All control had been wrestled from her, and she needed to reclaim some power. “I make my own way. Just because we mated doesn’t mean you’re responsible for me.”
Amusement, genuine and dark, sparkled in his eyes. “That’s exactly what it means.” He cocked his head to the side. “You are now my number one priority, and even you aren’t going to hinder my ability to ensure your safety.”
She blew out air. “God, you remind me of my father.”
Zane’s head jerked back. “I do not.”
“Do too.” Although she’d always thought her father rather charming and his overbearing ways cute. It felt different coming from Zane, and she wanted to rebel instantly.
Zane licked his lips. “Maybe there’s more vampire in me than I thought, because I meant exactly what I said. Get on board now, Belle.”
What an arrogant ass. “Speaking of your vampire-demon heritage, how the hell did you mark me with a damn Z?”
“All demons mark their mates with the first letter of their demon family name.” That amusement deepened. “Didn’t you know?”
“No.” Her mind spun. “I thought only the Kayrs family marked their mates because they’re the ruling family. Most vampires just mate with a good bite during sex.”
He chuckled. “Pride. So much pride in that Kayrs family.”
“Meaning what?” Anger prickled her skin.
Zane leaned closer. “Vampires don’t mark mates. Demons do. Figure it out.”
She blinked. Once. Twice. A third time. “Oh.”
“Yes.Oh. Not only that, vampires can’t teleport. Well . . . except for the king. Many demons have the gift.” Zane settled back. “The Kayrs family wants people to think they’re purebred vampires, but there’s a dirty little demon somewhere in their far past. Like it or not.That’swhy they can mark their mates.”
Well. Unfortunately, that did make sense. Janie shrugged. “Doesn’t matter.”
“Didn’t think it would.” Zane caressed her nape, sending tingles through her entire scalp. “I care little about your family’s heritage, so long as you understand mine.”
Why did that sound like a threat? “So the vampire in you bit me, and the demon in you marked me.” Talk about doubly bound.
He nodded. “I’m just as mated and marked as you are.” Slowly, he opened his free palm. “See?”
She traced the lines on his hand. Zane Kyllwood washers. A deep thrill coursed through her, warming her heart. “The design really is beautiful.”
“You should see it on your back,” he rumbled, an erotic tension cascading off him.
“I saw.” She glanced up and frowned. “Why two markings? I mean, both hands?” All the Kayrs men had one marking on one palm.
Zane shrugged. “I haven’t figured that out. It’s unheard of as far as I know.”
Well now. Sounded like destiny, fate, and a whole lot of pressure. But she’d known Zane her entire life; she could reason with him. “Even so, no marking and mating is going to keep us from doing our jobs. You understand that, right?”
“I completely agree.”
Relief filled her. Good. Zane was Zane. “I’m glad.”
“So long as you now understand your job.”
Damn it. Time to take the bull by the horns. She flattened both hands over his chest, wanting to purr at the warm hardness. Instead, she leaned in, and he allowed her to inch toward his face. “Stop dancing around with innuendo and vampire-esque orders. What are you saying?”
His expression didn’t change. All thoughtful determination. One that dampened her panties while ticking her off. “I’m saying that you stick to the plan,” he said softly.
“What plan?”
“Mine. Which means you stay safely at Realm headquarters until I deal with both Suri and Kalin.”
