His running commentary about the meeting was interspersed with occasional images of Forge hanging upside down, blood dripping from everywhere. As disturbing as this was for me, killing Forge was obviously a favorite fantasy of Dobson’s, because he imagined it more often than I was sure was normal. My takeaway was that he had unresolved Forge issues, and thus was a willing participant to all of this madness, so long as it ended with Forge dead.
But he wasn’t a major player.
Dobson didn’t realize he was also constantly thinking about the three vampires positioned just outside the room, ready to swoop down and throw us into the waiting truck. According to his somewhat gloating thoughts, the plan was to kill us both and leave Forge for the sun. Maybe there was some kind of poetic justice in conning him while he was conning us, but it remained to be seen which of us would have an opportunity to gloat. Even worse, I had to warn Forge of the impending attack, but was afraid of being overheard.
The Elder abruptly stopped talking, staring at Forge. Forge held his stare unflinchingly, and the Elder’s face twisted in hatred. This time when he spoke, flecks of spittle coated the table between us, and I didn’t have to speak his language to know he’d just pronounced judgment.
When that murderous gaze slid over to me, I made my move, praying no one else heard me.
Three men outside the room. Waiting to take us so Dobson can kill us.
Whether those two sentences were enough, I didn’t know, but then Forge leaned back in his chair and stretched his arm across the back of mine, encircling my shoulders.
“Tell me, Meyer, why did it take you so long to kill Jackson? We made a deal, as I recall.”
I almost snickered. “Meyer the Elder” sounded like a game show host’s name.
This time, no translation was needed. “Jackson died in an unfortunate accident. As to a deal, I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It turned out the Elder’s English was impeccable. “The entire clan agrees. Your offense—while long ago—demands recompense. All in favor?”
Every hand around us shot into the air.
Bunch of fucking kiss-asses.
“Separate him from his human and take him out back.” He turned his calculating gaze on me. “Let us see what makes her unique enough that he brought her tonight.”
Dobson’s victorious look was enough that I knew we were in trouble, and he leaned down and whispered something in the Elder’s ear that was clearly amusing. Then the meeting exploded as three vampires materialized in the room. One on either side of Forge, plus one directly behind me.
Blood and mayhem wasn’t how I’d planned for tonight to go, but neither had I expected Forge’s violent reaction when the vampires tried to separate us. My arm practically disappeared in the grip of a huge hand as I was yanked out of my seat and away from Forge. He tore the sleeve off my lovely dress, and in the melee, my necklace came loose, the pendant swinging wildly.
I was tossed around as I fought against his hold, until I finally landed on the floor, while the rest of the group shot to their feet, every eye fixed on my golden ouroboros pendant on full display.
The Elder’s gaze went to it like a laser, a slow, cruel smile creasing his lined face.
Then the world went mad. I’d grown up around rough men, but nothing prepared me for three vampires fighting. In the blink of an eye, Forge destroyed the one who held my arm, then bared his fangs and launched himself at the other. Blood sprayed the side of my face as he drove my attacker into the wall behind us and ripped out his throat.
It was over in seconds, the attackers dead on the floor, Forge looking like it had never happened. Maybe that was why he’d worn black. He helped me off the floor, then reached over and gently tucked the necklace beneath my neckline. A red mark on the wall was all that was left of my attacker by the time Forge casually took his seat beside me once more.
I curled my hands into fists to stop my trembling, fighting to regain my calm demeanor. However, after Forge’s demonstration, I was less worried about Dobson’s plot to assassinate us. Dobson had gone an extra shade of pale, his skin matching his white hair as he sidled toward the exit like a rat.
“Touch her again and I’ll kill you,” Forge said, completely unruffled. I managed to contain my shocked reaction to a raised eyebrow. Go me. “Now…why did it take you two hundred years to grow balls big enough to come after me?” Forge smirked.
“Killing a vampire—no matter the circumstances—is punishable by death.” Now the Elder sounded downright growly, which didn’t seem to faze Forge one bit. The Elder gestured around the table at the rapt audience. “It’s been voted on and agreed to. You will die for what you did.”
But the whole time the Elder spoke, he wasn’t looking at Forge at all. A sick feeling grew in my stomach as I realized his beady gaze was focused on me. “As for your Chosen…”
“She is not part of this, and is under the society’s protection.” His lip curled up, revealing dangerous-looking fangs. “And mine.” I froze as the Elder raked me with another covetous look.
That half-smile curled his lip again. “Despite what you think, convicted killers have no rights, including offering protection to humans. I find it interesting you took a Chosen under your wing. You never struck me as a humanitarian, Forge.” The Assembly drew in a collective breath and leaned closer.
Shit, I think that’s me…Chosen. Sounds like some kind
