Page 79

Unfortunately, it was something they would have to accept. Only vampire females could be claimed as Brides. He’d never risk turning her. Not after he’d witnessed the agony Sivanah experienced. Already Alex was stronger than the Council would find acceptable. If he turned her, he had no doubt her ability would tear her apart.

The fact she was his Chosen would have to be enough.

“You know this is for your own safety. Several of Marcus’ guests are high-ranking members of vampire society and centuries old. While our culture has evolved, many archaic traditions persist. It would be dangerous for you to draw unwanted attention to yourself.”

With narrowed eyes, he took in her silk-clad curves. “You’re going to draw enough attention as it is.”

Alex wore yet another of Victor’s gifts. It would be the last.

Although the champagne silk concealed theglyphalong her back, the front of the dress dipped low, revealing the creamy swells of her breast. He’d been spellbound when she’d stepped out of the room. Then, before he’d even come to terms with her plunging neckline—she’d moved—baring an expanse of shapely thigh when the skirt parted.

Thank the gods, both his mark and scent branded her body. Otherwise, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle the other males around her.

She squirmed, tugging at the shimmering fabric on her thigh. “Well, Victor can wrap me in any designer gown he chooses, but I’m still just Alexandra Stevens underneath all of this.” Her voice rose with panic. “What in the hell makes Victor think I can pull this off? Maybe it’s a good thing I get to play the part of the brainless pet tonight. I’m telling you, I have a bad feeling about all of this.”

“Alex,” Jericho said, interrupting the impending meltdown.

“What?” she snapped.

“Breathe,” he ordered, fighting back the protective instincts she stirred.

The gun holstered beneath his jacket and the blades sheathed at his back were more comforts than necessities. Events like this tended to involve more political posturing than anything else. Marcus’ hands would be tied while they were in the public eye. The threat to Alex was minimal, and yet they were both on edge.

Knowing she would pick up his concern, Jericho kept the emotion in check. “Everything will be fine. Just, whatever happens tonight, stay by my side and by the gods, mind your temper.”

“I guess I canbow to my master’s wishesfor one night,” she agreed with a grumble.

His lips twitched. “For one night?” he murmured.

Her mischievous grin made him curse that they’d ever left the firehouse.

* * *

All too soon,Jericho helped Alex from the car. She gaped at the imposing building in front of her while Jericho handed his keys to the uniformed valet.

When he stood next to her, she latched on to his arm, hesitant to move. On either side of the arched entrance stood a pair of thirty-foot marble beasts. Feeling small, she uttered, “What are they?”

“Griffins. Part eagle, part lion.”

“Both predators. How fitting.” She wrinkled her nose.

If she were an Indian boy in a never-ending story, she’d little doubt these suckers would have opened their eyes and fried her ass.

“Let’s go. The sooner we speak to Marcus, the sooner we can leave.” Jericho withdrew his arm before taking her hand. He shot her a look of warning before he moved forward, positioning her slightly behind him. Tethered instead of escorted.

Bones popped in her jaw. That’s right. Chosen were expected to trail dutifully at their masters’ backs. She didn’t get the respect of being on his arm. At least he let her keep his hand since she’d need the connection to manage her gift.

Like the sweet, submissive Chosen she was—gag—she followed in his wake.

It’s all for show. All for show, she sang in her head, a benign smile plastered on her face.

The entrance opened to a soaring foyer. Bold artwork covered the walls. She dragged her heels as they passed. While she was no expert, something about the artist’s work was somoving.The emotions captured in each vibrant, sweeping stroke pulled at something inside her. Curious, she looked for the artist’s signature and discovered a tiny gray bird in the corner.

The gaming area of the casino was equally impressive, draped in rich jewel tones and sparkling chandeliers. Like Pulse, it was a stunning combination of old-world charm and modern refinement. Felt-covered tables were sprinkled throughout. Dealers laid colorful cards with strange markings in front of players. Gold coins were stacked in front of them. Not a plastic chip in sight. Whatever it was they were playing, it certainly wasn’t blackjack.

Staff members directed them through the throng of gamblers to a lavish conference room. The moment they entered, a group of stuffy-looking vampires intercepted Jericho, speaking to him as if he was an extension of Victor himself. Apparently, they believed he had some sway with the clan leader. Anyone who’d spent time with Victor would know better.

Social necessity slowed their progress, and the width of the room seemed to stretch out for miles instead of feet. Her position asJericho’sChosendidn’t necessitate introductions, so Alex simply smiled and fluttered when appropriate.