She’d rather slit her own throat. “Just eaten, thanks.”
“I know. I didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable with your croissants while my horde had their blood treats, which is why I asked for breakfast to be served in your room.”
“So what am I supposed to do? Sit there watching while your gang of bloodsuckers eats?”
“They won’t mind. And it’s time you got to know them.”
“I can live without that.”
His jaw tensed. “Everyone needs to belong somewhere, Veronica.”
“I’ve never needed to belong anywhere.”
“Fine.” He stood, picking up his mobile from the desk. “If nothing else, how about you meet them because they’ll be accompanying you on your mission?” When she did not respond, “And we have a special guest with us all the way from London.”
“Ah well, that’s a deal-breaker, isn’t it? Some posh shit from England.”
“Stereotyping, much?” He tilted his head. “Although you would do well to pay him respect. He’s a crown prince, an immortal. And I am honored to have him staying at this mansion.”
Immortal? When there were concerns that immortal populations might result in humans becoming extinct, there were assurances from the state that there was no such thing as immortality. “I thought there were no immortals?”
“There are only a few, and our kind awards them the greatest respect.” He walked past her to the door. “So I would take this opportunity if I was you.”
She had nothing better to do, and he was right. If she was going to go on a mission with his horde, it was best to meet them at least once beforehand. She followed him down the corridor. Instead of turning toward to the stairway, he opened a door on the left. And when she glanced inside, she was glad he was with her.
The place was more of a banqueting hall, with marble flooring and walls. A table ran along the middle of it, and seated around it were the horde, their eyes on the doorway as if they’d been waiting for her. And at the head of the table was a vampire who could only be the crown prince from England. With long dark hair that fell past his shoulders, a sculptured face and ice-blue eyes that were even more piercing than Leke’s, he was a truly beautiful creature.
“Veronica?” At Leke’s whisper, she realized she’d been staring. “Shall we sit down?”
She kept her eyes ahead, avoiding meeting the gazes of the vampires who sat at the table, as Leke led her to the chair on the crown prince’s left. Thankfully, he took the seat next to her. As she sat, the English vampire held out his hand. “I have heard much about you, Veronica. I am Lohan.” He indicated toward the lady on his left. “And this is Rose. My mate.”
Veronica kept a straight face, hiding her surprise. The plump woman opposite was bland of appearance, and the crown prince and she made an unusual couple. Her green eyes were striking, though, and her smile friendly as she reached across the table to take Veronica’s hand.
“Rose was once human,” Leke mentioned. “When she met Lohan, she allowed herself to be turned.”
“Deliberately?” Veronica was so surprised that her voice came out as a squeak. When the woman in front of her nodded, she couldn’t help but ask, “Why?”
“I wanted to be with Lohan.” Rose grinned. “And there are great perks to being a vampire. It’s strange at first, but you quickly get used to it.”
Big difference between them both, though, wasn’t there? Rose had become a supernatural of her own will, whereas Veronica had no say in the matter. Before she could make any more comments, Leke spoke. “Let me introduce you to my horde.” He glanced around the table. “You already know Fry. That is Grace, and next to her is Norman.”
As the vampires greeted her and smiled as if they genuinely wanted her here, she did not even bother trying to remember their names, seeing as there were twenty of them. But as breakfast was served, and she made small talk with Rose, she realized she remembered who every vampire in the room was. Apparently, a good memory was also a side effect of changing.
Fatima was the one with red streaks in her black hair, her light brown eyes startling against her dark skin. Jasper appeared to be the youngest, with blond hair and a pierced bottom lip. Cameron, with his black hair in a ponytail and eyes permanently red, sat at the other end of the table, looking as if this hall was the last place he wanted to be. Apart from him, whichever vampire met her gaze, gave her a big grin and raised a glass of blood at her. She should have been downright uncomfortable, but as the bloodsuckers at this side of the table chatted to her without reservation, she began to relax.
“You what?” asked Fatima. “You led your own gang?” She leaned over the table to high-five her. “Even more glad to have you here, Veronica.”
And now the rest of the horde wouldn’t let up until they’d heard more of her exploits. Once she realized they weren’t just being polite, she began to enjoy putting out stories of her adventures. God, she’d had some experiences, hadn’t she?
And then the vampires told their stories, barring Cameron, but because he didn’t talk to anyone else at the table, it didn’t bother her. Stories of dangerous assignments, clean assassinations, espionage gone wrong…
Leke had one hell of a horde behind him, and when tales were told of missions he’d led personally, it was obvious he commanded their respect. As Fatima reached the end of a story about when the horde leader and she broke a comrade out of a mob holding unit, it was a surprise when Leke cleared his throat. “Time to get going, Veronica.”
Already?
“Damn it,” said the young one, Jasper. When Leke glared at him. “Sorry. I mean, you must join us again, Veronica. Promise?”
His invitation was unexpected, but the bigger surprise was the fact that she wanted to experience this again. “Sure.” But she’d think of some excuse not to. She would leave this place at some point so best not to get close to anyone. Supernaturals or humans, it didn’t take a genius to figure out that such a scenario was a bad idea.
