Page 35 of Claimed

‘I am assuming you’re mentioning this for a reason instead of simply corralling the good congressman and bringing him to me?’

‘Luca and I will attend,’ Malachi finishes. ‘Mortals can’t help themselves when they believe they have valuable gossip to share. Our mere presence will render him stupid. We find out what he’s been up to while we… investigate a few more minds. Several dozen birds, a few stones.’

‘You forget that Rafe has the power to wipe his dealings from the errant congressman’s mind?’ Valentin points out.

Luca smiles. ‘We haven’t forgotten. Just as we haven’t forgotten that you broke Lord Vale’s top spy in less than half the time it took for the pompous bastard to complete his waltz that time in Vienna.’

Valentin arches his brow at his capricious guard.

Is this what it has come to, pup? Blowing smoke up my ass with sixty-year-old achievements?

If that’s what it takes to prevent us all from perishing, we will summon Vesuvius herself, sire.

I tense.

Did I… did I just hear their exchange?

Yes, you did, little hunter.

But… how? Can Malachi hear me, too?

I will explain later. And no, he cannot. I can choose which mind I speak into and which I exclude.

Okay. Wow.

‘Very well,’ Valentin says out loud as my head spins. ‘We will all attend.’

That shoves me from one shockwave into another. ‘What? No. You’re⁠—’

‘Feeling better than I’ve felt in a while, I assure you, little hunter,’ he interrupts with a warning rasp and a ferocious stare.

And looking at him, really looking, I’m stunned to realise he’s right. The mark at his throat burns with controlled red light. He’s stronger than he was a few hours ago. Faster. Clearer. Almost invincible to look at, which means whatever my blood did to him is either a miracle, a trap, or the sort of magical catastrophe that starts with sex and ends with everyone regretting their life choices.

Or… or…

I freeze that thought to be dissected later as Aaron’s brows draw together, then his eyes flick to me and back to his Master. ‘Sire, perhaps you should meet with Rowan before we go.’

‘I will see her when I return.’

Malachi steps forward. ‘You were unconscious less than an hour ago.’

Valentin turns his head. That’s all it takes for Malachi to stop.

‘The congressman can divulge what he knows. Or I can break him to send a timely message. Either works,’ Valentin says.

Malachi nods, a fraction too satisfied. He wanted this. A task with teeth. A chance to prove himself after his earlier insolence. ‘We remind Kessler who funds his future. If he’s compromised, he and his donors will learn what it feels like to lose access to New York overnight. And if he’s crossed the line… well, he can answer with blood.’

‘Have the car ready,’ Valentin orders. ‘And security discreet.’

Aaron’s gaze flicks to me. ‘And the hunter?’

My first instinct is to say I’ll stay behind. My second is more honest. ‘I’m coming with you.’

Malachi’s expression tightens as Valentin’s gaze shifts to me.

My throat throbs beneath the fresh bite. ‘Then go get dressed, little hunter.’

I lift my chin. ‘For the record, I hate galas.’