And I’m not talking about the Malus family trying to get revenge.
Chapter
Thirteen
“There’s a bar downstairs,” I tell Xavier, turning my head so I can look into his gorgeous eyes. The second he looks at me, my breath hitches in my chest. It wasn’t that long ago I couldn’t stand the sight of him. Now, being near him brings me an equal sense of excitement and comfort. “I think maybe it would be a good idea if I went down and got some junk food and had a drink—or five—before the actual meeting starts.” I put my hand on his chest before he can go into his noblemy wifespeech. “Sometimes knowing when to sit quietly in the background is the smartest thing.”
His jaw tenses, and I know he agrees but doesn’t want to admit it.
“And I’m hungry.”
“Well, in that case,” he starts and reaches into his jacket, pulling out his wallet. “You should eat.”
“Thank you.”
He kisses me, hands going to my waist as he dips me back. I slip a hand around his shoulders as his tongue pushes into my mouth, unable to help the soft moan that escapes my lips. I’mfully aware we are in a room full of people and those people have been glaring at me since the moment I walked in.
“I’ll meet you there when we’re done,” he whispers after he stands me back upright. I let my hand slide down his back, eyes lingering on his.
“Okay,” I breathe and lean in, kissing him once more. My heart swells in my chest and for the first time, I don’t try to quell the feeling. Despite my protests that I’m capable on my own, Xavier walks me to the elevator, seeing that I’m safe inside.
The hotel bar is on the first floor, only two floors down from where we are right now. It’s a short elevator ride, giving me just enough time to lean back, close my eyes, and slowly exhale. My mind is swirling with thoughts, and I don’t know which one to start with. The chaos screams in my head as I walk to the bar and, thankfully, snag a barstool at the counter. I order a vodka and cranberry and resist the urge to gulp it down as soon as the glass is set in front of me. I’ve seen way too many hunters turn to booze to numb the pain that comes with this job.
“So, the rumors are true,” a woman says, coming up next to me. She has a slight southern accent and the energy coming off of her is different. She’s not fully human. “Xavier Malus’s new wife is a witch.”
I turn, taking her in. She’s about my age with short red hair and striking green eyes. Dressed in an emerald green blouse and black pants, she fits in with the other business-casually dressed patrons of the bar. Though something tells me werewolves don’t usually host their pack meetings at historic hotels in downtown Charlotte.
“What makes you say that?”
“Everyone knows who you are,” she starts and motions to my ring. “We can see that thing a mile away. Plus, I can sense your magic just like you can sense that I’m a wolf. And my packmaster is on the council.” She tips her head and looks me up and down. “Still, it’s hard to believe.”
“I guess,” I simply agree.
“I thought the Grand Coven forbade it.”
“Tell that to Xavier,” I chide and she laughs.
“I’m Delphi,” she says and holds out her hand.
“Wren,” I reply and shake her hand. “But you already knew that.”
“Yeah. You’re quite popular.”
“I am?” I ask, surprised.
“Even among the normies, people want to know about the human who captured Xavier Malus’s heart. And among the wolves, we want to know why the hell a witch and a vampire seemingly got married out of the blue.”
I look at her as I take another drink. There’s a question in her statement, and if they’re already trying to figure things out, the truth will surface eventually. My mind goes to wondering what Xavier would think of this conversation, but then I remember I’ve never let a man dictate what I do or don’t do. Today will not be the day I let that happen, not even when the man in question is my husband.
“Want to join us?” Delphi asks. “I just ordered a bunch of junk food and need help eating it.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice,” I chuckle. “They don’t serve food at VC meetings and I’m starving.”
“I never thought about that, but it makes sense. Vampires don’t eat. Come on.”
I grab my drink and follow Delphi, recognizing one of the women at the table as the alpha of the Charlotte pack. I met her the night Xavier took me to my firstbusiness meeting. She eyes me curiously as she takes a drink. Three other wolves are seated around her and straighten up when they see me, probably sensing the magic as well as knowing exactly who I am.
“Hi,” I say.