Leke stood. “All of you, take time over breakfast.” He leaned over to shake Lohan’s hand. “I look forward to having dinner with you later, crown prince.”
As they left the hall, Veronica was glad she’d agreed to go in there. At least when she went on this mission, it would be with a group of supernaturals she could trust to have her back.
LEKE WAITED IN THE UNDERGROUND garage, stood next to his car with Fry as they waited for Veronica. He had chosen to take his Mercedes on this trip to meet the government official. He was now less edgy about the visit. It had been a risk taking Veronica into the dining hall, especially as the crown prince Lohan was visiting, but his horde had taken to her. Not only taken to her, they were impressed by her background. And with that, a possibility entered his head. Once she’d settled into her new body, he could see her being here, with his horde and him. If she could get past her anger, might they both even be together?
I have been too long without a mate…
But now was not the time to ponder on such matters. “Any more news on Edge?” he asked Fry. Just this morning, his horde had checked out a location they were led to after tailing the wolf.
“The hideout was empty, but there had been a pack of wolves in there.”
Either Rasmus’ right hand was stupid, or he’d deliberately led them there. If the wolf was the former, he’d never have risen to such an important position so fast. But it hadn’t been a trap, either, which was why his vampires returned unscathed…
Veronica entered the car park, breaking through his thoughts. Although she was not wearing a dress—he doubted she ever had—she had changed into denims, a high-necked tee shirt and a black jacket, an outfit a touch smarter than what she wore before, but with enough of the badass about it. She stopped, her mouth open as she stared at his array of luxury vehicles, and he felt a sense of pride that he’d finally impressed her. Fry stepped back, and when Leke entered the car, Veronica got into the passenger seat next to him. “What does a bloodsucker need all these cars f
or?”
He wished she would stop calling him that. “If you’ve got money, might as well spend it.” He turned to face her. “Like I’ve told you, Veronica, it’s a lucrative business.”
“Forget that.” She squirmed in the seat, making him wish she was sat on his lap instead. “I prefer a bike over these fancy cars any day.” So much for her being impressed. Fry got into a vehicle behind them. “He’s coming with us?”
“He goes everywhere with me.”
“Why?”
He shrugged his shoulders as he started up the engine. “In case I ever need him.”
At the steel doors at the exit of the car park, he held his hand out and touched the security panel. Responding to his touch, the doors rolled open. Soon, they were out of the gates, heading toward the main road.
As he drove, she stared out of the window, as if avoiding looking at him. Whether or not she liked it, she wanted him, too, and need coursed through his veins when he thought of how she responded to his touch yesterday. It was all he could do, not to take her right then, against the wall. But she still hated his kind. Hated what she was. And if she was not careful, these emotions could drive her insane. It had been known to happen to transformed vampires, leaving their makers with no choice but to destroy them.
But no…he would never allow that to happen to her.
Her hand twitched, concerning him, because she’d taken little nutrition since she turned. She was strong, but even the strongest of creatures could not hold out against hunger. She needed blood, but even more important than that, she had to accept what she’d turned into and all that came with being a vampire, which included her special gifts and abilities.
And once she was out of this dark place she clung to, perhaps…they would have a chance.
CHAPTER NINE
* * *
LEKE SCANNED HIS ID AT the entrance to the government car park for the Office of Supernatural Affairs, or the OSA, as they called it. It was a huge tower block dedicated to issues involving non-humans. He had been here countless times but only ever had access to a small section of the premises, because it ran under strict security. Fuck knew what else went on in the building.
Once the security system that governed the entrance had scanned the car, the gates opened to let them through. He parked inside, and before they got out of the vehicle, he reminded her, “Now remember, Veronica. Be on your best behavior.”
As he got out of the car and she followed, a scowl on that pretty face, he wondered if he’d made a mistake by bringing her here. But he hadn’t asked her to come to the meeting only because it involved her…hopefully, once this world and the way it worked became more familiar, she wouldn’t resent it as much.
He walked ahead to the steel doors. Again, he was scanned. He’d already told the contact that he was bringing Veronica, and on this occasion, he was given some leeway and the security system relaxed. The doors shot open, and he stepped inside, Veronica close behind. He approached the spacious reception area, all glass counter and expensive artworks. There was a new receptionist behind it today. With blond hair and blue eyes, she wore a fitted dress that showed off ample curves.
“I have an appointment with Mr. Wilson,” he said.
She fluttered her eyelashes at him, resembling a cartoon, her voice a purr. “Mr. Leke Elane?”
“That would be me. And this is Miss. Divado.”
The receptionist pouted her lips before she smiled. As for Veronica, she tensed next to him. Any other time, her reaction to the other female would have pleased him, but right now they were on government property.
“You’re a vampire, I see.” The blond woman glanced at her laptop before staring up at him from under her eyelashes. “Fancy going for a drink some time?”
Before he could stop her, Veronica leaned over the counter. “I’m a vampire, too,” she told the receptionist. And then she only went and bared her fucking fangs. “Fancy going out for a drink with me some time?”
