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The quickening of my heart thundering within my chest drowned out whatever it was he said next. Rhys’ smirk turned into a cocky grin as his dark head fell forward. Lips skimmed the flesh between my throat and collarbone. With a purring sound, he nipped the sensitive flesh.

The instant his mouth grazed my skin, it eradicated all intelligible thought, evacuating everything from my mind. Magic surged from his mouth, expelling anger and erupting into a burning lust at my core. My thighs tightened together, craving friction as his hand released my chin.

He moved it to my waist, rubbing his palm against the small swell of my abdomen. The sound he issued was pure arrogance. I didn’t move as he leisurely explored the proof of what we’d created, which was cradled in the womb he caressed.

“Mine,” he growled out roughly, then dragged one finger up my chest, through the valley between my breasts. It stopped beneath my chin, forcing my eyes to lift and collide with pools of obsidian reflecting my alarmed image within the dark, shimmering surface. “Do you fucking hear me now?”

Fighting back the urge to drive my knee into his balls, I shut my eyes. Inhaling oxygen deep into my lungs, I fought to recall everything Nyota had revealed about Rhys’ demonic half.

Rhys was the most formidable incubus demon known to the immortal world, allowing him to bypass his older brothers to take his place as the head Van Helsing alpha, ruler of their house.

The black swallowing the azure of his irises warned me of who was sitting in the driver’s seat. Either his demon had full control, or Rhys was struggling to keep it from him and was obviously losing.

Nyota had warned me repeatedly to never argue or provoke Rhys when his demon was close to the surface. She’d told me the gentleman he had allowed me to see before wouldn’t be the same man I faced now.

Rhys’ kind, chivalrous mien allowed the world to see him in a brighter light. He’d permitted them to see his calm demeanor, so they would lower their guard. It made them not suspect that there was a monster lying just beneath the cool, indifferent visage they looked at when they saw him.

“Don’t lie to me, Love. You’re forgetting a vital fact. I’m inside of you, same as you’re inside of me now. Our souls are linked as one. It means I fucking feel you and know you. Do you honestly think I’d allow them to live if they’d fucked you?” His tenor held the promise of violence and sin humming in every word he uttered.

Swiping a thumb across my trembling lips, he snorted, then turned his head as if he were listening for something. With a disgruntled sound, Rhys brought his mouth a hairsbreadth from my lips. It caused him to brush against my lips as he rasped out with a low, guttural ‘fuck-me’ tone.

“I know exactly how badly you need to be fucked right now.” Releasing his hold, he pressed his nose against my ear. “Be a good girl. Don’t fight me. I won’t fight fairly. Start a war and I’ll chain you to the wall and play with you nightly, never allowing you to find relief from the ache throbbing between your thighs.”

His husky words sent a shiver rushing from my head, stopping at my toes. His dark, whiskey-drunk laughter told me he was very aware of what the shiver meant. I didn’t need him to elaborate on how easily he could manipulate my system.

Rhys had told me before how he couldn’t make me want him. The messed-up part was he didn’t need to do anything to make me want him. My body didn’t care if he was a cruel bastard who’d shattered my heart. It didn’t care about him tossing us aside like trash.

The only thing my body knew was that it had been constantly left in a state of need. Rhys wouldn’t have to try hard to torture me right now. Incubus demons could heighten and play on your needs. They fed from fucking. That meant he’d take whatever he needed or wanted from me.

“Don’t worry, Silversmith. I’ve no intention of fucking you. Honestly, once was enough with you. The rest was a matter of convenience.”

Pain lanced through my chest as his words stabbed through my heart. How was it possible to want him, while also wanting to remove his balls through his throat?

“You think I’d ever fuck you again? You were my mother’s ‘gentle knight’, remember?” I stammered, exaggerating the quote for emphasis. “It makes me ill even thinking about the two of you together.” After making a dramatic gagging sound, I held his stare silently, anger burning in his endless azure depths, threatening to leave me in ashes.

