He grins like we’re simply out having fun together.
I wish that I had met him anywhere but in the Blood Lover’s Guild.
Any time but on the night before a Hunt that has been planned to execute us both.
I haven’t had a friend since Ciara who is as rebellious and free spirited as I am and I am not ready to lose this feeling.
The cool wind cuts across my cheeks, as I chase after the Shadow Human up the rocky slope. Three ravens fly close enough in front of me as guides that their tail feathers brush my forehead.
I could easily pass Barnabas, as he limps and staggers.
But I don’t.
Instead, I give him this final moment of victory.
This one last triumph.
Doesn’t the guy deserve that much?
“I win!” Barnabas hops up and down, smiling.
“So, you did. Well done.” I smile.
Suddenly, a dark shape emerges from the shadow of the largest pyramid, stalking toward Barnabas.
The Shadow Vampire was already up here, waiting for us.
My smile dies. Adrenaline spikes through me.
“Fuck.” My hand flies to my waist to where my non-existent bronze daggers should have been.
How is this fair without a weapon? When my magic is suppressed? When I can’t fly?
When Shadow Humans are magically weak and their Omegas are susceptible to an Alpha Shadow Vampire’s pheromones?
“Grand Vizier,” Barnabas breathes in panic. His antlers grow, becoming jagged with shadows. “Or more likeslaughterer? Last time I saw you, blood dripped off your fangs, as you ripped out the throats of my people at your mother’s order. Did it make your feel powerful to murder so many Omegas?”
I step in front of Sobek, squaring my shoulders.
“I didn’t murder them,” Sobek replies, gruffly. “I executed them. As I shall execute you.”
Sobek’s attack is fast and brutal.
He wrenches me away from Barnabas by my throat.
I choke, scratching Sobek’s hand with my claws. He tightens his hold, as firmly as any warrior I have fought against. He pulls me up onto my tiptoes, twisting me from side to side as if deciding where to sink in his fangs.
When Sobek’s claws pierce my skin, my eyes flutter at the sharp bursts of pain.
His gray eyes burn into me.
My shadows whip out from me, volatile and violent. They crack across his face, but he doesn’t release his hold.
My vision grays.
This is it.
May the Shadow Devils break his fangs,this is it.
