Page 33 of Kingly Bitten

“Just as seeing Gretchen and James will be my first request,” I returned.

“You’re not really in a position to be issuing commands, little strategist,” he hummed. “But I’ll grant you this one item, so long as you give me something in return.”

“What do you want?”

“Your eyes.” He kissed my neck and released me, the cool air an unexpected irritant against my flushed skin that sent a quiver through my body.

I suddenly felt bereft and cold, Jace’s presence a blanket I didn’t want to crave. But I couldn’t fight my attraction. He was the superior being, thepredator. As a human, I was predisposed to submit to the higher power.

And Jace was certainlythat.

“I’ll let you see Gretchen and James, but only after you prove your willingness to assist in my cause.” He walked around to my front with a device in his hand. It reminded me of an old phone or a technical writing pad of some kind. But as he brought the item to life, I realized it was so much more than that.

Holograms of images filled the space between us, each one showing a face with a name and title beneath it. The one closest to me belonged to the male who had tied me to this chair.

Royal vampire. Jace Region.

“What is Jace Region?” I wondered out loud. “Or rather, where is it?” I knew Lilith had divided the world into different kingdoms for vampires and lycans to rule. But I didn’t know the names or original locations.

“Northwestern United States,” he answered, studying me. “Jace City is the upgraded version of San Francisco.”

I blinked, then nodded. “Lilith took Chicago.” I’d never actually confirmed that so much as guessed it based on images I’d seen behind Lilith whenever she’d video-chatted.

She’d purposely kept me in the dark about the new order because it weakened my ability to flee. Not that I’d ever truly had an option to run anyway.

And as Jace had pointed out, I probably wouldn’t survive long in this reformed world. Or worse, I’d wish for death only to never experience it.

“Bunker 47 was in upstate Michigan,” he murmured, still watching me.

“Thus confirming Lilith being in Chicago,” I replied with a nod. “She would never be too far away.”

“Indeed.” He continued to observe me, then he flipped to a new image. “I want you to tell me if anyone is familiar to you. Someone you saw in the lab or talking to Lilith. Anything at all.”

“I didn’t meet many vampires or lycans outside of their cages,” I warned him.

“If you’ve met even one, it’ll help us determine our next steps.” He looked me over once more and smiled. “You seem to appreciate knowledge, so I’ll also define the region and clan territories for you as we go. For example, this is Kylan. His region includes British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska, that whole area. His state seat is in Vancouver.”

I studied the handsome vampire royal on the screen, noting his dark eyes and matching hair. “I’ve never seen him before.” He had the kind of face a female would remember. Just like Jace.

Jace dipped his chin and brought up the next vampire.

Claude. His region was in Canada as well, taking up Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and a few other northern areas. I didn’t recognize him.

Silvano came next. Vampire. Deceased and replaced by Ryder. Their region included Texas, Mexico, and several Central American countries.

“We are actually in Costa Rica right now. San José, specifically.”

“That explains the humidity,” I replied, aware of our closeness to the equator and the heat renowned for this area of the world.

His icy gaze flickered with something I didn’t catch. And he brought up the next image, returning us to the United States with Clemente Clan, the first lycan area. The wolves took up a lot of the south. Alpha Edon was in charge.

“I don’t know him,” I replied.

“Alpha Luka, Majestic Clan” flashed across the screen next, making me frown. I didn’t recognize him so much as the name. “I’ve heard of that territory.” But I couldn’t say why.

“It’s in the northern US. Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin…” He trailed off, waiting for me to comment.

I searched for a memory and shook my head. “I’m not sure why it’s familiar. We’ll have to check the logs. Maybe one of the lycans came from there.” Which would make sense, given the close proximity to Lilith’s territory.