Claimed (5 page)
Authors: Rebecca Zanetti
Katie grinned, her golden eyes alight. “It's nice to finally meet you in person.”
Emma returned the smile. She'd enjoyed her phone conversations with the lioness while Talen and Cara had stayed with the shifters.
Katie leaned forward, her blond curls pinned up in an elegant chignon. “I'm still incredibly impressed you were able to outmaneuver not only the Kurjans but the vampires chasing you.” She shot a teasing glance toward Dage.
Emma shrugged. “I didn't see an alternative. I had to keep traveling northwest until I could reach my friend's place in Montana.” She'd almost made it, too. One second she'd been gassing up her car at a Texaco just outside Bozeman and the next lying in the back of a Kurjan van, half drugged out of her mind. She still didn't know how they'd found her. Unless Davis had somehow figured out her plan, which was more than possible.
“Where's your friend now?” Katie asked.
“Working abroad.”
Jordan leaned forward. “Where is the data now?”
Dread pooled in Emma's stomach. “The Kurjans said they found the cabin, and my flashdrive in the car. It has probably been destroyed, though I have a fairly good memory of most of the lab results.” Her kidnapping had led to Cara's kidnapping by the Kurjans. Was it only yesterday she and Cara had been locked in the Kurjan facility? Cara patted her knee under the table, no doubt sharing her sister's feelings at the moment. Damn empath.
Waiters poured wine. Cara raised her eyebrows at the herbal tea placed in front of her.
“You can't have wine, Cara,” Talen said, smiling when the waiter put a Shirley temple in front of Janie.
Cara rolled her eyes. “I probably could, but since my stomach is a bit pitchy, I think I'd rather have the tea.”
Katie covered her wineglass with one hand. “I've been fighting a cold and would like tea as well.” The waiter immediately fetched her a cup.
Emma smiled, suspecting Katie of claiming a cold just to keep Cara company. Apparently her sister had found a good friend. A friend who could shift into a mountain lion. What an odd world she'd just entered.
Dage leaned over and brushed a curl off Emma's face, sending a shaft of pure need through her body. His unique scent of leather and sandalwood wafted her way and she fought a shiver.
“I'm going for the wine.” She took a deep sip, hoping to cool her desire. Yeah right. That would work.
Chapter 4
S
everal hours after dinner, Dage stood near the bar and tipped back a bourbon on the rocks, half listening to Jordan's good-natured recap of his speech. The tables had been cleared from the floor to make space for dancing. He nodded at his friend while his gaze remained on the woman across the room. Emma. So close. Finally.
everal hours after dinner, Dage stood near the bar and tipped back a bourbon on the rocks, half listening to Jordan's good-natured recap of his speech. The tables had been cleared from the floor to make space for dancing. He nodded at his friend while his gaze remained on the woman across the room. Emma. So close. Finally.
The chandelier cascaded light down to create shimmers of movement in dark hair she'd pinned up in an intricate knot, leaving her delectable shoulders bare. Even with the distance between them, her heartbeat echoed within his own chest. Her eyes a sapphire blue, her skin the purest of marbles, even without knowing her as he did, he'd be interested. But he did know her. A fierce intellect pounded behind that pretty face, outmatched only by the spirit of fire held within her breast.
His mate.
She tossed her head, laughing at something Katie said next to her. Then Katie gave a nod and wandered toward another bar in the far corner.
A man approached Emma and Dage fought the urge to growl. A vampire, a young one. Tall, blond, and from somewhere in the eastern district. What the hell was his name?
The young vampire took her hand and leaned over to brush a kiss on it.
Dage let a snarl loose.
Emma laughed and tugged her hand away, smoothing her hair back before speaking to the interloper.
Dage would kill him. The bastard had touched his mate.
Setting the glass on the bar behind him, Dage shifted his stance and set his feet, his gaze focused on his prey. All sound receded into the background.
The young vampire turned and Dage caught his eye. A slow smile slid over the king's face, menace tinged with a promise of pain. For a brief moment he let a hint of his power glint in his eyes and glow from his skin. He'd have the young buck fearing his own shadow by the end of the night.
Blood drained from the vampire's face until his lips turned purple, his eyes wide. He stumbled away from Emma, sweeping his hands out in a placating gesture. With a bow of his head toward his king, he backed away several feet before turning on his heel and dashing for the nearest exit.
Emma fought to keep her balance, the abrupt departure of her companion startling her. Suspicion filtered in and she turned to look where Dage stood across the room. His dimples flashed when he grinned at her, pure innocence shining in his deep eyes. Next to him Jordan struggled to contain his laughter, studying the floor.
