“No,” he answers, dropping to his knees. “I haven’t had dessert.”
Heat devours me whole as I look down at this beast of a man, kneeling before me. I’m still etching the image of it into my memory when both of our attention is pulled.
“Kole,” Thane says in a terrifying growl. “What are you doing here?”
Kole continues down the incline, his eyes darting between me and his brother.
“You told me to do whatever it takes to keep you away from her tonight. Do you remember that?”
Thane slowly stands, not allowing any space to grow between us. I crane my neck to look at him, but his face is shrouded in shadow as he presses into me like he’s shielding me from his brother.
“You’re not needed,” Thane declares, grabbing a hold of my waist with a squeeze. “I’m in control.”
“Judging by your eyes, I don’t think you are.”
I cautiously reach up and turn Thane’s face toward mine. The last time I saw his eyes dilated was when he tried to force me out of that ridiculous cow costume, but this is different. They’re almost completely black.
“This is your last warning,” Thane threatens in his Alpha tone. He whips his head back to Kole with a fierce sound rattling in his chest. “Leave.”
Kole shakes his head. “Sorry, brother. I can’t do that.”
Thane takes a step toward Kole but stops his advance. In a split second, I’m in Kole’s arms while two vampires grab a hold of Thane, picking him up as his body goes limp and his eyes fall shut.
“What did you do?” There’s a hint of concern in my voice that surprises Kole just as much as it surprises me.
“He’s been sedated with a tranquilizer. It’s the only way I could keep you safe.” I watch the two vampires carry Thane away while Kole’s eyes wander down my body like he’s looking for an injury. “Did he hurt you?”
“No.” I pause. “Well, I mean he bit me and—”
“And?” Kole tilts his head down to catch my gaze.
“Nothing,” I mutter, taking a step away from him. “I’m fine, really.”
“I don’t like you being out here tonight. Even without Thane running around, you’re not safe.”
“What are you talking about? What did he do?” I demand, fear crawling along my spine.
“It’s the lunar eclipse. It affects the werewolves,” he says, nodding toward the sky. I look up, but all I can see is a canopy of trees.
“Affects them how?”
Kole signals to the other three vampires, who are waiting for orders. In a moment, they’re gone, and it’s just the two of us.
“The eclipse heightens their animalistic nature. They’ll act on instinct, dominated by things like hunger, lust, and the urge to hunt. The wolves won’t be in control, and if they come across a human, even one that has been marked by their Alpha, they won’t be able to resist the call of the wild.”
Kole’s posture is rigid, and his eyes keep darting behind me like he’s anticipating an attack. I normally would assume this is all just some sick game the two of them have cooked up, but I saw Thane’s eyes. Whatever is going on with the moon has Kole on edge, and I’d be an idiot not to heed his warning.
Kole reaches for my hand. “Come home. Just for tonight.”
“I have a home,” I insist, pulling my hand from him.
He lets out a laugh. “Oh, come on. You can hardly call that house you live in a home. It doesn’t even have heat or running water.”
“It is a home!” I bite back defensively. “It’smyhome where I’m free to leave my room whenever I like and where I’m free of Alpha assholes!”
Kole releases a sigh, hanging his head. “You’re right. It is your home, but for tonight, will you please stay at Headquarters? Just so I know you’re safe?”
“Seriously?” I lean back on my hip, crossing my arms. “You show up after almost two months of radio silence and think I’m going to fall for this act again?”
