Chapter 27
Embry
My cheeks heat flaming hot just watching my vampire look at me like that.
He didn’t care who saw him kiss me, position or no position, he put me first. In front of everything he’s worked for all of his life, and he told the whole world, at least those who matter in our circle, that I am his. Whether they like it or not.
I walk toward him and into those open arms, hugging him tightly.
When I look up, he’s watching me intently and it’s like everyone in that entire hallway has disappeared and we’re the only two left in the entire world.
“I love you, vampire. You are mine. The position with the warriors doesn’t matter.
What matters is that I’m with you, we’re together, and that we’re able to protect the vampires.
” I lean up and wrap my hands around his neck, drawing him down so that I can kiss those sexy lips.
But Corvinus can only allow me to be in charge for so long. He lifts me completely off the ground and I wrap my legs around him as he takes over the kiss. Cheers and hoots erupt all around us, cheering us on, until he finally finishes our kiss and lets me slide to the ground.
I turn in his arms, still securely around me as I face our friends. “We are more than willing to take the positions you offered, or decline them, whatever is best for the vampires. But we won’t say no to each other.”
Lucianna nods, tapping Descallia’s arm. “What did I tell you? Aren’t they perfect?” I give my friend wide eyes. “You conspired with destiny to turn my life upside down?”
Her eyes turn bright green, and she shrugs. “It worked.”
Corvinus cradles me back against him. “We both thank you, Lucianna.”
I smile at my devious little friend. “I love your face.”
She grins. “Right back at you. Now, let’s get out of here. I could go for a glass of Descallia Red and a little down time.”
Corvinus keeps his arm around me as we lead the way out with the others trailing close behind. But the minute we step outside, the breeze shifts directions and every single one of us smell them. That distinct smell of a rogue shifter.
Our swords are drawn in seconds, back-to-back, creating a circle to protect each of us from all sides. We walk farther into the street now only lit by a few headlamps from down the way, but otherwise completely in the dark. But our keen eyes see everything so well in the night.
The stench absolutely permeates the air now. We are under attack. A well calculated maneuver by Devora to get us exactly where she wanted us, so the rogues could attack. Well played you little bitch but you haven’t seen the end of this battle yet.
The adrenaline in my veins races as my mind reels with possibilities, weighing each option carefully before discarding or deciding to put it into play.
I feel the evil of their souls before I see the sunken yellow eyes of any of the mangy shifters.
But the shaggy grey wolves come out into the street from all directions, snarling, gums laid back and teeth bared.
All of a sudden, it’s like it was with Lucas that night.
All the rogues are coming at us from every direction, ready to pounce and tear us to shreds.
They’ve surrounded us, in a perfect circle.
The past rushes back, colliding with the present in a sea of tumultuous waves, emotions crashing over me all at once.
I try my best to focus, but a force is trying to steal every ounce of willpower I possess.
“Fuck you, Devora,” I scream, pulling out my sword and spinning while wielding it majestically in the air.
“Hold your ground vampires, witches rise,” I yell into the wind.
The minute the shifters are exactly where I want them, I spray the ground with a rain of red flaming heat, round and round until there is nowhere for them to go.
“Vampires rise!” I yell, as they shoot into the air far above the floundering and pouncing shifters as the flames flick high into the sky, sealing them off and drowning them quickly in a deadly ring of fire.
I feel him closing in on me before I see the arrogant vampire lord. “You shouldn’t sneak up on me like that. I may run you in with my sword one day.”
He closes the distance and, in the light coming off the fire I can see that upturned curve of his lips. “You wouldn’t dare,” he says, grasping me by the waist and lifting me into the air.
I look down at him. “I love you so much, vampire.”
Corvinus lowers me with the strength of his powerful arms, but keeps me suspended in the air, seconds from touching his lips. “I love you too. You’re mine for an eternity now. I’ll never let you go, Embry.”
A tear leaks from my eye. “I’ve always wanted to be loved so fiercely, so completely.”
“Looks like we’ll invite destiny to the party when I make you mine officially.”
I laugh. “She is a devious one. Who knows what tricks she’ll get up to if invited? Maybe Lucianna can point her in someone else’s direction. The nosy little matchmaker.”
He lets me slide down the length of his hardened body, and I sure as hell don’t miss the bulge of his cock, as always, ready to play. But the sound of Descallia clearing his throat puts us on point and we both look at our fearless leader at the very same time.
“That was exceptional work, Embry. I hardly expected Devora to have another surprise waiting for us after what she pulled inside, but she is a sneaky little witch. If you have time tomorrow, I’d like to go over the parts of the shadow books that most interest you, and have you explain the history of your powers, what you see happening with them in the future, and a few other things.
Corvinus, if you don’t mind I’d prefer that we do it alone. ”
Corvinus looks at me and then at Descallia. At first, I think he’s going to refuse our leader, but he doesn’t. “Not at all. I have business to attend and will be gone at first dark.”
Descallia nods. “Very good. We’ll see you tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ll call the masters and let them know what’s occurred, just in case they have disruption in their regions.”
Corvinus shakes his head. “Not necessary. I’ve already alerted each of the regional masters, and each of the lords for said region. They’ve all been informed to keep a watchful eye in case Devora and her witches decide to cause trouble elsewhere tonight.”
Descallia smiles. “Thank you, Corvinus.”
“Most welcome. Now, if you will all excuse us. I am taking Embry home for a little celebration of all that she’s accomplished today,” he says, scooping me into his arms and transporting me away.