“I need to make sure Gus is okay,” I say, needing to know my familiar is safe.
“Your small beast is still passed out on your bed, none the wiser to what’s going on right now. The ring, Ember, now,” he says.
I slide the insanely opulent ring on my finger and take a deep breath as I hold my wand against the jewelry, shielding the ring from anyone’s view except mine and Warin’s.
“You need to hide it. Other vampires can’t be aware of it,” Warin says, and I want to roll my eyes. One moment he’s telling me I’m perfect and the next he’s being a demanding dick.
“It is. Only you and I can see it,” I tell him.
Something crosses his face far too fast and fleeting for me to decipher the emotion.
“We have bigger problems than Conner right now.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m so sorry,” he says, and I blink at him. Warin apologizing, twice in one night? “The vampire council. They’re on their way here right now.”
My eyes widen, and I can feel adrenaline coursing through my veins.
“Are they here for me?” I ask, pointing at myself.
“I don’t know why they’re coming here, but I will protect you. I just need you to play along.”
“Play along?”
He rubs his chin, his bare hands gliding against his throat. Without the gloves on, I can’t help but to actually notice how long his fingers are, as well as the red veins hiding beneath the surface.
“The vampire council is full of old vampires who have nothing better to do than dictate the lives of others. While they do hold a lot of authority, I’m in charge of all of Eastern Louisiana. They can only really do anything if a true law has been broken.”
My swallow is near cartoonish with how loud it is.
“What laws?”
“Killing a vampire, an egregious amount of human murders, along with some other stupid rules. Basically, they like to swing their dicks around, but I know better how to deal with them.”
“Will they come after me because they think I killed Baptiste? That was the fucking Slayer and we all know it.” I’m raising my voice now and Warin takes a deep frustrated breath.
“No, but there will be concerns about why I have a witch living in my home. I’ve already hid the contraband.”
“Contraband?” I parrot, my voice getting squeaky.
“Yes, what do you think all these grimoires I keep giving you about protecting yourself against vampires are? You’ll get them back when they leave, don’t worry.”
I rub my head, just even more confused by this vampire. He mentioned that vampires wouldn’t be happy knowing he has this material, let alone giving it to me, but if it’s that serious. Why in the world would he take that risk?
“I don’t understand. What do you need me to do?”
“I need you to play the part of my obedient, magical, little pet,” he says in a too seductive tone.
“Your what?” I sputter.
His hand comes to my mouth, his body pressing close to mine as his lips press against my ear. Goosebumps cover my flesh as he holds me like this. My body having another involuntary response to his skin touching mine.
“They are almost here. They will hear every word you say, everything you do. This is what has to be done to keep you safe. Make them believe you aren’t a threat. As soon as they leave, everything will go back to normal.”
I glare at him, and he doesn’t let go of my mouth.
“If it’s ever too much, just say you’re tired and I’ll figure out a way to get you out of the situation. These vampires will test you, try to get under your skin. I need you to trust that I’ll protect you above all else. Can you do that for me?”
