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Still facing the door, I realize the light switch for the living room is turned on and I most definitely turned it off when I left.

Someone or something is here.

I don’t hear any other heartbeat in the room, not that it means much, but I don’t smell anyone either which is odd. Spinning abruptly on my heel I hiss and let my fangs down to threaten whatever’s infiltrated my mate’s space.

What I see leaves me shocked to the core.

A deceivingly beautiful creature I haven’t seen in years sits at Celine’s kitchen island. She holds Midnight hostage and strokes him like she’s simply comforting the pet and not silently threatening him with her sharp nails so close to his throat.

His yellow eyes meet mine and I can tell he’s scared shitless, wanting to jump out of her arms at the predatory aura sheexudes. Animals can always sense intentions, and hers are never good.

Blood red nails that more closely resemble talons hold him to her in a grip tight enough to keep him from escaping but not enough to hurt him ... yet.

“Been a while hasn’t it, Zavier?” Her hauntingly familiar voice rings through the air. “Did you miss me? I missed you terribly.” Pouty lips turn down in a mock frown.

Black hair cascades in waves around a face that looks like it was sculpted out of pure marble. Supernaturally vibrant brown eyes are framed with thick lashes most women would pay a fortune for. Dressed in a flowy crimson top that matches her nails, she’s just as lithe and graceful as she was the last time I saw her. Too bad she’s nothing but a pretty face with a rotten interior.

“Wish I could say the same, bitch queen.” The insult rolls right off my tongue. “Why are you in my fucking home?”

She clucks her tongue at me like she’s scolding a child. “That kind of language is beneath you. I thought you’d be happy to see me.” She strokes Midnight again and I resist the urge to rip him out of her arms. I remain rooted on the spot where I am in fear of her doing something rash.

If she hurts that cat she won’t like the consequences.

“Now what pray tell would make you think that, Genevieve?” Feigning calm, I lean back against the front door and cross my arms over my chest.

Ignoring my comment, she continues, “This isn’t your home by the way, is it? Breaking into a girl’s apartment is naughty. What does Celine think about it? Does she know you’ve been sneaking in for longer than she’s aware of?”

As soon as she says Celine’s name my fragile control breaks and I can’t hold myself back. Blurring over and slamming my palms against the counter I lean in so we’re almost nose to nose.

“Don’t you dare say that name,” I snarl, fangs snapping close to her neck. “How do you know her? What the fuck are you up to?”

I fight the red staining the edges of my vision. I'd love nothing more than the tear her to pieces, but while she holds my floofy friend and most likely knows Celine’s location it’s too much of a risk.

“Celine?” Holding Midnight like a baby she loves dearly, I tense when she flexes her wrist. “She didn’t tell you we’ve met already?” Giggling in a way that grates on my eardrums she flutters her lashes at me. “Nothing’s happened yet but we’re due for a little girl talk.” Genevieve flicks her wrist out to peek at the golden watch she dons. “Actually, I should be heading there soon. It’s rude not to be timely.”

Unable to hold myself back I jolt toward her, and she tightens her grip on Midnight causing him to yelp in pain.

“Genevieve,” I grit out, instantly freezing.

Blood leaks down the side of my face and onto my chin when I bite down too hard with my fang.

She holds eye contact with me while she loosens her grip and gives Midnight one last pat before letting him go. He darts out of the room with a yowl to hide somewhere, and I sigh in relief. Not only is he my buddy, but he’s very important to Celine, and I can’t have him hurt under my watch. Celine already got taken and I won’t let it happen to anyone else either of us loves.

“So jumpy over a simple creature. What happened to you?” She clucks her tongue and leans over before I can stop her to lick the blood trail off my face.

She moans at the taste, eyes closing in ecstasy.

Books crash loudly onto the floor and wood splinters when I slam Genevieve against the bookshelf. I’ll have to make that up to Celine later, but I’m disgusted at being violated in such a way.Now that Midnight is out of the room I can bleed information out of her.

Genevieve recovers quickly and shoves me back, slamming me against the opposite wall. Picture frames shatter and fall to the floor in a symphony of shards.

Fuck, I’m going to have a lot to clean up.

“Watch yourself, Zavier. If you don’t want a hair harmed on your little human’s head, you’ll listen to me.” Her eyes bore into mine and I see nothing of who she used to be. “If you’re smart, you’ll do exactly as I say.”

She strokes a finger along my temple reverently and I attempt to push away when she hurls me back against the wall in warning. Standing down isn’t in my nature but I hiss a warning around my fangs.

“Give me what I want, and she walks free.” Genevieve sing-songs.