Kat frowned. "I wasn't aware any such request had been made."
Connor's smile was sweet. "Why would you be? You're nothing."
A choked sound came from Caroline as Kat flushed a deep red.
"I'm sorry, but that doesn't excuse her trespass," Kat said in a stilted voice. "Even her link to the master of the city cannot protect her."
Connor still didn't move. "Thomas's permission extended to all those in my house—including Aileen."
Kat's disbelieving gaze shot to me. "She's in your house?"
"No."
Fear shivered down my spine, that one word carrying with it a wealth of warning. The two men who flanked Kat edged back.
Victory flashed in Kat's eyes.
"I'm part of hers," Connor finished.
Kat's expression froze. Her eyes rose to meet his.
Connor inclined his head in a bow toward me. "I consider it an honor to be accepted into Aileen's new house. We were in the midst of celebrating when you interrupted."
The men with Kat glanced at each other. What had been a fun way to pass the time—putting the baby vamp in her place—was no longer quite so entertaining. Without a word, they faded into the crowd behind Kat, leaving her to face us on her own.
Her expression hovered between murderous and incredulous. I hated to say it, but I had a talent for inspiring that sort of look.
Liam moved out of the crowd. His lips twitched with amusement as he took in the four of us. "I hope I'm not too late for the festivities."
"Not at all," Connor murmured. "Lady Davinish seems to be suffering from a misconception. Perhaps you can help clear it up."
Liam's gaze moved over me, the briefest flicker of warmth touching eyes a blue so deep and vivid that they seemed supernatural. As quickly as it'd come, the warmth faded, leaving ice behind as he bent his focus on Kat.
He prowled forward, danger in every movement.
Liam always reminded me of an unsheathed assassin's blade. Powerful. Always carrying the potential for death.
He moved with a self-possession that was rare, like he knew he could deliver a killing blow in a single instant. He didn't think he was at the top of the food chain; he was the food chain. Only his opinion and the opinions of those very few he cared about mattered.
Somehow, I found myself one of those few.
As it always did when he was in the vicinity, my stomach fluttered.
Liam had features guaranteed to give him a starring role in many a woman's fantasies. With cheekbones that could cut glass and lips I knew from experience were infinitely kissable, he could have any woman he wanted. Yet for some odd reason, he'd decided I was the only one who'd do.
It still flabbergasted me.
Liam cut a dangerous look to Kat. "It's good to have ambition, but be careful you don't have too much. Thomas makes a practice of destroying those whose ambition outstrips their talents."
Power crackled, bringing with it the sting of ice. Liam might not be as strong as Thomas, but you'd never know it. He wielded what he had with precision. He was a maestro and his power the instrument.
It nipped and bit along the skin of those closest to him, a reminder of exactly why he was so dangerous.
"The master of the city decreed Aileen has hunting rights in all of the clan territories. Had you spoken to your clan master, you would have known this," Liam advised.
Another shiver raced along my nerve endings. He sounded gentle, but all I heard was death. I hoped he never spoke to me like that.
Liam's lifted eyebrow was imperious. For once, I found myself glad that arrogance was working for me rather than against me.
