Bound by Darkness - Alexandra Ivy [99]
“It’s still too dangerous,” she muttered.
“They’re my tribe, my family.” He knew she could feel his grim determination. “I can’t abandon them to certain death.”
Her hands clenched, as if she was considering the possibility of locking him in the cellar. Then, bending down, she snatched the silk shirt off the floor and shoved it into his hand.
“I’ll speak with Styx.”
He tugged on the shirt, more pissed by her words than the ridiculous garment.
As if he needed to ask permission from a damned bloodsucker.
“This is not his decision to make.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She rolled her eyes. “Look, we can all work together if no one tries to turn this into a pissing match.”
“Tell that to your Anasso.”
“I intend to.”
He halted his attempt to button the shirt, lifting his head to meet her steady gaze.
“You do?”
“Of course.”
Hmmm. His instincts prickled in warning.
That had been way too easy.
“And you aren’t going to fight me on my decision?”
She averted her gaze, adjusting the shotgun strapped around her tiny waist.
“I try not to ram my head into brick walls.”
“Good.”
“But ...”
“Shit.” He shook his head. “I knew there was going to be a ‘but.’”
“But, I doubt I can earn us more than a few minutes’ head start.” She ignored his complaint, her head lifting to meet his resigned gaze. “So you’d better locate your tribesmen and convince them quick.”
His eyes narrowed in warning. “Us?”
“I’m your mate.” She lifted her hand to poke him in the center of his chest. “My place is at your side. No matter where you go.”
“You were just pointing out that it’s too dangerous,” he said between clenched teeth.
“I also mentioned something about the futility of ramming your head into a brick wall.”
“Dammit, Jaelyn.”
“Come on, mate.” Turning, she headed out the door, ignoring Ariyal, who stomped behind her, blistering the air with his foul curses. “We don’t want to be late.”
Jaelyn had always suspected that males were lacking the DNA sequence necessary for rational thought. Why else would they be so eager to thump their chests and flash their fangs instead of calmly discussing a problem?
Now there was no doubt left.
What the opposite sex needed was a good thumping, she acknowledged, watching as the six vampires deliberately circled Ariyal, their expressions ranging from mocking derision to outright hatred.
She hadn’t expected the meeting to be pleasant.
Or even polite.
But did they have to start off by being as obnoxious as possible?
The question had barely skimmed through her mind when Styx stepped forward, looking like a walking nightmare in black leather pants and black T-shirt that was stretched across his massive torso.
“Nice shirt,” he drawled to Ariyal, fondling the hilt of his huge sword.
Yep. As obnoxious as possible.
“Styx,” she hissed, moving to stand at the side of her mate, who was already holding his bow and wooden arrows notched and ready to fire. “All we’re asking is a chance to convince Ariyal’s tribesmen to leave the caves before you enter.”
The power of the Anasso was like a heavy throb in the air. “Why should I trust him?”
“Because I said you could.” She stood her ground, acutely aware of Ariyal’s smoldering fury. Gods, please don’t let him do anything stupid. “Do you trust me?”
Styx lifted a broad shoulder. “He’s your mate.”
Her lips twisted. The vampires had sensed her mating with Ariyal the moment they’d approached the caves.
Which had only added to the tension.
“Yes, I know.”
The large vampire shifted his attention back to the silent Ariyal.
“Your loyalty now lies with the dark fairies.”
“You son of a bitch.”
She barely had time to place herself between her mate and certain death, slamming her hands against his chest to hold him in place.
“Ariyal, please.”
“He can say whatever he wants about me.”
“Thank you,” Styx drawled.
Annoying SOB.
“Shut up, leech,”