The other female turned bright red. “No-no—”
“Are you sure?” Veronica’s eyes narrowed. “Because I’m pretty hungry these days, and you’re looking damn tasty right now—”
Leke grabbed her arm, squeezing it in warning. She looked up at him, a frown marring her brow, but he did not care if he was hurting her. He had warned her to behave herself, and they had not even got past the damn reception without her creating a scene. He smiled at the woman behind the counter, but her expression was now wary. “Miss. Divado has an…interesting sense of humor,” he said.
The woman nodded, saying nothing as she lifted her hand to indicate they could go through. She would not be asking any vampire out on a date any time soon.
Leke held Veronica’s arm tight, marching her through the corridor and into the empty elevator. He was so pissed right now that if it was not for the fact they had this meeting with Wilson, he would…he did not know what he would do.
“What the fuck was that about?” he asked as soon as the door had closed. He let go of her arm and then banged his fist against the wall at the side of her head, making her jump. Good. She needed to know that her badass ways could land a whole load of supernaturals—important supernaturals—in trouble. They’d been through enough shit when all that drama kicked off with her uncle James. And regardless of how he felt about her, he was not putting up with any nonsense.
She shrugged, but her eyes flickered with light, indicating she was more unnerved than she let on. “She is the one who wanted to go out for a drink. I only thought—”
“Don’t give me that shit. You’re better than that. You were deliberately scaring her—” He broke off as the elevator doors opened, but nobody waited on this floor. As the doors closed, he gave her another warning. “When we are in the meeting with Wilson, you do not mess around. It has taken me a long time to make a go of this, and if you dare fuck up—”
“Then what?” Her expression was defiant.
“We have our own way of dealing with delinquents. Maybe I owe you for what I did to you, but I’ll only take so much shit. Push me too far, and you’ll regret it.” He meant it, and when she remained silent, he took it as an indication that she understood. But for how long? The door opened again, and he backed away from her, forcing a smile to his face. “While we’re in Wilson’s office, behave.”
Because if she tried to pull any stunts in there, he would not be responsible for his actions.
THERE WAS ANOTHER DAMN SECURITY system outside Wilson’s office. Veronica glanced up at Leke as he was scanned, but he would not even look at her, his face grim. He was seriously pissed at her. Yes, what she did was out of order, but that blond bitch had offered herself up on a platter to Leke. And he had not discouraged her, either, the asshole.
His voice was low when he deigned to cast her a look. “Remember. Behave yourself.”
Because she was a kid who needed to be told again and again. If not for these supernaturals, she would have still been in charge of her own gang, giving the orders, instead following him around like a damn lapdog.
The door before them opened, and a smiling secretary—older and with tinges of gray in her hair—led them through a short corridor, brightly lit and painted white, to yet another door. As she opened it, the secretary asked, “Some iced blood? It’s hot out there today.”
“We’re fine, thank you,” said Leke. He entered the room first, and Veronica did not miss the final warning on his face when he looked back at her. She didn’t need a reminder that she’d pushed him enough for one day.
The office was large, bright and airy. A large window on one side took up the whole of the wall, providing lavish views of the city skyline. Wilson, who could have been anywhere between his mid-thirties and early forties, sat behind his desk, dressed in a two-piece that looked as if it might be as expensive as Leke’s. He stood to shake the vampire’s hand before extending the gesture to Veronica. If he was affected by her lack of designer wear, he did not show it. “Miss. Divado. I have heard many good
things about you. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise.” She gave him a polite smile. He was as friendly as shit, but nobody got to this position by being nice.
Leke sat, and Veronica took the seat next to him. She placed her arm on the rest, but when she accidentally touched Leke, the contact sent a frisson through her. She placed her hands on her lap and looked at him out of the corner of her eye. The twitch of a muscle, just above that tattoo, was the only indication he was also affected.
“I will just check your files.” Wilson opened documents on his laptop, looking at the screen as if he was pondering over the details…as if he had not already gleaned every bit of information he could. He narrowed his eyes. “Leke? You know that Rasmus has friends in high-up places?”
The vampire nodded. “That’s why you guys have not taken him out yet? Even though he’s targeting humans.”
“We’ve had our eyes on him for a while, but let’s just say that this is a sensitive case. We have to tread carefully.”
“And in the meantime, what if he continues to attack humans?”
“We’ve already had a word with him.” Wilson glanced at Veronica. “What happened was unfortunate, but Rasmus has reassured us—”
“Unfortunate?” asked Veronica. “Are you fucking serious?”
Leke placed a hand over hers, but there was no comfort in his touch, only another warning. “Miss. Divado’s going through a difficult period,” he said to Wilson. “You must have heard of how the change can be.”
“Our scientists have said the side effects can vary.” Now Wilson’s eyes landed on Veronica. “In fact, we’ve had to take out more than one newborn vampire, when they couldn’t handle the effects of the change.”
Leke’s hand tightened on hers, but when he spoke, his voice was calm. “Understandably so.” He cleared his throat. “But we’re here to discuss Rasmus. We are keen to deal with him as soon as possible. It will be clean, and nothing will come back to your office—”
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