Rhys’ face twisted with rage, delivering genuine fright that blocked the scream building in my chest from escaping. His fingers curled around my esophagus at the same moment the bedroom door flew open, slamming against the wall. The force of the collision shook the entire room as deadened eyes held my wide, panic-stricken gaze.

“Remove your hand from her throat this moment, Rhys Emric Van Helsing. You promised me you’d not harm her, boy.” Talia’s sharp, motherly tone forced Rhys’ hold to slacken as we both twisted in discomfort. “Your sweet, gentle mother would’ve had your ass for touching a woman in anger.”

“She’s unharmed as of yet,” he rebuked angrily.

Talia grunted, flicking fire-engine red tresses over her shoulder. “Don’t sass me, boy. You know I don’t take kindly to such nonsense.” She couldn’t be over five feet and some change, but Talia held her own against Rhys.

“Do I look like a child to you, Talia?” Rhys retorted as his fingers bit into my tender flesh.

“I was there the day you took your first breath of air, Van Helsing. Your mother was my best friend. Do you think I don’t want to lash out as well? Unlike you, I’ve not taken my anger out on an innocent child. Remington is not Roslyn. She’s nothing like her mother,” she appealed in a low, threatening tone. With a clap of her hands above her head, lavender and lemongrass perfumed the space in a swift burst to my senses.

I surveyed the entire room, searching for the source of the soothing aroma, but found nothing. Rhys’ hand released its hold on my throat as he pushed away from me. I looked back at him as the azure blue enveloped the obsidian.

“My apologies, Talia. Remington was just reminding me of a time and person we’d both prefer not to think about ever again,” Rhys said softly, zeroing sharp, knowing eyes at me.

“Was she now? Best to learn not to bait a rabid beast, dear. Especially one that hasn’t been uncaged for some time. They tend to be rather . . . unstable . One would think her precious cargo would make her more cautious of doing something so ill-advised.” Talia, slightly out of breath, gave us both a pointed glance before gesturing for us to sit with a flippant wave of her hand toward the space next to us.

My lips turned down as I glared in confusion. Just as I was rearing to report the lack of anywhere to sit, I gasped loudly as thick, powerful magic violently flooded the room. As I gaped in shock, five chairs and a table appeared in the location she’d indicated for us to be seated at.

Morgana and Raven entered moments later with Cole right behind them. The tension within the small chamber became oppressive as it weighed down on me. It threatened to force what remained in my stomach to expel onto the plush, dark gray carpet where I stood.

I forced my focus toward Cole, finding his eyes already on me. A darkening look flooded his stare as it dipped lower to my abdomen before returning to lock eyes with me. There was something in his stare that hadn’t been there before. Regret? Or was it remorse?

Raven’s presence was a welcome surprise, but neither of us held power here. Not in the House of Witches. Talia had her laws, as did every major house. This was her house. Rhys had brought me to neutral ground. The question remained of why he’d brought me here instead of where he was the law.

“Sit down, Remington,” Rhys ordered, as if I’d jump to do as he demanded.

It took effort to remove the fear locking me in place. I inched hesitantly toward the chairs magically appearing. If this wasn’t some Alice in Wonderland bullshit, then I didn’t know what was.

“Sit, child. They won’t bite,” Talia grumbled as she took a seat. The moment she did, a tea kettle appeared along with teacups. Suspended in the air, the kettle moved from cup to cup, filling each to the rim.

I sat across from the chair Rhys had chosen to sit in. Space was needed to cool my ardor. Once seated, both Raven and Morgana sat beside me. Their hands both patted one of mine, forcing an unnatural calmness to slither through my mind.

Talia’s eyes softened as they landed on Rhys. The moment she attempted to place her hand on his, he yanked it back, then hiked one dark brow in silent rebuke. Talia laughed the silent warning off and held her hand out with her palm exposed. Rhys placed his hand on hers. It sent pangs of jealousy slithering through me.

