Page 124 of Craving Carla

Istare at all the men bowed before me, my mind struggling to process what’s happening. Two hundred vampires—an actual army—all kneeling in perfect unison, heads bowed in respect. To me. When Amari mentioned an army, this isn’t what I pictured at all.

I put a finger to my lips, looking around nervously, unsure what to do or say. I step down the porch stairs but immediately gravitate to Amari, leaning into him like he’s my only anchor in this strange new reality.

Amari chuckles and wraps an arm around me, pulling me close against his side. The steady presence of him grounds me as he exchanges a look with Bobby.

“Bobby, take the men to our plot of land,” Amari says, his voice calm and assured, the tone of someone used to being obeyed. “It’s just a few miles outside of the community. Levi from House of Zorah should already be there waiting for you with the floor plans so the men can set up and start breaking ground.”

Bobby gives me another salute, then turns to address the kneeling vampires.

“Medina Shadow! Rise!” he commands.

I gasp as they all stand simultaneously, a perfect wave of synchronized movement. Their discipline is incredible—not a single person out of step, every motion perfectly coordinated as if they share a single mind.

“Formation!” Bobby barks. “Right face! Forward march!”

The vampires pivot in unison, forming neat rows before marching away from the patrol cabin. Their boots and shoes thump against the ground in perfect rhythm, creating a hypnotic cadence that fades as they disappear into the forest.

Bobby returns to stand before us, waiting for his next order. Amari’s eyes remain fixed on me, studying my reaction rather than looking at his lieutenant.

“I have a new request,” Amari says, his fingers absently stroking my waist.

“I’m here to serve,” Bobby responds promptly.

“Brookstone and Blackburn Enterprises...” Amari’s voice hardens. “They produce a lot of propaganda to the media. Start the process of taking that company down.”

Bobby’s face breaks into a grin. “Right on,” he says, raising his fist slightly.

I relax against Amari, feeling oddly safe despite the fact that he’s just ordered what sounds like corporate warfare. The casual way they discuss dismantling a major company should probably alarm me, but after what Alexis did to Verde and Petra, I can’t bring myself to feel any sympathy.

Bobby bows his head to me again. “It was a pleasure meeting you, my queen.”

I try to return his Black Panther salute, raising my fist awkwardly, but it’s a poor imitation. Bobby just bows his head again and smiles, kindly ignoring my clumsy attempt.

“Looks like I’ve got a company to run,” he says, adjusting his suit.

“Stay Black and stay proud,” Amari tells him.

Bobby turns away with a final salute, then walks back to his SUV. He climbs inside and starts the engine, turning the vehicle around and driving off, leaving Amari and me alone.

I glance toward the forest and spot the familiar glow of my children’s eyes in the darkness among the trees. Even in daylight, they remain partially hidden, watching us from the shadows. Amari follows my gaze and smiles.

“Children, I hope you like your new brothers,” he calls out. “They will be good to you. Just ask Kemnebi.”

“How did they feel about Kemnebi?” I ask, curious about how my little lost one integrated with Amari’s coven.

“He’s just a magical creature to them,” Amari explains. “Kemnebi has helped them a few times in assignments I’ve given them.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “So you made my child a spy?”

Amari shrugs, completely unapologetic. “Kemnebi actually loves watching over and reporting back with images. Kind of makes him proud, like he’s supporting the cause.”

I stare at him for a moment, shaking my head in disbelief. “Wow, you really are something special.”

He pulls my hand to his lips, gently kissing the back of it. “Come on, let me show you that I know how to make eggs.”

Amari leads me back toward the cabin but suddenly stops, looking down at me with an expression I can’t quite read—almost nervous, which is unusual for him.

“What?” I ask, confused by his hesitation.