussed and perfectly dead.
She lay down next to him and felt an odd peace. So she closed her eyes and snuggled closer.
And slept, never feeling his arms close around her.
* * *
Kraft woke with a ravenous appetite.And it wasn’t for blood. He inhaled and smelled feminine suppleness in his arms. He leaned closer to Riley’s soft hair, knowing it was her without question.
She sighed and shifted, and he grew aroused at the feel of her curves and strong muscle against him. He had always been one to prize strength. But since humans were more his type in bed, he rarely found anyone to meet him even halfway.
Not so with Riley. She was the strongest of her kind, and were they to go at each other with all their power behind them, he knew she’d provide real competition. Which turned him on more than it should.
His fangs lengthened, the need for something more than sex exciting him.
“Kraft?” Riley yawned. “Oh man. I fell asleep?”