It bothered me how he could be so tender with her but cruel with me. She had been there when he was born, though. Hopefully, she’d swatted his ass hard to force him to breathe.

Nyota had mentioned most of the immortals within this town had been around one another for centuries or longer. It made sense as to why they had so easily closed ranks, excluding me from their tightly knit circle.

Talia had been best friends with Verity, Rhys’ sweet, amicable mother. She’d personally delivered every Van Helsing child. Talia herself had set the blaze to the Silversmith mansion, burning my ancestors within the inferno. Using her powerful magic, she’d ensured no escape, intending that the mansion be a fiery tomb.

“We have a rather big problem to fix here,” Talia started, as three cubes of sugar dropped into the teacup in front of me.

The power within the room was smothering, yet soothing. I glanced upward, searching for the source of the magical tea party I’d been compelled to attend.

“I’ll deal with it soon enough,” Rhys muttered, scowling. The prick was looking at me as if I were a problem to fix.

“Will you? If you hadn’t been such an obtuse ass, Van Helsing, they wouldn’t be here to begin with,” Talia accused sharply. Pegging Rhys with a condemning look, Talia blew steam coming up from her tea, then waved her hand as two cubes of sugar dropped into her cup. “You and I both know why they’re here.”

Uneasy with the direction of the conversation, I peered up, searching for the source of the sugar. It would be a handy trick to learn.

Snorting, Rhys reached for his cup, following Talia’s lead. “They’re here because a child of two powerful bloodlines has been created. It means Remington is a target whether she likes it or not.”

I instinctively shielded my stomach. It wasn’t a surprise that someone was after me. I’d been hopeful they’d decided I wasn’t worth the effort to kill. A girl could wish, right? Apparently not.

“I warned you about meddling with fate, didn’t I? You chose to ignore the warning during Beltane. When it’s messed with, Fate tends to meddle right back. It never loses.” Talia’s demeanor held a hint of humor. “I don’t know why I bother giving warnings anymore. No one ever listens.” Pausing dramatically, she grinned. “It no longer matters. Nothing can change what has occurred now. Best not to fret over the past, I say.”

“I’m not apologetic for what occurred or what was created during Beltane. I am, however, sorry you think no one listens to your wise words. I do, Talia.” His eyes softened on her before trailing past the others to settle on me. They became colder the longer they remained on me. Under the weight of their simmering hatred, I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. “If I knew then what I do now, I’d gladly undo everything,” Rhys said callously.

“There are ways—”

I snarled with anger at the thought of either of them attempting or discussing ending the pregnancy in front of me. “If you think I’ll sit idly by while you discuss murdering my child, think again.” I held Talia’s eyes with a warning before turning to glare murderously at Rhys. “I want this child. You don’t get to decide what happens to me or the baby. Not anymore. Fair warning, if you think to harm the child or me, know I’ll do whatever it takes to stop you. Even if the cost is my life.”

“What if the cost is—” Talia slowly began, but I cut her off before she could finish speaking.

“Yeah . . . noooo . . . I wouldn’t give a fuck if he or she is the Antichrist. If that’s why you brought me here, I’ll be leaving.” Standing up, I fully intended to leave without knowing the way to the front door. Magic yanked me down into the chair, causing Rhys to issue a growl of warning when I released a shriek.

“You shush, Van Helsing. I didn’t harm her,” Talia chided, before turning on me next. “We’re not here to tell you anything other than you’re being hunted. Those knights you met last night. They’re very old, formidable enemies of all immortals alike. They have a hard-on for the power of the first two bloodlines,” she continued. Her pinky rose high as she enjoyed her tea. “Last night, you used your magic against them, confirming their theory. A Silversmith created life with a Van Helsing, igniting a prophecy of old.”

“Why is there always a goddamn prophecy with you people?” I muttered as I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“ You people? My dear child, you’re one of us, too.” Talia blinked innocently while I groaned like a petulant child.

“Unwillingly noted. Thanks for the correction, Talia.”

