It works on Lanlin, however, who takes a protective step forward.
“Do you?” The Beta’s smile doesn’t meet her eyes. “Then shall we do introductions?”
Lanlin stiffly nods. “This is Freya and Dove, my future Queen and Blood Lover. I will hold our official marriage and bonding in accordance with the sacred rites. And this is…” He stumbles over his words as he points an iron claw at the woman. She raises her eyebrow in expectation. “Isis, the consort of the ex-Queen. She is the leader of Crocodile House.”
“Oh,” Isis tuts, “always so hurtful, Lan. Am I not yourmothertoo? Are these not your two brothers?”
Lanlin’s lips press harder together.
He doesn’t reply.
Isis’ eyes flash with rage, before she fixes on a crocodile smile.
I am certain that any tears from her would be crocodile tears as well.
I watch her warily.
“And this is,” Isis grabs the tall Alpha by the shoulder, pushing him forward, “my son, the Grand Vizier, Sobek.”
“Leaving the best to last, as always.” The Alpha, who is lying on the bottom step like it’s a bed, cracks open one lazy eye. If he’s trying to convince us that he’s not the dangerous one, then it’s not working. “I’m the handsome brother, Horus. The Grand Mage.”
“Half-brother,” Lanlin replies, automatically. “Isis is notmymother.”
“You wound me.” Horus dramatically lays his hand over his heart. “We have the same father.”
I snort.
Horus narrows his eyes at me like he expects me to be soaking through my panties and doesn’t understand why I’m laughing at him instead.
“My mother was the Queen,” Lanlin replies. “I am the only vampire of the House of Sin. You’re part of the House of Crocodile. Do not claim to be part of my dynasty.”
“Sin told us,” Daire deliberately moves closer to Lanlin without touching him, “that he has no family.”
Both of Horus’ eyes snap open, and he snarls.
Score for the fae.
Daire is the kind to weaponize words. He can be masked, disguised as a sweet Dove, surrounded by enemies, and still slice those enemies with no more than words.
Why didn’t Lanlin tell us about this family? Don’t the children of consorts count in his culture?
Or do they only not count tohim?
“Naughty, naughty,brother,” Horus says with controlled rage. “How remiss of you to forget our existence. Your father would be so disappointed in you. The Shadow Devils punish those who disrespect their families.”
Lanlin drops his gaze to Sobek’s scarred face. “On my heart, I believe you are right.”
Sobek takes a step forward, but Isis rests her hand on his shoulder.
“By my blood, we should not quarrel. We have far more important matters to address tonight,” Isis insists. “Horus worked hard with the priestesses to put on a welcome feast in your honor. It would have been replete with blood and pleasure.”
I’m sure he did work hard, especially on the desire.
I smirk, when I catch Horus blowing a kiss to the closest priestess, who purrs deeply.
Horus jumps up, stretching.
His pheromones swirl with dark magic. They prickle across my skin.
