Page 10

The behemoth’s putrid breath crawled up my nostrils, and I gagged, wrenching back on my leg. When inches separated my foot from the bastard’s slimy mouth, I used all my strength to lurch upright. Spying two openings in the thing’s face, I shoved my weapon into what I suspected was a nostril.

With zero effect.

Hundreds of deadly teeth stood poised to grind me into sausage. My pride took the beating. It really was a terrible way to die.

Sparks exploded inside the creature’s salivating mouth. Howling a mournful noise, it reared back.

The sticky tether dropped from my ankle. I scrambled back, struggling to regain my feet. The ground trembled beneath me, and I threw out my arms. What now? From behind me, a male built like a tank raced past. Each fall of his pounding legs rumbled through the earth. He drew back his arm, punching the cave-dwelling colossus with his anvil-like fist.

The creature belted out an ear-piercing squeal, then launched its tongue. The disgusting appendage rocketed directly at me. I ducked, and it shot past my cheek. Slimy drool splattered my face. Missed! After missing its mark, the fiend’s tongue zipped back once more, preparing for another strike. Apparently, the thing had a taste for vampire.

I hit the dirt. Again. This time with a curvaceous body planted on top of me.

Oxygen burst from my lungs, and I peered into a pair ofstriking violet eyes. I sucked a ragged breath while my savior scowled. Her exotic features were unexpected and—dare I admit—entrancing. High cheekbones, heart-shaped chin, full lips. It was as if the gods ripped my most secret desires from my psyche and made them real. The stranger’s face was perfection.

My heart heaved beneath her—not unwelcome—weight.

Bum bump.

Generous curves rest atop my injured frame. And for some reason, I didn’t mind the pain. The female’s sweet breath fanned my face, her fragrance spicy and warm with a hint of cloves.

Delicious.

Another deep breath and my eyelids went heavy, my fangs stirring.

Again, my heart slammed against my sternum, only this time, accompanied by an echo.

Bum-bum bump. Bum bump.

Surprise glittered in the woman’s eyes, and for a moment, she softened against me. Something foreign stirred beneath my breastbone at the act. Once more, my heart thumped. Once. Twice.

Realization dawned. The truth struck harder than the fall I’d taken from the cliff.

The second heartbeat was hers. Our hearts beat in sync. Something that only happened when a vampire found their fated mate. The one person meant for them above all others. An experience I hadn’t had in a thousand years. So why would it happen here? Now?

There was only one explanation that made sense. It was a mistake. A strange side effect of my journey through the portal.

Too fast, the woman’s scowl returned. Before I could decide if I wanted to clutch her closer or toss her away, she rolled off me and sprang to her feet.

“Stay down,” she ordered, planting her booted foot atop my chest, claiming me like I was some mountain she’d conquered,daring to stab her flag into my wind-blown peak. I ground my teeth at the insult. Any thoughts of the female possibly being my mate vanished in a surge of outrage.

I would not tolerate this kind of treatmentfrom anyone. Though I doubted I had the energy to change my circumstances.

The miscreant’s ear-piecing squeals distracted me from my outrage.

“Got him,” said the male whose bulging muscles were carved from granite. “Slimygallspawnbastard retreated into his den.”

“For now,” another voice said, and I craned my neck to identify the source. This one had dark horns protruding from his forehead. “Better get a move on before it rallies.”

The weight of the female’s foot lifted, and I lurched upright. Though it pained me, I forced myself to my feet.Reveal no weakness.With a sweeping glance, I analyzed the three strangers standing before me.

If I was to find a portal home, I’d need a crew. Though most of Carcerem’s inhabitants were filthy, illiterate deviants, this bunch seemed to work well together. It was unlikely I’d find better in this miserable place. With no way to pay them, I’d have to rely on my wit and charm to win them to my side.

I held out my hand to the horned male. “Seems I owe you my thanks.”

The demon smirked, taking my hand in an overly tight hold. “That’s right. Except we’ll be taking more than your gratitude.”

With a twist of his wrist, he jerked my weakened form off balance and shoved me at his muscular friend.