Page 10 of The Vampire's Redemption

“Then I will follow you to Haven.” The unerring resolve in his gaze had her stomach twist in a knot. “There is no more running,tesoro mio.”

No more running. He was right.

She would have said something clever back if not for Nikolas appearing behind Felix. Her eyes narrowed. Where had he been earlier when Felix almost had his way with her?

“We need to go,” Nikolas said, his stoic tone betraying none of his animosity toward Felix. “We should not be late for the Opening Gala.”

Right. They’d timed their arrival late on purpose, so she’d spend as little time with Felix as possible.

It was Felix who inclined his head in acknowledgment. “You’re right. We should not keep the others waiting. I suggest you feed beforehand. There will be a lot of humans at the Gala.”

His civility threw her off. She kept her gaze on him, as though he would attack her any second.

“Thank you, we will,” Nikolas said.

Gabby threw Felix one last look, wondering what he had planned. His only response was an amused smile. “See you soon,tesoro mio.”

Then he was gone.

What game was he playing? It wasn’t like him to just leave.

Gabby?

Gabby turned her attention to Nikolas, who raised a quizzical brow.

Right. Feed. The Opening Gala.

She pushed Felix to the back of her mind as much as possible, for he was a constant shadow in her thoughts, no matter what she was doing.

Next time he shows up, I’d appreciate a bit more support. She glared at Nikolas.

You’re mates.Nikolas gave her a mental shrug.You must work out your issues. It’s best if others don’t interfere.

Except everyone was interfering. The Council. The King. Even Nikolas, who’d protected her all these centuries.

Nevertheless, there was no going back. She couldn’t control the Council, the King, or Nikolas, but she still had the final say about her future.

If her first meeting with Felix was anything to go by, she’d need every bit of strength and power for the coming days.

Chapter Four

AfterleavingGabby,Felixfed on a human a few blocks away from the Central Tower. He didn’t know what he’d expected. Not the powerless and fearful young woman who’d abandoned him. No, she must have changed. After all, she’d spent two centuries traveling the New World and building Haven before going aground.

Yet, that knowledge had not prepared him for seeing her again in the flesh.

In that club where humans went to fulfill their darkest desires, she’d stuck out like a sore thumb with her white, demure, ankle-length dress. She was an angel, with her golden locks flowing down her back, her sky-blue eyes full of defiance and lust.

An angel with claws.

That wave of power she’d exuded was something she’d never have gained if she had stayed with him. Because she would have never needed it.

Yet, instead of his protective side roaring in outrage at the thought his mate needed to protect herself, he’d wanted to test that power.

To push her buttons and see where it led.

For once, he was thankful Nikolas had interrupted before he acted on the insane thought. A thought fueled by centuries of unfulfilled lust.

Felix stalked through the streets until his equilibrium returned. It wouldn’t do to attack Gabby head on or drag her off into a dark corner to seduce her. From the arousal he’d scented, the same desire which tormented him plagued her as well.