As I followed Carol into the limo, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and read a text from Vance.There’s something going on tonight at Alibi. It’s a night club owned by Xavier Atonal, one of the higher ranking members in our community.
I knew it all too well. That club was where I'd first seen Beth actively use her magic to convince the bouncers to let us in since they thought we were too old. I'd given three rude girls the runs when they'd insulted us. It was one of the first places where I actually tried to use my powers. I mean not at first, I turned Mr. Atonal's manhood into a mini version on accident, butafterthat I tried to actually make it so the magic did what I wanted. Come to think of it I probably should have checked to make sure he had returned to normal. Too late now.
Before replying, I made a face at my phone and read the text to Carol.I know the place. What of it?
We were halfway home before he replied again.There’s an event there tonight, and Lysa will be present. Eight o’clock or so.
After a quick back and forth with Carol, where she decided to go along, I replied with,I’ll be there.
Just so you are aware Xavier and his clan refer to their leader as queen, however, she does not rule all of us, just some. I don't want you to be confused or surprised. It was surprisingly considerate of Vance to give me a heads up. That tidbit of information explained a little of my confusion when it came to the vampires. I swear each clan had their own way of doing things and their own set of rules within the rules of the entire vampire society.
Thank you for letting me know.I didn't want to ignore him, and I really was appreciative.
“You know, there are a lot of wild raves there,” Carol said as we pulled up in front of my house. “Maybe we should take some backup.”
There hadn't been any rave like energy when I'd gone there with Beth, but that didn't really mean anything, so I gave Carol a nod.
We waved the limo driver away and I texted Daniel.I need to do some recon at Alibi at 8. Can you come for a bit of muscle at my back?
“We’d better try for naps,” I said. “We’re not exactly used to being out all night, and you haven’t slept yet.”
“Good idea.” She stifled a yawn, proving my point.
We headed inside and Carol curled up on the couch. I grabbed her a blanket and extra pillow. She was practically asleep before I got them to her though. “I’ll be in my room if you need me.” I had no idea whether or not she heard me, and with how exhausted I was I could only imagine how she was feeling.
Daniel replied as I settled into my bed for my own nap.
I’ll be there.
The only question was would we be on speaking terms at the time? Or was he going to keep giving me the cold shoulder?
TWENTY
Emma
“Did you sleep well?”A low masculine voice asked from behind me. I smiled without opening my eyes and stretched against the firm, warm body that was wrapped around me like the best cage ever. But it was more than that, I hoped by Daniel being here, it meant our fight, or non-fight, was officially over.
“I slept like heaven,” I admitted, probably because of him. “How long have you been here?”
“As soon as you texted me, I hopped in the car and came straight here.” He pressed his nose into my neck and inhaled deeply. “I don’t think you’d been asleep long.”
“Then I give you credit for my wonderful nap.” I rolled over and burrowed into his chest, breathing deeply of his clean, citrusy scent. “I’m glad you came.” It eased something inside me, something that had been so tense I hadn't even realized it. Or maybe I had, but I'd attributed it to everything going on with Vance and Bryan, not the rift that had seemed to form between me and Daniel, probably because I hadn't wanted to admit it was there.
Daniel put a bit of distance between us, just enough to cup my face with both of his hands. “Emma. I’m sorry I got jealous. I couldn’t stand the idea of you being in that vampire’s arms.”
Puckering my lips, I looked up at him expectantly until he chuckled and lowered his head to press a firm kiss on my mouth. I grinned in satisfaction before deepening the kiss.
He was definitely trying to tell me how sorry he was with more than just words. The kisses we shared were tender and...loving. They were full of apology, but also of passion that was running hot just under the surface.
When we came up for air, I snuggled closer. “I don’t want anyone else,” I whispered. “But you do have to understand this is my job now. And I do enjoy doing it.” I hated the tightness in my chest at speaking those words aloud. "I can't go back to letting a man dictate my life again, not when I've fought so hard to get back to myself."
He sucked in a sharp breath. After a tense moment he replied, "It was never my intention to make you think I was trying to control you or tell you how to live. I may express concern sometimes, but I want you to be you. Always."
"I know, and thank you," I whisper against his shirt, not trusting myself not to get emotional if I was stuck looking into those big green eyes of his.
He sighed and rested his chin on the top of my head. We lay like that for a moment before he spoke again. I could feel the movement of his mouth against the top of my head and the rumble of his voice passing from his chest into my own. “Bears are awfully territorial, but I promise I’ll do my very best not to be a beast about it.”
“That’s all I want,” I murmured. “You, not being a total beast.”
