Page 35 of His Stolen Queen
My King.
Von's voice pierced through my thoughts. He had been making contact more frequently. Things in our world were heating up.
What is it?
Vladimir has been spotted in the area.
Von's voice retained his monotone cadence, but I could sense the quiet alarm.
Where?
Three miles from Empire Gates.
A cold hand slid down my neck at his confirmation. This was the closest he had come.
Sir?
I stared at Alice as she stood shivering on the pavement, her gaze mesmerized by the burning tree as firefighters aimed their hoses high. Her useless husband was chatting to a neighbor, not even bothering to offer his warmth or protection. The thought of even a strand of hair on her beautiful head being singed was unacceptable. So the notion of what could happen if Vladimir discovered Alice's identity sent an unfamiliar feeling coursing through me.
Fear.
I needed to bring this plan to fruition much quicker than I realized.
As I was about to leave, I spied Alice's shoulders suddenly snap straight. Her chest grew in rapid movements as her head swiveled around. Her eyes were luminous against the dark night as they carefully scrutinized her environment.
Finally, she focused straight ahead. Her big, mesmerizing gaze caught and held mine. I watched her lips part, and her little pink tongue licked them.
I gave a quiet growl, but it might as well have been as loud as a lion's roar. Her hands dropped from around her arms, and her shivering ceased. She could not see me. I did not allow anyone to see me unless I wanted them to. But I knew shesawme. Not physically, but in spirit, she could sense our connection. We were one. Even if she could not understand or believe, Alice knew.
Sir?
Von's urgent voice finally caught my attention.
What is it?
The Elders have also requested your immediate return. There is an important issue they need to discuss with you.
With one last lingering look at my mate, I stole away into the dark night.
Chapter 12
Acheron
"We need a sample of her DNA, my King. A hair follicle or saliva.”
My patience was wearing thin, especially now that I had been dragged away from Alice. I longed to ensure her safety; to watch her retreat back into her warm house, out of the night air. To ensure that her hapless human partner would not attempt to seduce her again.
The fool.
I could still feel the burn from the heat of her eyes on me. She knew I was there. She could sense me, even under the cloak of night. Even if she did not understand what was happening—her soul knew.
But my desire to protect her from Vladimir and the BloodKin was stronger. I had instructed my Elders to inform me immediately of any new developments they uncovered, no matter how trivial.
My shrewd stare surveyed my Elders with a stern frown, noting their evasive gazes and stiff postures. I had been hounding them daily for details regarding Alice's bond to me; for any piece of knowledge they had regarding her connection to the Otherworld and how it was possible for a human to be a King's fated mate. Impatience lanced through me at being kept in the dark.
I narrowed in on Hammon, the one who had requested a specimen from Alice. I did not like having to deceive my mate, yet I knew the demand was made for a vital reason.
“What is it? What have you learned?” I could feel the discomfort and worry bleeding from him.
