Page 126 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

“We can’t let that happen.”

“Of course.”

“I’m not sure if Viper will stand with us.”

“Even if he doesn’t agree with you, he’s always loyal to you.”

He was. “Perhaps it’s good that Aurelias isn’t here.”

“It would still be three versus two.”

“But they’re a powerful two.” Those two were more like brothers than father and son. They had the same ideologies, the same coldness that froze the bone. Utterly heartless and unapologetic.

“These are tomorrow’s problems,” Cobra said. “Today, we need to ensure we win this war. We shall show them mercy, but we know they will show us none if they’re the victors.”

* * *

I returned to our bedchambers to sleep for a few hours. Our scouts had spotted the Ethereal farther west, and based on our calculations, they would arrive a few hours after dawn. I had an opportunity to rest, feed, and shower before the battle knocked on our front door.

Larisa wasn’t in the bed when I arrived. She was on the couch in the other room, Fang draped across the back of the couch. It was dead silent, but they probably exchanged words with their minds.

I showered then returned to the room. The fireplace had been cold when I entered, but now it was blazing. Larisa sat at the edge of the bed, wearing a long-sleeved dress, even though she hadn’t left the room.

Based on the look on her face, she had something to say. Didn’t need to read minds to understand her mood and intentions.

In just my boxers, I sat beside her and waited for her to speak.

Nothing was forthcoming.

I continued to wait.

“I don’t want it to be this way.” She looked at her fingers in her lap. “I don’t want us to be angry or resentful.”

“Neither do I.”

“Then can we just forget it?” She raised her chin and looked at me.

There was no other option. “What would you like to do instead?”

Beautiful green eyes locked on mine, the color like moss on wet stone. Brighter than normal, they glowed from the flames in the hearth that lit them like direct sunshine. The way she looked at me…no one else had ever looked at me like that. Ellasara only wanted me because I could make her into a powerful vampire, like all the others. But Larisa wanted me in spite of that. Her hand reached for my cheek, and her soft skin palmed my stubble. As her fingers slid deeper into my hair, she leaned in and kissed me.

* * *

I stood with her at the top of the steps of the palace, my army at the northern gates. Dawn was breaking, the sunlight winking over the horizon. It was a cloudless day, the faint blue sky becoming bolder with every passing second. Our usual cloud coverage had disappeared, swept off over the ocean, and it was a day we would normally remain indoors until the clouds returned. It was too perfect a moment to strike—so I knew they would come.

Larisa was in her armor and weapons, her hair pinned back, with just a single strand loose. Fang was at her side, too heavy to fit across her shoulders. She looked out over the kingdom before she looked at me.

I had no words.

Viper climbed up the steps and waited for me to regard him.

I looked at him, already knowing exactly what he would say.

“The Ethereal have arrived.”

I gave a nod and turned to Larisa. “None should enter Grayson, but if they do, please run.” The moment was too painful for a kiss. All I could muster was a stare. A defeated one.

“Please come back to me.”