“It isn’t as bad as you’d think.” When I didn’t ask for clarification, she shrugged as she sipped her tea.

My heart started beating faster, causing my hands to tremble. The teacup inched closer, forcing me to accept the warmth it offered against my palms. With it in hand, I breathed in the calming scent of chamomile.

“What Talia’s saying is you’re not safe outside of a protected house. They have learned of your failure to secure a house title. Unless you can change the minds of those refusing your house to rise and be named, you’re in danger,” Raven supplied. “My wards alone won’t hold them off. No other witch will assist me with reinforcing them. They’d be breaking the covenant. Despite knowing how, Rhys refused to let them help you.”

“Of course he has.” Ignoring the lump in my throat, I glanced at the exit. I needed to get out of this room before the sob bubbling in my chest escaped through my lips. I’d be damned if he heard me crying.

It felt like the floor had dropped from under me. As if I’d been abandoned in Wonderland without Alice to keep me company. I briefly looked toward Rhys and noticed him smirking as he leaned back in the chair, the cockiness simmered in his azure depths as he enjoyed my discomfort.

“Come to New Orleans with me. There, I could ward the shit out of our mansion on the bayou. It’s owned by my coven.” Raven’s hopeful tone didn’t change as Rhys released an angry growl he directed at her. “It’s blessed with the bones of my ancestors as well.”

“I wish I could go with you, Raven. But I’ve tried leaving this place,” I admitted softly as my throat tightened. “It would seem I’m unable to do so.” Admitting my failure left a sour taste in my mouth.

“You’ve tried leaving?” Rhys demanded in a softer tone than expected. Disbelief resonated with his question, flooring me.

Didn’t he prefer I leave? Was he confused about where we stood? This guy and his ever-changing moods could be bottled up and sold to Romani people worldwide. They’d make a killing on the mood rings from him.

Nodding slowly, I held his stare while admitting my failed attempt to escape him and this town’s inhabitants. “Of course I have, Rhys. Several times. There’s nothing for me here anymore. Plus, no one wants me here. You and the people of this town have repeatedly expressed that I’m unwelcome in this town. Loudly. It seemed the best path forward.”

“You thought taking my child and fleeing from me was something I’d allow you to do?” he growled as he leaned closer, placing both palms on the table.

“I didn’t think it would matter to you even if I vanished off the face of the earth. If you recall, you told me to leave! You ensured everyone hated me after you’d thrown me out.” Tears stuck in my throat, forcing my words to come out hoarsely.

“I can’t walk into a supermarket. No doctor in this town will examine me or see me as a new patient. I haven’t been able to see an OBGYN, either. I’m in my second trimester. I don’t even know if Bullet is healthy.” I fought the tears of rage tightening my throat, threatening to expose how badly his treatment of me had affected me.

“You’ve ensured my only option is to pray I’m not fucking this all up. But you expect me to get on my knees and be a good bitch because you fucking think you’re entitled to me because of some stupid fucking connection our souls have?”

Rhys opened his mouth to speak, but I held my finger up. “No. Fuck you and fuck that. I deserve better. I’ve never wronged you or anyone else in this town, Van Helsing. My only crime was being born to a murderous whore who I, myself, fucking killed. Not you, not this town. I killed Roslyn Silversmith to prevent her from hurting anyone else ever again. And the thanks I get for it is being turned into a leper? How about you get fucked.”

“I like her. Where did you say you found her again?” Talia chuckled, her eyes dancing with delight as I’d just told Rhys to get fucked. “She’s not timid, boy. This one has a fire burning within her veins.”

Rhys’ face went askew as he turned toward Talia. “Literally.”

“The child’s healthy and you’re doing everything right, Remi,” Raven blurted from beside me, forcing my horrified eyes to hers. “Though the baby is rather snarky when it thinks you’re in danger.”

“How do you know Bullet’s healthy?” I demanded breathlessly. I was uncertain I wanted her to tell me anything.

