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Gasping, he went for the knife, but Gio grabbed his wrists.

“Don’t pull it out until I’ve called the knitter,” Gio ordered. The vampire’s voice sent all kinds of feelings through him including obedience because Gio was the only member of his pack. If not pulling the knife out would make his pack happy, then Carter wouldn’t do it.

True alphas would do almost anything to make their pack happy.

Carter relaxed and let Gio pull his hands away from the knife.

“That’s a good wolf,” Gio cooed. “I’m going to pick you up and carry you to the car. It would make me happy if you could sink into semi-consciousness, so your pain isn’t as bad.”

“What good is it to have an alpha wolf this powerful in your flock if you’re going to coddle him like this?” McConnell asked.

“If you had a flock, you’d understand,” Gio said without looking at the other vampire.

Like many vampires, McConnell was a cold, heartless bastard who probably didn’t have anyone who was a soul match to him. Without at least one soul bound flock member, McConnell would eventually go insane and feral. When that happened, the other vampires would hunt him down and execute him.

Carter wished they would act preemptively on McConnell.

“That’s what I’m trying to do,” McConnell said. “But you and several others seem determined to deny me.”

Gio spared a moment to cast McConnell a pitying look. “There is nothing so beautiful as a willing soul bond. That nymph isn’t willing.”

McConnell's smile was distinctly predatory. “She doesn’t need to be.”

Gio’s expression turned disgusted. “And that’s why she can’t be yours.”

The other vampire looked confused, which made two of them. Carter had no idea what they were talking about. Whatever the cause, Gio had put himself in danger so it must be important. That made it important to Carter.

“What are you talking about?” Carter asked, surprised at how much it hurt to talk.

“Shhh,” Gio admonished. “I’ll explain it all later.”

Gio reached out to pick him up, but Carter couldn’t allow it. “No, I can walk.”

Gio looked dubious. “You know I can carry you. I’ve done it before.”

It was true Gio had picked him up a few times, but only during sex. That was different. Carter’s inner alpha wouldn’t let him show weakness in front of a potential threat to his mate.

It took a lot, but he managed to get to his feet. His magic might be able to sustain his human body easier, but it also meant he hurt more.

“At least lean on me,” Gio begged, pressing close to his side. Gio’s smaller stature made it easy for Carter to drape an arm over his shoulders. Gio might have a lean build, but he had the typical strength of a vampire, so it wasn’t hard for him to support Carter’s six-foot, four-inch bulk.

“This wasn’t a pleasant visit,” McConnell said as they made their way to the stairs. “I don’t want to repeat it.”

Carter wanted to growl at the vampire’s tone. No one talked to his mate in that kind of dismissive way! It was too bad he wasbusy keeping himself standing to do anything more threatening than growl.

Gio looked over his shoulder at McConnell. “I’ve delivered my message, stay away from the nymph.”

“I won’t be threatened,” McConnell responded. “I’m just as powerful as you.”

“I’m not threatening, only issuing a warning,” Gio said with a sad sigh. “This was a favor for Anatoly. She’s under his protection. The three of us might be of equal strength, but you can’t stand against Anatoly and I standing together. That’s what you need to remember, that nymph isn’t alone. She has powerful protectors.”

McConnell made a dismissive gesture. “I couldn't care less. Leave or I’ll call my durmin back.”

With that, he took his seat, picked up a tablet, and started reading as if they weren’t there.

Gio let out a sigh. “This won’t end well.”

Carter was barely standing on his feet but felt desperate to comfort his mate. “I’ll make everything okay.”