Page 24 of Kingly Bitten

“Is that why she sent the files over an unsecure network?” Damien asked, looking at the half-breed. “Was it to delay the file transmission?”

“They would have needed to secure the files before encrypting them,” James replied. “That’s probably why she did it that way.”

“Which means tapping into that data stream is likely what set off the detection protocols,” Damien translated.

“Yes,” James agreed, swallowing.

The half-breed turned silent, telling me his use had reached an end point.

“Well.” I looked at Damien. “I’ll leave his fate up to you. Louis wants him dead, but maybe James can convince you otherwise.” It was an interrogation tactic of a sort, giving the half-breed the chance to try to prove his use to us alive.

“I doubt it,” Damien drawled, playing right into the act of not giving a shit.

Or maybe it wasn’t an act at all.

I stood and met his gaze. “I’m going to go have a chat with Dr. C., see if she can’t provide any useful details on the real files and their intended destination.” From what Damien had said, the receiver identification was untraceable, making it impossible to determine their true identity and location.

“I’ll go work on the other doctor next,” Damien said absently, continuing his blasé approach to interrogating. “There are no rules, right?”

“None at all,” I returned, stepping up to the door. “Just be sure to clean up your mess. I hear Ryder isn’t a fan of wasted blood.”

With that, I stepped out of the room, smirking as James growled in my wake. He snarled something along the lines of a threat, one I was sure Damien would laugh off.

In truth, we all knew these researchers were worth more alive than dead. They served as proof of what Lilith had been doing to her own kind through research and genetic manipulation. Between a statement from Louis and the physical proof of James being a clear descendant created through force in the lab, there would be no questioning Lilith’s guilt.

The stories Louis and Zack had told us about their treatment had made my blood run cold.

And yet, their situation wasn’t that dissimilar to how humans had been relegated to the same societal standing as cattle.

There had to be a better solution here, one that allowed lycans and vampires to maintain the upper hand while working collaboratively with humans to ensure all needs across the species were met.

That was where my cousin came into play—Cam had a vision, one I wanted to see come true.

Which meant I needed to find him.

I walked down the hall to the suite Damien had given me, the quarters designed and maintained for a royal of my standing. Technically, these were all Ryder’s rooms now, but he hadn’t been interested in inheriting his predecessor’s dwelling. Instead, he’d picked a random suite on a lower level, leaving Damien to claim and redecorate the penthouse for his own needs.

Ryder had also given Damien the human harem on this floor. As he was recently mated to Willow, he didn’t have need for such things.

I had my own harem back in my region. Not that I’d tended to them recently.

The whole royal harem designation was designed to be a perk for those in charge. I found it to be more of a nuisance, as it required my time. And lately, I hadn’t been all that interested in indulging my baser needs. At least, not with a group of too-willing humans.

There was no challenge left in this world, thanks to Lilith’s antics.

Although, the female glaring at me as I entered my suite seemed to suggest otherwise.

And how intrigued was I to see such a look on a beautiful woman’s face.

No supplication. No bowing. Nomy liegeorYour Highness. Just a glower filled with annoyance. It was refreshing and irritating all at the same time.

I shut the door behind me and secured us inside with a flip of the lock. “Hello, little doctor,” I murmured. “Sleep well?”

She didn’t reply, her blue eyes—actually, no. Her irises were blue green now with little flecks of brown.Stunning. Yet another fascinating trait I wanted to know more about.

I sauntered toward her, taking a chair along with me, and set it across from her. Her jaw ticked as I settled into a relaxed pose with my ankle crossed over my opposite knee.

“You look well rested,” I continued as I allowed my gaze to roam over her nude state. “Aroused, too.” Her nipples had beaded in the cooler air, the rosy tips a luscious beacon that begged for my tongue.