Eva gripped the bars. “I need to…” She turned at the first crunch of stone, but was too slow as an arm wrapped around her waist, pulled back against a masculine chest.
“Ah, there you are.”
Augustine’s hold was like iron as she tried to twist out of his grip in a panic.
“Fight harder,” he whispered as he shoved her hard into the bars, pinning her to the cold metal. “You know how I like it.” His hands reached beneath her skirt, lifting the fabric until her skin was bared to the air. “What is my fledgling doing roaming the lower tunnels alone?”
Eva tried to settle her dread, licking at her dry lips as Hunter scrambled back. “I don’t need an escort,” she said, trying to conceal the slight tremor in her voice. “I just wanted a… better look.”
Augustine chuckled against her shoulder, his fangs stroking across her skin without piercing. “Was the dead security guard a present for me?” he asked.
Dead? Oh shit.
“I don’t need an escort,” she just repeated. “Don’t treat me like a child who needs to be constantly watched.”
“Oh, you’re definitely not a child.” Her skirt lifted higher. “Did you feed from him first?” His fangs pressed down, the pain quickly dulling as his venom tricked her brain into thinking it was pleasure. She stayed as still as she could, knowing if she moved it could rip her skin further. His fangs finally released, her blood hot as it dripped freely down her back. “You know you’re not allowed to feed from anyone but me.”
Eva tried to nod, her head heavy. “I know. I’m… yours.” The lie caught on her tongue.
“I think I’m going to fuck you right here, right now with everyone watching. Give them all a little show before they fall to the sands.”
Eva froze at his words, all the fake confidence she had before disintegrating as his fingers teased her bare thighs. “Don’t.” The repudiation came out a whisper.
“Get off her!” Hunter shouted, struggling to reach through the bars. His nails had turned into claws, but they were useless, unable to reach.
“Have you been anxiously waiting? Knowing that I’m coming, but not sure when I finally decide to claim what’s mine?” Augustine continued, his tongue wet against the skin of her shoulder, lapping up her blood. “I can almost taste your fear. It’s going to make it so much better when I take you screaming beneath me.”
It brought her out of her stupor, the panic jack-knifing into pure anger. She fought dirty, knocking back, twisting and turning until he had no option but to loosen his hold. Eva dropped to her knees, falling forward onto her palms.
“You’ve shown me that you truly are a Viper, and it’s a shame we haven’t got the time right now.” Augustine’s chuckle echoed, morose against the cries of his prisoners. “Now get up, the first round is about to begin.”
Chapter20
Kace
Kace tried to not recall his memories at the Pits, but being back at the same place that broke him was a test of perseverance. Everything was bigger, newer, shinier. It wasn’t the same, but then again, he was no longer a small child.
He was ready, calm as he leaned back against a wall with his arms crossed. He didn’t bother looking at the other fighters, fifteen including himself. Most stood alone, waiting for the gate to the sands to open and for the first round to begin, everyone’s sponsors already in their cushioned seats.
“Let’s do this!” one of the fighters barked, clapping his hands together while his friend hopped from one foot to the other. They whooped and hollered, spurring each other on while everyone else remained composed, their voices more subdued as the tension thickened with every passing second.
They had all been asked to wait in what was supposed to be a locker room. Benches lined two of the four walls, an alcove above with hangers and shelves. In the centre were some weights, an empty bath, a freestanding metal cabinet full of medical supplies and a chair. It was basic, but more than he expected.
“We’re going to win that prize money,” the other man chuckled, ruffling through his coat. “No one will stand in our way.”
Kace finally looked up, noticing the two who stood together while everyone else kept to themselves. The left was around six foot with bleach blonde hair while the other was an inch or so taller and dark. Other than that, they looked identical. Their eyes were both brown, slightly wild and even their noses were matching, crooked. They noticed him assessing, their similarly thin lips twisting into a snarl before footsteps echoed, and everyone turned towards the sound.
Kace braced himself, eyes drawn immediately to Eva who stepped into the room. She kept her gaze purposely away, and even the sight of her stilled his beast, until he noticed the blood dried at her throat. She stood behind Augustine, the vampire the same man who had first thrown him onto the sands almost two decades ago. It was a face he could never forget, that and his partner, a Viper even more dangerous than the suit. Dutch was a notorious killer, taking out their competition until even the Lords of the undercity knew not to mess with the Vipers.
Kace couldn’t wait to cut off the heads of the snakes.
“Everyone, can I have your attention,” Augustine said, raising his voice. “Today marks the first of what we hope to be annual games. Before we begin, I must remind you of the three rules. One; you must enter the sands when asked, any hesitation and you will be disqualified.”
Slight grumbles between the fighters, uncertainty as Augustine continued.
“Rule two; you must enter unarmed, and you must return unarmed. There will be no souvenirs allowed.”
He paused to sweep his gaze across the fighters, and Kace shifted his attention to meet his eyes.
