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The one I remember as restraining his companion promptly turns his head toward his companion in expectation.
The other takes a deep breath and looks up cautiously. “We’re sorry,” he says. “I’m sorry. We’ve been running for days, hiding in caves during sunlight hours. We got lost in that damn forest, turned around. When I smelled human blood, I … I was starving. I’m sorry.” He lowers his head again.
Ordinarily I would be sympathetic to that kind of story. Ordinarily that story would never have endangered my Scarlet. So I need a moment to find a response.
Scarlet doesn’t. She releases a slow breath and takes one single step forward, not even letting go of my hand. “Do you still want to hurt me?”
Both vampires shake their heads.
“Look at me,” Scarlet demands. Their heads snap up, eyes wide. “Do you still want to hurt me?”
“No,” they say in unison.
She stares at them for a long moment, as if judging their response, then looks back at me. “I don’t understand that jag … whatever stuff you were talking about,” she says, “but a starving man should hardly be blamed for trying to stay alive. That’s just instinct. I’m okay giving them a chance.”
Her certainty floors me and I can’t stop the smile from lifting my lips. “Whatever you say, Red.” I return my focus to Aziel as Scarlet scoots back to my side. “Scarlet should hear about the Jagters, too. Liam will find his way here if we don’t take the fight to him.”
Chapter Fifteen
Scarlet
Unexpected Meetings
“Let us talk with everyone present,” the older male says. “Introductions are necessary not only for your new consort but for our refugees.”
Standing, he gestures toward the door and we all file out of his office into what I would assume is a common room. Several men are seated on couches doing various things. I spot a book, a tablet, and a laptop. Before I am able to take in more of the room, a familiar face fills my vision.
“Here you go,” Lily says, pressing a glass into my hand. “A promise is a promise. And you’re going to need it.”
The sweet scents of pineapple and coconut float to my nose and I can’t help but smile.
“Thank you.”
Kyson draws me away from her, leading me to the opposite side of the open area before taking a seat on a tan couch and pulling me down beside him. Everyone in the room is staring. First at us and then at the two new vampires before moving back to us once more. A smart retort sits on the tip of my tongue but I bite it back.
The man from the office claps his hands loudly, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Tonight has been busy. First, I would like to welcome Scarlet to our coven officially as Kyson’s consort,” he says with a restrained smile. Hoots and hollers erupt from the men and I can’t help but blush as I take a big sip of my fruity cocktail. “My name is Aziel and I lead this coven. Kyson is responsible for you, but you are now part of our family. If he ever does anything to hurt or betray you, come to me. I will be the one that separates his head from his shoulders.”
Shock courses through me. This man that I’ve never met essentially just promised to kill his friend if I asked. These people really are fucking nuts.
“You will get to know the other members of the coven in the coming weeks. Kyson will introduce you,” Aziel continues as if he hasn’t just rocked my world. “Second, we have some guests.” He gestures to the men standing beside him. “I have offered refuge after their Coven was destroyed by Jagters. Randy and Simon are welcome here as long as they adhere to our rules.”
Everyone nods, including the newcomers.
“What about the Jagters?” A man with dark hair and an Irish accent asks from behind a laptop. “Do we know where they are now?”
“We know they were in town some time ago,” Kyson supplies from beside me. “We know they wiped out our sister coven on the other side of the forest but that is all.”
“What is the plan?” Lily asks from her seat beside another unknown man.
So many faces I will have to get to know in the coming weeks. For now I am just trying to retain as much information as possible.
“That will depend on Kyson,” Aziel says, looking in our direction. “Now that his consort has accepted him and joined the Coven, he can return to usual duties or he can choose someone to replace him.”
Kyson tenses beside me. “Do I have to decide right this minute?”
“No,” Aziel starts but I cut in.
