“I figured.” He grunted and pushed the rock a foot. “After we get out of here, I’m killing my cousin and his pregnant mate, and then you and I will rule the Kurjan nation.”
Wow. He was really not listening. “I said no.”
“Your wishes are irrelevant.”
That was it. “Listen, Kalin. I know we’ve been in each other’s lives for years, but you’re a serial killer. You like to kill women.”
He shrugged. “The killing isn’t important. It’s the hunt that matters.”
The cold, nearly bored tone of voice sent chills down Janie’s back. “So someday you’ll hunt me.”
He turned, his eyebrow lifting. “Not you. Never you.”
“Why not?” She forced a chuckle. “Don’t tell me you love me.”
“Love?” He rubbed his smooth chin. “Love is an emotion I haven’t experienced. But I do like fate, and I like that you’re special. I’ll keep you safe.”
Was he crazy or just lacking in empathy? “You feel nothing?”
He studied her. “I don’t really know. It’s always been you, Janet.”
Janie shook her head. She’d never understand Kalin, but someday, like it or not, he would want to hunt her. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself. She had to get back to Zane.
The rocks rattled, and a lift hurtled down. Suri stepped off, tall, powerful, and mean.
“You’re finally awake,” he said. “Now get the book.”
Janie looked from the demon leader to the book and back again. The second she released the book, he’d kill her. “No.”
Suri smiled, the sight truly evil. “You’ll get that book, or I’ll cut that baby out of you. Decide.”
Janie convulsed as if she’d been hit. Terror clawed through her.
Kalin growled low and angled himself in front of her. “Why the hell am I here?”
Suri clasped his hands behind his back. “I thought to trade you to your people for a nice sum. But apparently your cousin has taken control and doesn’t wish for your return. Pity.”
Kalin lifted his regal chin. “So?”
Suri clicked his tongue. “So, I have a plan. Like you, I’m against any uprising or disloyalty to a true leader. Your cousin lacks vision, and you don’t.”
Kalin stilled. “Meaning?”
Suri shrugged a wide shoulder. “The vampires are done, and the witches and shifters are regrouping. Let’s form an alliance, a permanent one, and take out your competition.”
Kalin’s eyes darkened to a deep purple. “I’m amenable to your plan.” He glanced toward Janie. “She comes with me.”
“Of course,” Suri said.
Lie. Even without superhuman senses, Janie discerned the lie. “You want me dead,” she said, facing her opponent and refusing to show fear.
Suri glanced down at her pregnant belly. “I have to admit, I’m rather curious to see Zane’s vampire-demon son be raised by Kurjans.”
Baloney. Janie angled closer to the lift, fear ringing through her ears.
Belle?
She stopped.Zane?So much relief flooded her that her knees wobbled.
