Crossing her arms over her chest, Amandine lifted a brow. “Sure.”
“What’s vampiric sex?”
Luke gave her a grin. “Ever heard of tantric sex? It’s that on steroids.”
Sorcha both could and couldn’t believe that. Was it like Schrodinger’s sex? She had no idea. “Is he right?” she asked Amandine.
Before Amandine could answer, a large black dog appeared in front of the closed door. While not quite as big as a German Shepherd, it was still an intimidating beast. Sleek and hairless, it had large shoulders and glowing red eyes.
Never had Sorcha seen anything like this.
But if she had to guess, hellhound came to mind.
She looked at Luke for confirmation. “Mom?”
He nodded. “And she’s on a hunt.”
In response to those words, the hellhound transformed into a tall, elegant woman whose eyes were a perfect match for Luke’s. Other than that, Sorcha saw no family resemblance whatsoever.
Unless someone counted that devastating presence that commanded attention. Was that an inherited trait or something Luke picked up from living with his mother?
“You found the heiress?” Her voice was smooth and deep. A female version of Luke’s.
Luke tsked at his mother. “She wasn’t lost.”
“According to her father, she was.”
Luke ignored that comment. “Sorcha? Meet my mother, Senka. Mom, this is my new partner, and I take it that you’re familiar with Amandine.”
She inclined her head to Sorcha before she glanced about the room. “Where’s your imp?”
“I sent her to Delilah.”
“Good.” She turned toward Amandine. “Come, child. Your father awaits.”
Amandine jutted out her chin in childish defiance. “I’m not going.”
Senka arched an irritated brow. “Pardon?”
Luke cleared his throat to get Amandine’s attention. “You don’t want to tell her no. It’s not a word she hears often, and it doesn’t ever bode well for the one saying it.”
“I am Amandine Dufresne, daughter of Antoine, leader of the Order of Blackthorn. No one tells me what to do.”
The way Senka’s eyes flared, Sorcha felt the disaster that was brewing. Even the air felt electric. Rife with conflict and anger.
This was about to be an epic showdown between two creatures who profaned the word no. And she was sure that Senka’s bite would be much more vicious than her bark.
Luke moved to stand between them. “No destroying my office, Mum. Seriously.” He turned toward Amandine. “She’s a hellhound. Last thing you want is for her to drag you out of here. Grabbing those who are reluctant to leave is what she specializes in. Don’t run or fight. She will hunt you down, and it won’t end well for you.”
“My father?—”
“Is the one who sent her after you. Means he knows how my mother’s breed functions and that was what he wanted for you. Go peacefully. Please. For your own sake.”
Sorcha saw the rebellion that glowed in the younger woman’s eyes. It was obvious that she wanted to run. Craved it.
And Sorcha couldn’t blame her. She didn’t like being ordered around, either. But it wasn’t in Sorcha’s nature to back down or run. She’d fight to the bitter end.
Thankfully, Amandine saw the truth in Luke’s eyes and sighed. “Fine. I’ll go home.”
