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The striking vampire gave her a patient look. “You don’t remember me, do you?” She waved her hand, brushing away Alex’s confusion. “Completely understandable. My name is Vivian Laurent, though you might know me as number one-eighty-four. I’m the one who purchased you from that dreadful auction. Liam asked for my assistance when he didn’t have the means to procure you himself.”

Jaw hanging open, Alex stared at the woman. Liam had trusted Vivian enough to ask for her help? Liam never askedanybodyfor help.

Before Alex had formulated a response, Vivian stepped closer. She swept Alex’s hair over her shoulder, revealing Jericho’s brand on her neck. Her perceptive eyes narrowed. “What I don’t understand is why Liam would give you to another when he seemed so smitten with you.”

Something about Vivian’s kind yet authoritative manner compelled Alex to answer. “Liam was shot.” Her voice broke. “Assassins ambushed him at the bar. We were both wounded, and Liam almost died from his injuries. He bonded me to Jericho to protect me.”

As Vivian’s porcelain complexion paled, concern washed through Alex’s senses in an unexpected wave.

She breathed a sigh of relief to feel her ability returning. Still, the emotion took her by surprise. Was it possible Liam and the gorgeous sexpot had some kind of history?

Dove set her hand on Vivian’s shoulder in comfort. Their eyes met, and Vivian straightened, quickly regaining her composure.

Alex watched the exchange with curiosity. Was Dove also a sympath? She’d love a chance to ask her about her caste.

Regardless, it was a relief to see Vivian’s relationship with her Chosen was less than traditional. No one else here tonight had treated Alex as if she were a real person with feelings and a brain of her own. Including Jericho.

“Please, Vivian. You can’t tell anyone I’m a faerie,” Alex said in a hushed, urgent tone. “Victor would be…displeased.” Talk about an understatement. If Alex’s cover was blown, there was a good chance Victor would hand both her and Liam over to the Council. “The clan leader doesn’t want anyone to know—not even the Council.”

Dove’s pale brows drew together. “You mean you’re not registered?” At Alex’s nod, her eyes sparked with envy. “Then consider yourself lucky. As a child, I spent many years at Havenhouse, subject to theirprotection.”Her slim fingers formed air quotes. “If Vivian hadn’t pulled some strings to have me released into her care, I don’t know what I would have done.”

Vivian huffed a delicate snort. “I’m not surprised Liam kept you hidden from them. He’s never held much respect for those in authority. But Victor…” She trailed off, studying Alex with an intensity that had her holding her breath.

Her crimson lips curled into a smile, and she fluttered her fingertips. “No matter. All your secrets are safe with me, as are Victor’s. And Liam’s.” She turned her attention to her Chosen. “Perhaps we should rejoin our friends.”

“If we must,” Dove groaned. “It was nice to meet you, Alexandra. We should get together sometime. That is if Vivian doesn’t mind.”

“Of course, darling,” Vivian reassured her as they left. Then, once again, Alex was alone.

After quickly washing her hands, she checked her dress and makeup in the mirror. She looked like a frumpy street rat compared to the women who’d just left. Her hair was too red, her skin too pale, and now her nose was red from crying.

And she couldn’t care less.

Shoulders squared, she met her reflection in the mirror. For once, shelikedthe woman staring back at her. The scared little girl who had hidden behind Liam’s mammoth frame was gone. Only a coward would hide in the bathroom.

* * *

Jericho paced,fighting the urge to break down the door separating him from his Chosen. If she didn’t come out soon, he was going in. Though he’d sensed Alex’s distress, he hadn’t been able to help her without drawing Marcus’ attention.

Finally, the door opened, and she emerged. Her reddened nose gave him pause. Crying? His gut did a slow roll.

He snagged her arm and pulled her into a darkened corner, away from prying eyes. Anyone who watched would assume she was being chastised.

“Are you okay?” He braced a hand on either side of her, caging her against the wall.

“I’m surprised you even noticed I was gone since you’d have to pull your face out of Helen’s cleavage first,” she hissed in feminine outrage.

“Alex,” he groaned. She was jealous, not injured. He pried her clenched fist from her side and pressed it against his chest. “Had you been touching me, you would have felt my disgust. The woman’s very scent churns my stomach.”

As Alex softened against him, he trailed his fingers over her cheek. “How can you doubt me so easily when you’ve seen parts of me nobody else ever has? You, of all people, should know where my heart lies.”

She holds it in her hands.

Her eyes turned liquid. “Your heart?” she asked, her voice breathy. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

He canted his head. “Do I need to say it?”

“Yes? I mean, no.” She winced. “I mean, yes. But not here.”