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His breath was sweet against her cheek while something dangerous simmered between them. Lines of strain formed around his sensual mouth. The arm at her waist tightened, and his hard, male body surrounded her smaller frame. The protective stance wedged her hips firmly against his—

With a shocking blast of emotion, he jolted upright and set her free, putting several feet between them.

Holy crap. She ran a shaking hand through her hair, then looked up to find him doing the same. She snaked her arm down to her side and ducked her head. Huh. Would you look at that? She had a scuff on her shoe. Fascinating.

After a painful moment, Jericho cleared his throat. “I found him in a pit. He’d been tossed into a mass grave.”

That’s right, she’d asked him a question. Yeah, she could pretend that didn’t just happen too. Wait. Her head snapped up. “Did you say grave?”

Jericho’s dark brows furrowed. “Titan was the victim of an underworld fighting ring. He’s actually pretty small for a hellhound. Probably the runt of the litter, used as bait for the bigger fighters.”

Runt?No way. “Why would the Council enforcers trouble themselves with dog fighting?”

“This group isn’t using dogs. They’re using creatures from the underworld. Some were there by choice, but not all. We had a lead, but the intel was bad. By the time we got to the warehouse, everyone had cleared out. We were about to leave when I heard a strange noise coming from the pit.” Jericho’s voice thickened.

She grimaced. “Titan, huh?”

He nodded, and her heart recoiled beneath her sternum. She wasn’t sure what she would have done if she’d been in Jericho’s shoes. So many scars. The creature’s injuries must have been extensive.

“Is he…friendly?”

“No, but he won’t bother you as long as you don’t make any sudden movements. Oh, and he hates the color red.”

“What?” She clamped her hand over her fiery mane.

Jericho smirked, and it was so damn close to a full smile it almost took her breath away.

“Har, har, not funny.” Okay, maybe it was a little funny.

“Titan, come,” he commanded in a gentle tone.

The massive hellhound hustled past her and moved to Jericho’s side. The powerful vampire babbled to the beast and rubbed its head and flanks, scars and all.

Her chest warmed as though she’d taken a shot of Liam’s favorite whiskey.

Ahhh, a vampire and his hellhound. It was sort of sweet, in a freaky underworld way.Don’t be stupid.Her conscience reared its jaded head. Just because the vampire was kind to animals didn’t mean she could let her guard down. Besides, she was pretty sure he’d used the same command on her once or twice.

Jericho thumped the hound’s massive chest, then led him into the kitchen and refilled his water bowl—or bucket, as it were.

Alex stifled a yawn with her fingertips.

“You’re tired.”

She jumped, startled to discover Jericho so close behind her.

Exhausted more like. “I’ve felt a bit drained since… Well…you know.” She had no desire to talk about the incident at the conservatory.

He gave her a quick nod. “The bedrooms are in the loft. I asked one of Victor’s servants to move your clothing here from Liam’s. I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping, then check the perimeter before we call it a night.”

“We?” She swallowed.

His brow lowered. “Did you think I’d leave you here unprotected?”

Until the moment he’d offered her his hand outside the conservatory, yes, absolutely. “No, of course not. Lead the way.”

* * *

Jericho trudgedup the stairs to the loft, assured Alex was safe, at least for the moment. Titan padded up the steps behind him.