Page 100 of Bite The Power That Feeds

“I’ll do my best, baby.” I kissed her, held her in front of the double doors to the palace, felt so much peace it was as if the world had stopped. For the first time in my life, I had something to live for, something better than booze and nameless women.

But it was also terrifying, because now I had something to lose. “I love you.”

She looked at me with those brilliant green eyes, her hair flowing in the wind, and said the words back to me with such conviction. “I love you too.”

* * *

I took the secret tunnel back to the Mountain. It was the ideal path to take because sun exposure wasn’t a concern, but it was narrow, so only so many horses could fit side by side. Traveling under the open sky was easier, less claustrophobic.

When I arrived at the Mountain, I spoke to my general. “It’s a very long story, but prepare our army for war. The werewolves have taken the kingdoms, and it’s time we take them back. We ride to Grayson.”

He showed his surprise but didn’t bother me with questions. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“And release all the humans. They’re free to come and go as they please.”

He’d been in the process of turning away, but now he did a double take. “What did you say?”

“Release the prey.”

“That’s our food source—”

“There will always be volunteers.”

“For you. But not for the rest of us—”

“Follow my orders, or I’ll find someone who will.” Once this battle was won and our lives resumed, I would bring my new bride to her home—and she would be repulsed by the practice. Even if she were a vampire herself, seeing us cage an entire town within our walls would seem barbaric to her. She might leave me—and I couldn’t bear that. “We’ll figure out a way. We always do.”

26

CLARA

I tried on the white gown the seamstress presented, two slender straps over my shoulders with a deep cut down the front. There was a high slit up one leg, similar to the dress I’d worn once I’d become queen. When I looked in the mirror, I wondered how I would look once I became one of them. Pale. Lifeless. Cold.

A knock sounded on the door.

“Come in.”

Larisa stepped inside. She was in a black dress and boots, no longer in her uniform like she’d been in Grayson for a while. “Wow. That looks stunning on you.”

“Thank you.” I forced a smile as our eyes met in the mirror. “When did you and Kingsnake arrive?”

“Early this morning. He’s still asleep.” She came farther into the room, looking at me from the front without the use of the mirror. “You look beautiful. I know Cobra will have a lot to say when he sees you.”

“Yes, that man is quite the talker.”

Larisa released a quiet chuckle. “I didn’t realize you were getting married.”

“Cobra wanted to have the ceremony before the battle. Wanted to marry me before…you know.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know.”

“Before he turns me into one of you.” I looked at my reflection in the mirror again.

Larisa stared at me for a while before she took a seat in the armchair. “I detect sadness in your voice.”

“It’s not sadness. It’s… I’m not sure what it is.”

“Fear.”