“The old Fae magic used to seal the covenant is strong, but not infallible. There are ways to circumvent the blood vow, if only indirectly.” He gave a slight shrug of his shoulder, as though the shocking admission wouldn’t have catastrophic consequences if revealed to the general Untouched populace.
The Dádhe ingested blood to survive. Human blood. In addition to forced loyalty, the Calling allowed the strongest vampires in every region’s House to temper the predatory instincts of the weakest. Without that leash, the youngest members could fall into bloodlust.
“And then there’s still the problem of the back-stabbing Anwyll.” Prince Myles pulled designer sunglasses from the silk-lined interior of his pinstriped suit. “Either the witches involved are being shielded by the American government, or the Guard’s failure to apprehend them is due to gross incompetence.”
“Fuck you,” James replied through gritted teeth. He was a proud member of the region’s well-trained police force.
“Remember to whom you’re speaking, wolf.”
“Fuck you…milord.” The scent of damp earth and a hint of lengthened incisors warned James he was pushing the prince’s patience. He didn’t give a shit. “And I’m speaking to someone who wants my child to believe his father is a traitor.”
“Noah’s reached his majority. He’s hardly a pup.”
“Desert my pack.”
“Temporarily.”
“Betray my Alpha and my queen.”
“They’ll be told the truth.” Prince Myles waved his manicured fingers. “Eventually.”
“Abandon my Ca’anam.” James’ voice broke. “Knowingly cause Sarah pain.”
“She’ll forgive you.” Myles slipped the mirrored aviators on and turned to leave the small vestibule.
James opened the mating bond; the connection with Sarah strummed with warmth and love. The pull of their tie told him she was west of the chapel. Still asleep in their bed. He’d left a note, explaining he had to run an errand for the Guard. The first of many lies to come if he accepted the assignment.
He couldn’t do it. Couldn’t hurt Sarah.
“Milord, I can’t…”
“Mr. Reed,” Prince Myles interrupted without turning around. He opened the exit door, and sunlight spilled into the room, washed over the vampire’s exposed skin. “I wouldn’t ask for this sacrifice if it wasn’t necessary. My gut tells me the freedom of our people…your family…could be at stake if we do nothing.”
The vampire dug his hands into his pockets again and stepped into the blazing sunshine.
James stared at the closed door, clutching the back of a pew so tightly the wood creaked. “Your gut better be right.”
About the Author
Originally Northerners, my husband of almost thirty-seven years and I have spent the last twenty-five in Memphis, Tennessee raising three daughters while learning the Southern way of doing things. The girls are adults now, with babies of their own; five at last count with another on the way! The only princess left in the house—I’m the queen—is an Aussiedoodle named after the Roman goddess, Diana, who answers to Ana most days.
A homebody and voracious reader (an awesome combination), I’ve had stories rattling around in my head forever. It’s only taken the better part of four decades to launch my first book, but now I’m on a roll!
Fae Touched (Fae Touched Book 1): Paranormal Romance Page 32