The king was up to something. He existed as his own force and she had to consciously fight the urge to gravitate toward him, to let that heat and power surround her. To think she'd almost had sex with him in the cave. Need still rumbled in her blood and her breasts ached for his mouth. She gave him a quelling look which he met with a raised eyebrow.
Two men sought his attention, and he turned toward them, flashing her a look containing a promise she could feel under her skin.
Relief filled her when his gaze released her. Tipping back her champagne, she emptied the glass, raising an eyebrow at the stunning dark haired vision coming her way. Woman's intuition had whispered the porcelain skinned goddess in the flowing crimson gown would stop eyeing her across the room and make a move.
The low hum of voices across the ballroom dimmed as the woman reached Emma's side in a cloud of rose scented perfume. “Rumor has it you're the king's mate.” Sharp gray eyes narrowed and crimson nails sharpened to dangerous points tightened around a champagne glass.
Emma tilted her head. “Emma Paulson.”
“Simone Brightston.” An odd energy containing more than mere female anger pulsed around the woman. Shifter? Witch? “Former lover to the king.”
Well damn. Emma had known the guy couldn't have lived as a monk for centuries, but still, the truth slid between her ribs like a knife. She forced a slow smile. “Former? You mustn't have been very good at it.”
A rustle of silk announced Cara's arrival. “Good at what?” The curious tone belied the sharp gaze. Nothing like an overprotective sister to make things interesting.
An odd humming set up in Emma's ears while an electric current cascaded through her flesh. Powerâat home and comfortable within her body. She cut her eyes to the king who remained absorbed in his discussion. The energy came from inside her. Interesting. One day in his presence and her physiology had already altered. She'd have to watch that.
Emma inclined her head. “Cara Kayrs, meet Simone Brightston. Former lover to the king.”
Cara's smile belonged in a toothpaste advertisement. “How indiscrete.” She turned to run her gaze across Dage where he stood speaking to the group of men. “Why in the world would you let a man like that go?” She pursed her lips. “Oh. He let you go. Sorry about that.” Honey would've melted in her mouth.
Simone sniffed. “Such a pity when a royal vamp slums it with humans.” The glacial eyes slit into luminous orbs as she eyed Emma up and down. “Of course, you've not actually mated. Maybe there's hope for the monarchy yet.”
Emma had no plans to mate with Dage, but this woman needed a smack down. Emma scented the air. “What in the world is that smell?”
Cara tilted her head. “Brimstone. Yes, I believe it's brimstone.”
“You're a waste of my time.” Simone gave a short huff and pivoted on her heel to glide across the room, her hips swaying in tune with the orchestra.
Emma bit back a chuckle. “Brimstone? Seriously?”
Cara grinned. “I was inspired. What a bitch, huh?” She tilted her head. “I'm getting the oddest feeling from you right now.”
“How so?” The energy ebbed to a soft pulse within her.
“I don't know. Not psychic or anything. Just different.” Cara paled. “We've certainly entered another world, haven't we?”
Emma huffed out a laugh. “Yes. Vampires, shifters, and witches. Who knew?”
Cara wobbled on her heels, her hand going to her stomach. “Oh crap.”
Oh no. Emma knew that look. Not good timing. She grabbed Cara's arm and hustled her out the door. Emma nearly tripped in her heels, her arm around Cara's shoulders as they all but ran for Talen's suite.
Cara had a hand clasped to her mouth, her eyes a panicked hue in her too pale face. “Hurry.”
The guards lining the way let them pass, more than one instantly tapping an earpiece to relay information. Cara threw open her door, kicked off her ruby heels and hustled past a surprised vampire to the bathroom where she fell to her knees. Emma barely made it in time to pull back her sister's hair before the vomiting began.
The vampire, Max, had been babysitting Janie since she'd left the party after dinner. He immediately tapped his ear communicator.
Cara purged her stomach and Emma flushed the toilet, releasing the auburn curls to run a washcloth under water. She handed it to her sister, who wiped her mouth and sat back against the flowered wall. “Well, shit.”
Emma smoothed Cara's hair back from her face, concern pooling in her stomach. “The ball was lovely.”
Cara's lips trembled as she tried to grin. “Yeah. Dage's speech was awesome. Very rah-rah, go Realm.” Her gold dress pooled on the marble floor, which matched her pasty face.
Emma grabbed her embellished skirt, jumping out of the way to avoid being run over by Talen.
“Cara?” His eyes widened in panic as he reached for her, lifting her in his arms. “Dage, get the car. We're going to the hospital.”
Dage slid to a stop right behind his brother, his gaze fierce, his jaw set hard.
