Chapter Twenty-seven
BELLAMY
Istand in the background as the others fuss over Francesca, clenching my hands into fists to keep from snatching her to my chest. The fighting is done, the enemy is vanquished, yet my dragon remains on edge and my instincts scream that the danger isn’t over.
To my frustration, I can’t pinpoint any direct threat.
Is it her men who seem a little too interested in her, the coven members who want to take over where Geoffrey left off, or had Geoffrey been able to contact the council? Could more Orion already be on their way?
My scales ripple at the thought of being dragged back into their not so tender mercies. The need to run is nearly impossible to resist, and I’m unaware that I’m backing away until Frankie’s eyes meet mine.
Every doubt, every insecurity vanishes, and I can’t remember why I wanted to leave…at least, not without her.
“If you’re looking for a shower, you’re more than welcome to my house.
” Isobel steps forward, leaving the protective circle of her men.
They glare at us shifters askance, but I can’t really blame them.
I’m struggling against my own instincts to rip their throats out for even looking in Francesca’s direction.
They’ve seen her face.
They know what she can do.
They’re a threat.
Even as I fantasize about shifting and stomping the town out of existence, Isobel continues. “I can’t say what type of shape it is in after my absence, but what is mine is yours.”
Frankie pulls her shirt away from her chest, shifting uncomfortably on her feet, mud no doubt sneaking into some awkward places.
Though I know she wants to leave immediately, it’s something that I would do, taking off without a plan is just as dangerous.
It’s not long before she comes to the same conclusion.
“A shower, change of clothes, and maybe some supplies would be welcome. It would be best for your people if we’re gone before nightfall. ”
“Whatever you need.” She waves a hand toward the young man, the same man who questioned Geoffrey when we began exposing his lies. “Trevor will show you to my house and collect some supplies for you.”
Frankie eyes the man skeptically—smart woman—but allows him to lead her away. We only manage to travel a few yards before her shoulders stiffen just enough to alert me to danger. I follow her gaze and spot the vampire leader hovering in the doorway of a nearby building.
He steps out of the shadows, then bows toward Frankie—a sign of respect very few shifters are afforded. Before anyone can blink, he vanishes into the darkness. Seconds might have passed, but no doubt he and his clan members are already miles away.
The spells on them will last until sunset, and they’re taking full advantage of it by putting as much distance between themselves and the coven as possible.
The shifters around Frankie close ranks, searching even the underbrush for any lingering threats.
Vampires are nearly impossible to sense unless you know the signs, so maybe they aren’t completely useless.
They held their own in battle. It’s the only reason I don’t march over there and steal her away.
Well, that and I have no doubt she would hand me my balls if I tried.
My dragon squirms in delight at the thought, and I huff out a breath, grimacing when fog mists the air in front of me—a sign that the beast is close to the surface. Now is not the time to let down my guard. The air is practically electric with danger, and I know the threat isn’t over.
I hate that I can’t locate the source.
I’ll just have to stick close, watch her from the shadows, and protect her from whatever comes. The council was already suspicious of her. They wouldn’t have sent a team of Orion after her unless it was warranted.
That she was able to evade them for so long is impressive…and suspicious.
And after what happened today, they will be more determined than ever to get their hands on her. After seeing her in action, I now understand their interest.
She is completely fascinating…and totally unaware that she is truly remarkable.
Givvens obviously figured it out, spent his life training and protecting her, and it ultimately cost him his life.
At first, I thought his death was her fault.
Now, it makes sense. He gave his life willingly to keep her safe.
He never trusted the council, with good reason, but he was smart enough not to let it show.
It was only a matter of time before he was killed, like anyone else who doesn’t worship at their feet. I’m just sorry Frankie got caught up in the mess. If Givvens found her worthy to protect, I can do no less.
I trail the others, slipping away to watch from the shadows, scowling as her shifter toys practically trip over themselves to fawn over her. I don’t trust the fuckers to put her well-being first.
They’re after one thing.
Once they get it, they’ll move on to their next conquest.
I refuse to believe the fools are here for anything more permanent.
She is my treasure, and I will skin the fuckers alive if they try to take her from me.
While I don’t think they mean her harm, that doesn’t mean she is safe. The instant they put her life in jeopardy, I won’t hesitate to intervene, even if I have to kidnap her to keep her safe.
Nothing can happen to my treasure, or I very much fear my dragon will tear the world apart to reclaim what is ours.