Rage crackled in me at the thought of someone in my den, along with a prickle of doubt. How had the bastard gotten in? How did he know when we’d arrive?
I didn’t leave Selena’s side as she took off her shoes and set her bag down. I didn’t hear him moving, but Dobson’s scent was fresh, which meant he was nearby, waiting for his chance to take Selena.
With Selena’s ability now exposed, she was a valuable commodity, one I knew the Elder would exploit fully. It was my job to protect her and keep the bastard from getting anywhere close to her.
There’s someone in the house.
Beside me, she went completely rigid. Who? Can you tell?
I hesitated, but since we’d settled on the truth in most situations, I thought back to her, Dobson.
Even though I’d known a kidnapping attempt was possible, I was disappointed they’d jumped right into it. A little bit of loyalty among my own kind shouldn’t be too much to ask for. Apparently, Dobson was willing to do anything, so long as the money was right. Which was predictable, as far as Dobson went. He’d always been a sketchy git.
Stay beside me. And keep your eyes closed.
While she obeyed, I sent my shadows out to find the intruder. They flew up the winding stairs, then down the hallway toward where our bedrooms were, and a moment later, I heard the scuffle of feet against the wood floor. The methodical thuds told me they were dragging him down to me, and as soon as the sound stopped, Dobson materialized in front of me, his arms bound tightly to his sides by my shadows.
My years in America had not only been spent avoiding my kind. I’d spent the time teaching myself—as the humans said—new tricks. This was one of them. Handy, when I couldn’t leave Selena’s side.
“I didn’t invite you, Dobson,” I told him civilly. “But I’m glad you’re here. Maybe you can clear a few things up for me.”
In response, the pale vampire hissed, as my shadows squeezed tighter. Selena was keeping close, as intrigued as she was scared. Her eyes were also open, blinking as she took in the sight before us. I would have—should have—explained this strange talent of mine, but I hadn’t thought the situation would arise where she’d see it.
Ask him who sent him.
Obviously, that will be my first question.
“Why are you here, Dobson? Didn’t my actions at Assembly deter you from trying to kidnap my Chosen?” The more the asshole fought against the shadows, the tighter they constricted. “You came here to harm Selena.”
“I came because she is very valuable, Bastian.” He licked his lips. “She’s worth a lot of money. Money I’d be willing to split with you.”
The sound of my given name on that POS’s tongue irked me, but not as much as his offer.
“We can share the reward from the Elder—trust me, it’s more than generous. Once we hand her over to him, we’ll divide it…half and half.” The expectant expression on his face faded when he saw mine. “Okay, forty-sixty.”
“Clearly, I don’t need your money.” I indicated the house around us. “Nor the Elder’s. You’ve trespassed. You coordinated an attack on us in Edinburgh. But worst of all, Dobson, you came after her.” My last word was nothing more than a low, feral growl, and Dobson’s teeth punched out of his mouth.
I wasn’t worried about Dobson escaping. I was worried about Selena and whether she wanted to see any more of this. Probably not.
“Selena, go to the library and lock the door,” I told her, praying she’d obey with no argument. “Don’t open it for anyone.”
Except you.
Yes. Except for me.
She eyed the situation again before heading down the hallway. When I heard the distinctive click of the library’s lock, I let my fangs descend as I decided where to strike first.
“I wouldn’t have hurt her, Bastian, I swear. I was only going to take her to him, that’s all, nothing more, and I was supposed to get her there in one piece. I only got involved because the Elder called in a favor. I didn’t want any part of this. I was minding my own business…”
I looked on in disgust as Dobson went to his knees, begging for mercy.
“No one will ever take her away from me,” I assured him. “Not you. Not the Elder, not the whole goddamn Assembly.”
After locking the door tightly behind me, I doubled-checked the latch, just to make sure it was secure. I wasn’t sure if I felt safer in here or outside with Forge. I’d known I’d see Dobson again; I just didn’t think it would be this soon.
Then there were the shadowy things that seemed to leak out of Forge’s fingers. I definitely wasn’t going to think about that. I plunked down in the deep leather chair, warm from being so close to the fire, and realized I was shivering. No, I was shaking, as my teeth chattered loud enough to be heard.
Hi, my name is Forge. I’m a gazillionaire, and I can shoot shadows out of my hands. I like blood, mayhem and long walks on the beach.
The more I thought about what was happening outside the door, the more I began looking at the library’s dark corners as a threat. Dobson had found me. Which meant the Elder likely knew where I was. Maybe he was on his way right now.
A muted scream echoed dully behind the door, and I sank down further into the chair.
I hated all of this violence.
Or did I?
Right now, I was more than happy Forge was out there dealing with Dobson, even though I knew what the outcome would be. I was grateful he’d been with me tonight. Glad I’d given in to his seemingly ridiculous demand and wasn’t alone in my house, trying to outsmart Dobson.
No, when it suited me, I was okay with Forge’s violence.
As if they heard me, there was a deep roar,
