Page 94 of Kiss of Seduction

“She was lax on the details. Something about a common enemy.”

“That doesn’t exactly narrow it down. The Queen of the East Coast has as many enemies as we do.”

“With Varro nipping at our borders as well as hers, I think it’s safe to assume who the conversation will concern. She’s sending one of her progenies to speak for her. Hasan Khara. I’ve met him before. A charming man. Maybe a bittoocharming.”

Natalya frowned at that. A charming disposition could be as dangerous as a threatening one. She knew that better than most.

“Strange that he would want to meet outside the territory. The Court of Chains is open to East Coast vampires.”

“I think it’s a play,” Aleksander said, and it made Natalya reconsider the motivations of the Queen of the East Coast. Natalya had never met her, but Aleksander knew Zahra personally. She’d exiled him from her territory after he killed his Maker. A harsh but merciful act. Any other Night Regent would have executed him.

By setting the meeting outside Chains territory, Zahra ensured Aleksander couldn’t attend. The obvious solution was to send Natalya in his place.

“You think the Queen wants to ensure your fiend is properly trained,” Natalya said stiffly. Aleksander shrugged.

“Perhaps.” He actually smiled when Natalya glared at him. “Or maybe she’s just curious about the ways of Chains.”

Natalya snorted. “Think she’s looking to put down the crown in favor of grunt work?”

“I think she’s in this game, somehow.” Aleksander turned his attention to the city beyond the windows. A young Kingdom. His and her conquest. Their responsibility. Predators were stalking its borders. “I want to know what her role is.”

“I will find out.”

“I know you will.” He leaned back in his seat. “You should bring Drago. I know he prefers to be near Court, but I would be more comfortable if he was with you. Especially with what happened last time you went outside the territory.”

“Drago’s guarding Evie and Lily tonight.” If something even remotely threatening came near Evie, Natalya had given the Wrath fiend leave to tear it to pieces. “I’ll be fine on my own.”

Aleksander regarded her curiously. There was no supernatural being she trusted more than Aleksander, and he felt the same about her. Neither could rule without the other, and neither desired the responsibilities the other held. Their relationshipwas why the Court of Chains had not only succeeded but flourished. They were as near equals as they could be.

Natalya was reminded that he wore the crown by the steeliness of his gaze. Though he didn’t intimidate her, she knew when to feel wary of him.

“Something worrying you, King?”

Aleksander looked at her for a long moment, then he tapped his mouth. Realizing she’d been touching her lips again, she lowered her hand.

“She’s a problem.” Aleksander didn’t need to specify who he was talking about.

“There’s no problem,” Natalya said sharply. “She’s safe. She’s healthy. There’s no cause for concern.”

“You’re sleeping with her.”

Natalya’s eyes steeled onto his. She didn’t like when others knew things about her, especially not when she hadn’t shared it with them.

She was already conjuring up the best way to skin Drago alive, the only being she knew was aware of her and Evie’s relationship, when Aleksander continued.

“Evie told Lily. Lily told me. No one else knows.” Aleksander’s eyes were hard. “How is she still alive?”

“I don’t know,” Natalya admitted. “She shouldn’t be. I should be ruining her, and I almost did. You know what happened when we fled from Varro’s.”

“I know what you told me. I’m starting to suspect you left out some details.”

Natalya wanted to break something. She settled for digging her fingers into the armrest of her chair.

“I partially drained her in the car, like I’ve done to countless others. But when she woke up, she kissed me without me expecting it. It should have siphoned the life right out of her, but she didn’t even stumble. Everything I’ve done to her should killher or at least weaken her. For some reason, she’s unaffected. She can even push against my influence if she wants to. I suspect that particular skill comes from her heritage, but I can’t be certain.”

Aleksander paused a moment, considering. “She suits your needs, then?”

Even though the statement was factually true, Natalya disliked hearing it. Evie made her feel invigorated. Strong and beyond satiated. Evie fit her needs perfectly. That was easy to accept. It was everything else that was difficult.