Instead of answering, she asked, “Did you miss me?” She didn’t wait for his answer, running to him with a laugh. He caught her in his arms, his lips catching hers even as her legs went around his waist.
He raised his head. “Does that answer your question?”
She nodded.
“Come with me next time and we—-” He stopped since she had been shaking her head the moment he spoke.
“You know I can’t,” she said softly. “You know you can’t. I will only be a distraction to you when you hunt, and I don’t want that.”
“You’re not a distraction—-”
“No one will believe you even if it’s not true. You’re part of the ruling family, and I don’t want the day to come that your people will think you’ve failed them because of me.”
Troubling reports from his men had Alexandru going to the library. Killing demons could be complex, depending on their position in the hierarchy. The demon he was hunting down was particularly high up in the rank, and the more information he had about his opponent, the better his chances of defeating the demon without any innocent bystanders suffering.
But when he reached the library, all thoughts of demon hunting were forgotten when he saw his own pet entering one of the offices at the back with another man.
It was Lord Erou of course.
The library assistant approached him. “You would like to use the office, milord?”
He nodded curtly.
The assistant returned to him after a few moments. “They will only be a minute.”
“That’s fine.” He walked towards the office, cracking his fists. He was supposed to be a cold-blooded hunter, but right now all he could think about was hauling the other vampire’s ass out of the office and beating him to within an inch of his life.
This was not right. This feeling of obsession, of possession – he was not supposed to feel this way for his pet. It was a betrayal in every sense of the word, and he only had himself to blame.
His powers muted, Alexandru was able to reach the office without either of the two being aware of his presence. He listened to them talk about the murder suspect, his body stiff with tension. He knew it was only a matter of time before the soldier would talk about something else.
And he was right.
You know this won’t end well, don’t you?
A harsh smile touched Alexandru’s lips. Of course. A direct stab. He should have expected that from the ever-uptight vampire.
Then why? Why would you choose him?
If he was a good man, he would turn his back now and let nature run its course. Let Damaschin open his pet’s eyes to the truth – that she had no reason to choose Alexandru.
But he was not a good man where Zari was concerned.
He had always tried to be one, but with her, it was as if he was destined to sin. And he would keep sinning, Alexandru knew, if that was the only way to keep her as his pet.
Alexandru opened the door, Zari paling at the sight of him. The younger vampire seemed to be as aware of his identity, murmuring “Lord Alexandru” even before he had completely turned around to face Alexandru.
His gaze didn’t let hers go. He wanted her looking at him and only him. Alexandru offered his hand. “Let’s go.” His voice was neutral, but the words were a command nonetheless.
When Zari took a step forward, Erou said bitterly, “I would have given her up, you know. I would never have made a move if I thought there was a chance you’d eventually admit your feelings for her.”
Alexandru’s jaw hardened at the challenging words, but he didn’t let his gaze veer away from his pet. “Zari?”
“I see it in your face,” Erou snarled. “You want her—-”
“Of course I want her,” he exploded, finally looking at the other vampire. “Would she be my pet if I didn’t want her?”
Zari’s heart was beating faster and faster as she listened Erou and her Master exchange words. She didn’t know what to say or do, wasn’t even sure that she should interfere. But then she heard Erou say, “You want her more than that. Admit it.”
Her head snapped towards her Master.
His pet was looking at him now, her heart – fragile but brave all at the same time – in her eyes. In that moment, the weight of his past, all the memories, good and bad, collided with the present, which came with the most dangerous risks and the most wonderful promises.
But in the end, he knew he could only make one choice.
When Alexandru looked at her, Zari’s knees nearly buckled. Even though he hadn’t yet spoken, she already knew, just by the way her Master was looking at her with regret in his eyes.
“I wish it was so, but she can only be my pet.” Before he was even done speaking, he was already striding towards Zari, the pain his words caused her something he felt as well. “Zari—-” He reached for her.