“When you asked me over to place the safeguards, I added one to personally protect both you and Bullet.” At my confused stare, she chuckled. “My magic isn’t technically the same as what other witches use. On occasion, I can communicate with things like wild animals, unborn babies, or you know, freshly made corpses. Nothing too strange or anything. Well, other than objects randomly animating and speaking to me,” she explained as she waved a hand as if brushing it off as normal.

“Anyway, I attempted to place a ward on you. I couldn’t. Something stopped me from being able to cast it on you.” Her violet eyes lowered to my stomach before rising, then repeated the motion. “Your child prevented me from casting anything on you or them personally. The house was easy enough, but your child saw everything else I did as an attack. Bullet prevented me from being able to add protection without first obtaining your consent. What I’m saying is your child is intelligent and healthy. You’re doing everything right.” When my mouth merely opened then closed in response, Raven snorted. Shrugging nonchalantly, she sipped her tea with both pinkies up in the air.

Gazing across the table, I found Rhys’ focus on my abdomen. He looked intently, hoping to discover her secrets.

“You’re certain the child’s healthy, Raven?” Rhys asked in a thick, strained tone. As I watched, Talia patted his arm with pride burning in her fiery green depths.

“Verity would’ve enjoyed a grandbaby to dote upon,” Talia offered comfortingly, causing the black veins in Rhys’ face to spread.

“She’ll never know her grandchild. It was stolen from her,” he hissed through clenched teeth.

I exhaled slowly and crossed my arms over my chest, knowing everyone here, except Raven, was pretty much against me. Rhys’ accusation was thick with bitterness as he aimed his deadened glare toward me. He wasn’t harsh on the others within the room, though. He saved his animosity for me and me alone. As if I were a pox on his existence—one he couldn’t wipe out quickly enough. A hex that he sought to remove by force. Rhys wanted me to go. The message was written in everything he’d done.

He wanted me at arm’s length but didn’t want me to leave. I wasn’t sure why he’d wanted me here, though. Didn’t he want me to go? He’d said he had, but he’d also been upset I’d attempted to leave this town in my rearview mirror. The prick was leaving me more confused than I’d been before I’d woken here with him.

“Am I a prisoner here, Talia?” I whispered through the narrowing of my throat.

“You’re free to leave at any time you desire—” Talia hurried out the words as her eyes narrowed on the sweat beading on my brow. “Are you well, child?”

“Fine. Everything is just freaking peachy and popping up daisies. However, I think I’ll take my chances at my house. It seems the safest bet,” I announced, pushing away from the table, rising to my feet. Luckily, the Alice in Wonderland chair allowed me to escape its glue-like seat.

“I don’t think you should be running toward danger, child,” Talia stammered with worry shining in her gaze.

“Remington, it’s not safe for you out there,” Raven added hesitantly. The worry clouded the violet of her eyes, darkening them to amethysts.

Rhys grunted, but the growing tension in the room was pressing in on me. I needed to get out of here before I did or said something I ended up regretting. I felt the walls closing in around me, forcing the need to escape to crawl over my flesh.

“Thank you for showing up last night, Van Helsing. Talia, thank you for allowing me to rest in your beautiful home . . . and for the hospitality . . . But I need to go. Unless you intend to detain me, I’m gone.”

“We just told you that you’re being hunted by zealots, dear,” Talia stuttered, shock pinched her features tightly. “Do you not think it wiser to remain where we can easily defend you?”

“No offense meant, but honestly? It sounds like a normal Saturday night at my house lately. Same ole, same ole,” I returned with a pinched smile spreading over my face. “I’m a Silversmith. You’ve all been forcing us to live under a constant threat of extermination for centuries. Being hunted is nothing new to me, I’m afraid. Thank you for the warning, though. I assure you: I know how to manage by myself in these situations.” And I did.

Upon departing the room, I swiftly rounded a corner. The speed soon metamorphosed into a mad dash through the rest of the house until I reached the door. I ran as if the hounds of hell were giving chase. Fear forced my legs to move with the need to place distance between myself and those behind me.