Page 89 of Kingly Bitten

I yawned, already bored.

The video from a few weeks ago depicting the events between Silvano Region and Clemente Clan was more interesting. Particularly as Lilith had seemed a bit unsettled, which was why she’d organized for the alliance to meet quarterly.

With our first meeting set for next week.

I considered Ryder’s proposal again about his grand entrance, playing out the scenario in my head.

There would be gasps. But how many would truly react? This world had numbed our emotions so severely that many might not even be surprised.

The chaos I’d mentioned was in regard to a political battle over the vacant leadership role. Kylan was the next in line based on age, but he didn’t want the position. Which meant it would fall to me. And while I had no trouble accepting the tasks, I knew several lycans would oppose my leadership.

Others would argue that a lycan should be in charge.

Then the vampires would point out that lycans die, thereby marking them as the slightly weaker race.

Which would only worsen when Lilith’s research was revealed.

I needed to know who had approved it, to give the wolves a target for their aggression. If presented appropriately, they would eliminate the biggest threats and opponents of potential reform.

However, winning those lycans over would be problematic as well. The things Lilith had done were unforgivable, and I would not be surprised if the lycans blamed the entire vampire race.

Then there was the issue of Calina’s existence. As a lead researcher, the lycans would no doubt demand her head as compensation. And six days ago, I would have granted it.

Now, I wasn’t so sure.

A strange revelation, considering I didn’t do emotional attachments. But she’d proven herself useful.

And I wasn’t done tasting her yet.

Perhaps this visit in Lajos Region would help cure my craving.

I glanced at Calina again, my gaze automatically falling to her delectable neckline.

Or maybe this venture will worsen our situation entirely.

28

Calina

Thirteen appearedin the main cabin with flushed cheeks as he announced, “Sal says we’ll be landing in ten minutes.”

“Excellent. Thank you,” Jace replied. “Have you chosen a new name yet?”

Thirteen’s eyes brightened at the question. Jace had told the male to stop bowing, and I could tell by his stiff posture that it was requiring a lot of effort for him to obey. However, he cleared his throat and replied, “Anvil.”

“Anvil,” Jace replied.

“Sal suggested it,” Thirteen—uh, or is it Anvil now?—replied.

Jace nodded. “She’s always harbored a penchant for items that begin withA.” He glanced at me. “Sal was an astronaut in her mortal days. She continued the passion after her turning but later moved to aviation. And now she’s my primary pilot.” His focus returned to the male. “Anvil it is. Assuming Darius approves?”

“Anvil is fine,” the other vampire replied, his gaze on Juliet. “But Sal may not let him go now.”

“We’ll see,” Jace murmured. “Please let Sal know we’ll prepare for landing.”

Anvil started to bow, then quickly straightened his spine with a muttered “Thank you, My Prince” and stiffly returned to the cockpit.

“Calina. I need you to change into the red gown.” Jace spoke without looking at me. “Now, please.”