Page 23 of His Stolen Queen
"She is human?" There was surprise in Damon's voice, yet I could not blame him. A mere mortal—Queen to a powerful Vampire King? The thought was unheard of.
"Allow me to go in. You are too hotheaded; I fear you will attempt to snatch her again."
My jaw clenched at his words, although I knew he was right. I could not control my emotions, nor could I guarantee the outcome would be any different.
"What does she look like?"
Perfect. Beautiful. Enchanting.
"Black hair, hazel eyes that look more green than any other color. She is wearing a red dress and black heels." I hesitated before adding, "She-she is also with a male. Blond. Brown eyes."
Damon's brow quizzed me, but he wisely kept silent. "I shall be back," he murmured. He strolled casually across the road and into the restaurant.
Von appeared at my side, watching the scene unfold.
"When she leaves, we follow."
Von bowed his head. "This is…wondrous, my King. Fate is surely smiling upon us."
Fate.
It was a concept I had given up on. Laughable, considering my mate was fated to me. Yet, how could this be anything but?
Damon's principal residence was a facility outside Vancouver, yet we just so happened to be in Vancouverthisnight at the same time as her. Did she live here? It was a city I rarely visited,so it was plausible that she had been residing here without my knowledge.
Damon exited the restaurant, and I almost wished he would just use his powers to blur beside me. The wait was unbearable.
"She's in there having dinner," Damon confirmed. He then hesitated before pinning me with a wary stare. "You know she is married?"
I turned away, refusing to answer him. I knew without asking that he would keep this between us. By the end of the night, I had my answers.
Alice Harper. Thirty-three. Currently residing in Carson City, Nevada. No children. An interior designer.
Married.
But not for long.
I thought back to my earlier conviction that I would allow her to live her life freely. I almost laughed at the absurdity. As soon as I scented her, I knew I had been kidding myself. There was no freedom from me. There was no let-her-be-happy-so-she-would-be-safe sacrifice. I challenged anyone to name a safer place than within my arms. I would die to protect her. And I would live to love her.
Alice Harper, soon-to-be Angelou, was mine.
Chapter 9
Alice - Present Day
Along finger caressed the smooth space between my breasts, waking me from a deep slumber. A moment of disoriented panic clawed at my chest before my sleepy eyes met a familiar electric blue. My confusion and alarm dissipated as a warmth filled my chest at the sight of my beloved.My King.
He was watching me intently with an obsession I knew mirrored mine. I cupped one side of his handsome face, and he immediately turned his head, pressing a revered kiss to the center of my palm. An indulgent smile slowly crossed my face as my body and mind caught up.
"When did you return?" With my other hand, I lovingly pushed back an errant lock of hair from his forehead.
Another kiss fluttered against my palm before he rubbed his cheek there. My toes tingled at the scratch of his stubble, wishing I could feel the sensation in lower parts of my body.
"I have always been here, my love." His voice vibrated through my hand.
I frowned, and my arm fell away. "Oh."
I cast my mind back to when we last saw each other. Yesterday? Last week? I was sure he went away on business…didn't he? Or did I?
