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Her eyes are round as I back her against the wall. “What’s going on?”

“No time to explain.” I pull my cloak around her and hope she forgives me for this.

Just as the inspector rounds the corner, I crash my lips to hers. She gasps against me, and I use that opportunity to slide my tongue between her soft lips. My fingers dig into her round ass as she moves from shock to participation. Footsteps slowly approach us, so I angle my body to block sight of her while never letting my lips leave hers.

She tastes so good. Better than any sweets or wine I’ve ever tasted. My chest thrums deeply when her hand slides over it.

I hear the inspector coming closer, but I can’t stop. Now that I’m locked in this moment with her nothing else matters. There’s only her, and the stardust she’s crafted of. Her tongue runs along my fang, and my cock hardens against her heat.

“Break it up.” The inspector comes to a stop beside us.

I really thought he might just leave. Most would. The Sovereign wants us procreating.

“We’re busy.” I turn my head, making sure to keep blocking his view of Neev.

I’d rather he not see my face either, but I will drop my hood if I need to exert power in this situation. As Lord of House Asterean, I technically have more power but to push that in a delicate situation such as this would be risky.

Neev’s heart beats wildly against me, every pulse matched by my own. Her scent, the same one that called to me that night on the patio, fills my nostrils. I’m teetering on the precipice of losing my temper knowing that this random male can scent her like this.

“Step away from the female.”

Neev leans into me, her fingers tightening into my shirt. Now instead of the scent of her arousal filling the air, it’s the metallic tang of her fear.

“You’re scaring her.” I pull us away from the wall, and she drops her legs from my waist.

“Nothing to be afraid of, female.” He turns his attention back to me. “Take your hood off.”

With one arm still around Neev, I do as he asks. Recognition flashes over his face as soon as he sees me. “Lord Asterean, I didn’t realize it was you.”

“Now you do,” I say dismissively. “Take your leave.”

“I can’t do that until I see your pet.”

Neev stiffens against me.

“This is my female, not a pet.”

“Whatever she is, I have to see her.”

“Why?”

“The Sovereign wishes to ensure there’s no humans on the planet.”

“I haven’t been informed of that decision.”

“It’s new. Representatives of Oculus Nine are on the way to retrieve a stolen human. Said she was taken by one of us.” He strolls toward us. “Apparently she’s their most important treasure.”

Neev stiffens against me, not a breath leaving her lips.

The inspector’s arm whips out fast as lightning and pulls her hood back. My talons are out before he can part his lips to speak. He signs his own death warrant when he reaches out and touches her hair.

He. Touches. Her.

A red mist coats my eyes, fury singing in my blood. My talons tear through the flesh and bone of his neck before he even registers my movement. Blood arcs through the air, splattering on the ground and walls as I lift him off the ground. His legs kick once, twice, while he weakly smacks at my hand.

I don’t hear anything.

I don’t see anything.