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As we passed, Mehen opened his mouth.

I cut him off before he could even ask. “Not happening, dragon.”

SHARA

I’d been weary to the bone…

Until I saw Rik in his makeshift kilt. Goddesses above and below, I could barely keep my hands to myself in the car. It didn’t help that I still needed to feed. Of course he wanted me to feed. He wanted me in his lap or at least pressed up tightly against him. But Gina and Julie were both in our car this time. A conspiracy, I’m sure, to make sure I behaved. The last thing I wanted to do was have a bloody good time in front of the new consiliarius. Even Gina. I’d fed in front of her before, but I didn’t want to expose her to sexy escapades in the car.

I settled for putting my hand on his thigh, my nails sinking in to feed. His bare skin, covered but available. Rock hard muscle and hot velvet beneath my palm. Both palms. Because if I was going to be naughty…

I was going to touch and feed on Nevarre too.

And I really did need to feed. Before it became too urgent. I didn’t want to appear drained, weakened, or tired in any way during this very public dinner. I needed to be seen, out and about, unafraid, casual, and strong. Not rattled or drained.

I wasn’t sure which of the Valois siblings might be in on the thrall attack, but I looked forward to weeding them out.

Keeping my nails in my Bloods’ thighs—and not roaming higher beneath their kilts—was a feat indeed.

Gina took us to a large, glorious restaurant inside a train station with soaring elaborately decorated ceilings. Gilded carvings framed vibrant paintings overhead, lit by gleaming crystal chandeliers and soft candlelight on the white-linen tables. The dining room was packed with humans.

“I’m surprised you were able to get us a table at the last minute, let alone such a large one.”

She laughed breezily. “I have my ways, my queen.”

Nevarre and Rik stayed right behind my chair, my alpha scooted to the side enough to let the other Blood put a hand on my shoulder like him. The rest of my Blood took up guarding positions around the table, making a very attractive yet formidable retinue as the rest of the humans and my siblings took their seats around me.

Gina took point with the waitstaff, allowing me to sit back and appear to be cool and aloof. Too important to speak to lowly humans. Which I hated—but also kept me from showing any ignorance. Plus she was able to speak and order in French. As each course came to the table, I waited for her cues, watching which utensil she used, so I wasn’t too nervous. We ate leisurely, talking about the day’s shopping excursions as if I cared in the slightest which designers Carys recommended.

Every eye in the restaurant was on our table. I made myself try everything. Though by the time desserts were brought to the table, my jaw ached from trying not to yawn. Which might show the tips of my fangs.

Because yes, my hunger could not be sated by human food. I entertained myself by thinking about which Blood I would be sampling in each course as soon as I got home. Rik and Nevarre had been the first course. Well, Sekh and Guillaume too. I needed to be careful and not tap the same ones again too closely together.

If I could make it back to the house…

:Are we going home tonight?: Rik asked.

I sighed. :No. Plus I need to go to New York City next.:

Out loud, I asked Gina, “Is Harvey prepared for us to spend a few days?”

“Oh, most definitely. The thought of having you in residence for even one night made him ecstatic. I told him to prepare for a week, but we can easily make any adjustments.”

“How long has he been in charge of the house here in Paris?”

“The Renardets have run the household for centuries.”

:Try not to react, my queen,: Guillaume said. :We have a situation developing.:

My gaze snapped to him at the opposite end of the table. Outwardly relaxed and elegant in a black suit glinting with silvery pinstripes, his bond gleamed like a vicious blade.

:Swordsmen approach. Allow us to demonstrate our prowess for your entertainment. Four. One on each side. I’ve got the one behind me.:

:I’ve got the one at the front door,: Xin said. :He doesn’t smell like a thrall. Former Blood, some kind of cat. Sorry, Daire.:

:Make him yowl,: Daire replied.

:I’ve got the one on this side of the table.: Gerard casually stepped closer to the table and picked up the steak knife beside Regina’s plate. “Pardon my reach, my lady.”