“Jesus.” Cara put her hand to her head, her gown spread over Talen's arm like a princess in a fairy tale. “Stop freakin' moving me, damn it.”
Emma slapped one palm on the vibrating muscle in his arm. “Put her back down, Talen. It's okay. She was like this with Janie.” It was just morning sickness. It had to be.
Cara began to gag again and Talen dropped to his knees, still holding her over the bowl. Emma leaned in to tug her sister's hair out of the way until she finished heaving.
Talen turned his molten gaze on Emma. “What should we do?”
“Put me the fuck down,” Cara muttered, grabbing the washcloth and wiping her face again.
“No.” Talen shifted, sliding down until he sat with his back against the wall, his love in his arms, his face pale. Being helpless clearly pissed him off.
Emma turned toward Dage and Max. “Order some herbal tea from room service. Orange Zing if they have it.”
Talen met his brother's gaze. “I want the doctor here. Now.”
Dage nodded, his gaze concerned as it slid to Cara. “He's on his way.” Max hurried off to call room service.
Cara rolled her eyes. “I don't need a doctor. This is normal morning sickness for the love of Pete.”
Talen's jaw firmed. “It's not morning.”
Emma tried to fight a grin. Her poor sister had puked for three solid months while pregnant with Janie. If Talen reacted like this every time, the doctor might as well be on retainer. She cleared her throat. “Why don't I help Cara out of her dress before the doctor gets here?”
Talen's jaw hardened until it looked like granite. “No. We're not moving until the doctor arrives.”
Emma gave her disgruntled sister a sympathetic smile, trying not to laugh. A knock on the door heralded the doctor.
Dage grasped her arm. “Emma and I will be in the gathering room next door awaiting the doctor's prognosis.” He tugged her through the suite, giving a curt nod to a round man with bottle thick glasses before turning to the vampire guard. “Max, please wait in the living area until Talen has his head on straight.”
Max nodded, grabbing a book off the sofa table. “Probably take nine months,” he muttered.
Emma didn't have time to protest before Dage whisked her through the door into a well-appointed gathering room complete with fireplace, stocked bar, and deep sofas. He poured them each a brandy, flipped on the fire, and handed her a glass. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” She tipped back her drink and took a healthy swallow. “Cara is fine, Dage.” A niggle of doubt tickled the base of Emma's neck. What if the pregnancy had happened too soon and Cara's physiology hadn't adapted enough for her to carry a vampire baby? She shrugged the fear off, forcing a smile.
“Then the doctor shouldn't be there much longer.” Dage's own smile appeared forced. “Talen is going to drive us all crazy for the next several months, isn't he?”
Apparently. “Let's just say that when Cara was pregnant with Janie, I ended up running to the store for peppermint ice cream at midnight more than once.” Emma cleared her throat. She needed to conduct some tests on her sister.
Dage nodded. “I understand Janie's father died in a car accident before she was born.”
Emma grasped the subject with relief. “Yes. Simon worked as a plant biologist for the same company where Cara worked.” He was a good man and a great friend to her sister. Certainly not the love of her life. Like Talen.
“So you took care of them. Like always.” The king's eyes warmed.
Emma fought arousal from his lowered tone and shuffled her sore feet. They'd hit the point of dull ache in the heels until receding into numbness. She struggled to focus on anything else, not wanting to step out of the shoes. She needed all the height she could muster to face the king. Not that he didn't have a foot on her, even with the heels. “Earlier I met someone named Prophet Milner.” The guy had parchment wrinkled skin over a bony face.
“Ah, yes. The prophets are our spiritual rulersâMilner is a couple thousand years old.” Dage swirled the amber liquid in his glass. “He considers me a young upstart.” Those damn dimples flashed and made her nipples harden.
Emma lifted a shoulder, taking a moment to control her libido by admiring the authentic C.M. Russell oil paintings. She loved western art. “You can go back to the ball if you want.”
“I don't. Conn and Jase can deal with anything going on for the rest of the evening.” Dage glanced at a wall clock. “I mean morning.”
“Are you sure Jase and Conn are on the job? Jase was all over some cute young redhead.” Emma would bet almost anything Jase and the little shifter had headed off to get to know each other better.
Dage shrugged. “Maybe. But Conn's mate is across the ocean, so his focus is pure.”
“Conn is mated?”
The muscles in Dage's neck rippled as he swallowed some brandy. “Yes. He accidentally mated a witch about a century ago in northern Ireland.”
“Accidentally?” Emma bit back a laugh. “You mean he had a one night stand and ended up marking some girl?”
“Yep. And I think he's coming to the end of his very impressive patience. I believe my brother is about to reclaim his mate, whether she's ready or not.” Dage's eyes heated.
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