Page 16

“There were marks on their necks. Some were lighter and smaller than others. What do you know about them?” Savage’s voice held a hint of push, as if he were trying to force Severin to bend to his will.

Chapter Seven

Shit, he wondered how much he should tell the male that Scepter respected and considered a brother.

“Can you tell me what the marks looked like?” Severin asked, narrowing his gaze. It wasn’t a test. Not really. He didn’t trust easily, especially those who were not his.

“They had small to large crescent moon marks. Some were barely visible while others appeared like darkened tattoos. I don’t believe the darker ones are tattoos, but a stronger essence of the Moon Goddess.” Savage traced two fingers from the side of his neck to the back, as Severin had.

Severin nodded. “That’s what I presumed and what I read would be presented. Did you scent any anomalies that set them apart from normal humans?”

Savage stared at him for a long moment. Severin knew the other male was taking his time assessing him. They were alike, both withholding information up front, both assholes who didn’t trust those who didn’t earn it first. He didn't agree with the saying that people are innocent until proven guilty. You didn’t live as long as their kind if you unquestioningly believed others.

“They didn’t smell like anything other than human. It was strange, honestly.” Savage’s face twisted in disgust.

“There were intricate spells all over the container and the females.” He tossed out the information, waiting to see if his words hit Savage like a punch.

“I sensed magic everywhere around the container. By the time I turned to work through the web, I couldn’t sense anything. You’re good.” Savage dipped his head. Severin acknowledged the approval with a nod.

“Shifters will want the females as much as vampires. Goddess-touched can mate with any male and form a sacred bond like the Fated. Add in the bonus vampires get from drinking from a shifter, and they can walk in the daylight. You know if that information gets out...it could be disastrous for anyone who presents a mark even remotely like that.”

“You mean a female who has the mark,” Savage corrected.

Severin shook his head. “I believe males could carry the mark as well. We can’t dismiss the possibility. I’m not a guardian of these females. I don’t think they have one.”

“Fucking hell. I ain’t got time for this.” He ran his hand through his hair and stared at Severin. “You’re not going to tell me it’s my job or tell me to find someone to do it?”

Severin laughed. “Would that work, me telling you to do it?”

“Hell no, but it would be funny to hear it,” Savage grumbled.

“Did you two just become best friends?”

Savage looked up toward the balcony. “Thana, you’re cruising for a grounding. Where’s my female?”

“You two act so much alike it’s scary. You’d think you were their third brother. Oh my gawd. You guys could sing the song from The Hangover. You know the one that says you’re the three best friends that anyone could have. And, you’ll never, never, ever, ever, ever leave each other. That would be epic, don’t you think?” Thana clapped her hands three times and jumped up and down.

She was fucking cute. Wait. He had to be losing his damn mind.

“I’ll give you a trio.” Savage held up three fingers, then folded his pointer and ring fingers down, leaving only his middle finger up.

“Gonna restart time, kiddos. Are you done with your shenanigans?” Severin asked, tucking his hands into his pockets. He wanted to hop the fifty feet up to where Thana stood and take her into his arms.

No one would claim he was known for restraint.

Fucking a woman until she didn’t remember her name? Absolutely.

He excelled at killing those who deserved to be on the other side of the dirt. He prided himself on being the Boss and hoped he did it well.

“I’m going to find Aurora.” Savage snapped his fingers, undoing Severin’s time manipulation.

The crowd moved. Music surged. Couples came together. Severin thought of the first time he’d gone to a club. The noise assaulted his ears the same way. He inhaled and focused, bringing the entire space back to a point where he could filter through the writhing forms. Savage the fucker disappeared. Probably already pinning his female to a flat surface.

He ought to do as humans do and get a puppy. One of those big breeds, not a little teacup one that yaps and is afraid of its own shadow. Hell, he’d accidentally crush one of those and feel guilty for all of eternity. Yeah, he’d look into one that had a head bigger than his. He’d have a soft spot for his first pet, surely, since he liked caring for others.

“What are you thinking about so hard?”

Severin hid his grin as he spun to look at Thana. “Dogs.”