Page 14 of Shattered Magic
“You are a vampire king without being a vampire. I am just fricking confused by your logistics.”
“Well, I drink blood and prefer the nightlife, so it wasn’t a stretch. I also consume sexual energy, so that is also something many vampires are familiar with.”
“Oh, great. You also mess around with memories.”
“I dabble.” He lifted her hand to his lips.
She snorted and saw something unexpected. “Is that an XIA vehicle?”
He smirked. “They came to deal with the fire mage. He is wanted in Redbird City.”
“Lovely.”
“It is convenient. I will log his testimony for who hired him to kill you, and then the team can take him away.”
“How did you get a team here so fast?”
“They were returning home, and their mayor asked me to take care of them for a few nights. It has been a difficult journey for them.” He kissed her knuckles. “He is going to be here for the party with his assistant. It should be interesting.”
She paused. “Isn’t the mayor of Redbird a vampire?”
“Oh, yes. One of the oldest, if not the oldest. He comes here every ten years or so, and his arrival keeps the vampires in line, so I don’t have to.”
“You have known him a while?”
“You could say that.”
The car door opened, and he exited, pulling her gently by his grip on her hand.
She was tired. Exhausted, but she lifted her chin and walked out with him.
Prolen met them inside the doors. “Miss, I am glad to see you alive.”
“Me, too.”
“Serel is being questioned regarding her involvement.”
“Good. My guess is that she was pissed about the lawsuit. She will be so happy that charges of attempted murder, destruction of property, and interference in commerce will be added to the list.” She smiled. “And since her father is bankrolling her hiring of the assassin, he gets to be charged as well.”
Prolen nodded. “As you should. She was offered, and I accepted, but I hear that you have more agreeable ladies to which I could be exposed.”
“I don’t have them, but I can ask them. They just want a bit of money and some fun nights out. Sex is also pretty important to most of them.”
Prolen grinned. “Good to know. Sir, your guests are in the main dining room having a meal. The food you ordered for Miss is separate and waiting.”
Hari nodded. “Good. He wouldn’t let me have food at the hospital.”
“I want you eating under my roof.”
“Controlling. Bastard.” She spoke slowly.
Zerul chuckled. “Correct. We have discussed this.”
She huffed, and he guided her deeper into the mansion.
They passed the ballroom, and she felt a twinge of fury. It faded as they continued toward the large dining room.
The quartet sitting together and laughing smiled as they entered the room, and the woman with long brown hair and brilliant green eyes came forward. “Lord Zerul, thank you for hosting us. Your city is extremely expensive, and the XIA and Mage Guild are cheap.”