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“Are you OK?”

Lawrence and Laria had gone back inside. Though he wore the same black hoodie he’d donned the night before, this was the new Kenton that stood next to her. No, perhaps it was that he was no longer putting on a show for anyone, himself included. And this dangerous, seductive, loyal, and unbelievably sexy vampire had just done something for her that could never be put into words.

She put one foot in front of the other until they were on the path she’d taken earlier, though this time they were heading back toward Kenton’s home.

Theirhome.

After that, there could be no doubt of his devotion, and she could do nothing but return it in kind.

“You look like you need to sit,” he said softly.

She could have laughed at that—Kenton had pledged fealty to Lawrence Derrickson, his longtime enemy . . . and she needed to sit.

They’d reached the small courtyard at the back of the house.

Yes, she did need to sit after all.

Gripping the sides of the wrought iron chair, she watched him, waiting for some response.

And what did the blasted man do? He licked his lip. His bottom lip, to be precise. Knowing full well that she’d not have the ability to look away.

“Kenton?”

“Aye, love?”

She adored when he slipped into his English accent, something he only ever did when he was completely and utterly distracted.

“Are you seriously attempting to seduce me after what just happened?”

He didn’t have to answer.

“We can’t spend the day having wild sex. There are . . . things to do. To discuss.”

His stare promised her a day of passion.

“Kenton, I’m serious.”

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, never breaking eye contact. “As am I.”

She tried again.

“You just pledged your fealty to Lawrence Derrickson,” she said, her tone accusing.

Sitting back, admitting defeat, if only for the moment, he said, “Yes. I did. But not to Lawrence,” he clarified, “to his clan.”

“There’s a difference?”

“A slight difference, but an important one. My pledge ensures each of his siblings my loyalty in all matters related to the Cheld.”

“Meaning?”

But she already knew the answer.

“Meaning my brothers will disown me, and I’ve forsaken my vow to honor my parents.”

“Oh no, you don’t,” she said, nearly getting up. The need to touch him, to comfort him, nearly overwhelmed her. But if she did that, their conversation would be at an end, and this was too important to put off.

“Does it honor your parents to see innocent men and women killed? Ones who may never pose a threat to you, or to anyone?”