Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 122946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 615(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 615(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
Theseus simply nodded. “You are entering the heart of vampire politics. There is so much you do not know or understand. I will teach you in time. But for now, know this, all of the ruling vampire families tolerate and respect each other, but just like the kings and queens of human history, everyone wants more. The way to protect what they have and possibly get more, the easiest way to do any of that, is by marriage through mates. Because you are adding another line of power or connections to your family.”
I turned to look at him. “So vampire society is pretty much like early absolute monarchies?”
“Exactly, and no matter how much Taelon may claim otherwise, their republic is still the same as everywhere else. No one voted the Swan family into power. They took it and merely allow the vampires who dwell here to believe it is different from the rest of society; that is false. Never trust those who are not your family so easily, Druella. There is no expiration on our lives; we live and keep living, and as so, we keep changing. A friend today could be your enemy in a century. The only thing that is forever is family.” He brushed his hands through my curls before lifting my head. “Now, if I kissed you, would I be, as you say, pushing my luck because I can give you a very good excuse as to why it is necessary.”
It took me a second to adjust to how quickly he switched topics. Sighing, I shook my head at him. “You just admitted it was an excuse, Theseus.”
“Yes, but a good one.” He leered.
“And that is?”
He brushed his thumb over my lips. “My scent is not on you enough, at least not enough to excuse why we are in here for so long while they wait patiently.”
My eyes narrowed on him. “And why exactly would I want your scent on me even more than it is now?”
“Because as you may have noticed—” His eyes were on every other part of my body but my eyes—“I have a temper and am not prone to forgiveness.”
“Yea, I’ve gotten that vibe. You do know that is something you should work on and not so quickly admit.”
“Yes, I am a flawed man bear with me until I grow more benevolent.” He chuckled at the mere word and inhaled my scent. “What do you think I shall do if anyone else’s scent masks mine or they approach you?”
I rolled my eyes. “Now all of a sudden men will approach me? That rarely happened before.”
“You have been hiding among humans and witches. I doubt you showed your beauty to anyone other than your work. Now you will be surrounded by others, and your beauty will be a temptation like no other.”
Damn him for making me smile like an idiot. “You just wanted an excuse to call me beautiful.”
“I don’t need an excuse for that. You’re trying my patience in ways I have never thought was conceivable before now.” His eyes shifted to my lips. “Allow me one kiss, so I do not go mad.”
Knock. Knock.
Theseus growled lowly, his head turning to the side of the door beside us.
“Forgive me, Lord Thorbørn, truly; however, a storm is coming in. We must be going.” Taelon’s voice entered from the other side of the door.
“Seems like the gods are not on your side,” I teased, broke out of his arms and reached over, opening the door. The heavy smell of rain came with the breeze; the air was as cold as earlier, and I wondered if it was going to snow again. Taelon held open the door more for me, allowing me to step outside. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” He nodded to me before his dark gaze shifted to Theseus, I couldn’t help but wonder what face Theseus had made for Taelon to chuckle softly, but I didn’t look back.
As we walked toward the plane, a familiar feeling of uneasiness crept over me. I only knew where we were going, but what would happen once I got there? I had no clue what I was supposed to do, furthermore, just leaving now felt incomplete. I should have at least put my affairs in order. My apartment, my car, my clothes, and things—my father’s things. I just left everything behind.
“Taelon,” Theseus spoke beside me. “I want her things sent to Ankeiros, if that is alright with you, Druella?”
I glanced up at him, unsure how the hell he’d figured out what I was thinking. When I did not speak, he went on.
“Those things are important to you, are they not? And if we are to leave them, I am sure that witches will go through it all. No one will disturb them in Ankeiros.”
I nodded first, giving my mind a moment to speak. “Yes, thank you, do you need my keys?”