Page 48 of Worse Fates

And how much have I changed, if knowing Lucero is going to kill someone doesn’t bother me?

Rurik scoffs. But I’m too busy caught in Lucero’s magnetic intensity; his blue gaze like being struck by lightning.

“I promise to be safe.” My breath catches as Lucero’s low murmur slinks deep into my ear, my blood electrifying. Behind me, Lucero draws in a long breath, as if he’s tasting the air. Then, so quietly only I can hear, he says, “So sweet.”

And I tremble.

“You know, you do have a perfectly good bedroom, Lucero. Why don’t you go there so I don’t have to watch you eye fuck each other,” Rurik complains.

“Rurik, why don’t you and I get some food?” Ramy’s voice is gentle, meant to sooth his brother’s ego.

But I don’t give a fuck. “Piss off, you bellend, and stop looking at me like I’ve pissed in your cornflakes. You were the one who nearly killed me. I get to not be your biggest fan.”

Rurik looks as if he’s about to stand, but Lucero’s voice, loud as a thunder clap, stops him. “Brother.”

I jolt, not expecting his loud rumble, and Lucero presses a kiss into my neck in apology.

The two powerful vampires lock eyes, an unspoken conversation passing between them. An emotion, too quick to catch, flashes behind Rurik’s gaze; resentment, maybe? After a beat, a tired exhale drops at Rurik’s feet as he slouches back into the chair.

“Let’s find this blood mage and be done with him, then,” Rurik says.

“Golden believes he may have a partner.” Ramy glides like a figure skater between his two brothers. But the way he keeps trying to smooth a nonexistent wrinkle on his shirt gives him away—Ramy’s more stressed than he’s letting on.

“Rurik and I will go hunting for them tonight,” Lucero tells the room.

One of Lucero’s big hands runs up and down my stomach, and I have the completely insane urge to ask him to go lower and stroke my dick, open my legs and… Jesus. It’s no wonder half the battle plans in movies sound stupid. If everyone’s busy fighting off random bouts of horniness, then there isn’t enough blood in people's brains to fill a cup.

“What about me?” A wrinkle forms between Ramy’s eyebrows.

Lucero shakes his head. “You stay here. I won’t leave Golden undefended.”

“And what am I?” Kai cocks an eyebrow at Lucero.

“Obviously you, too.” I elbow Lucero.

“Yes, of course,” Lucero adds.

Kai snorts. “Nice to be appreciated.” He holds his hand up for Ramy, grinning. “Boys night.”

Ramy watches the offered hand like it’ll turn into a snake, then after a moment smiles and gives Kai the stiffest high-five I’ve ever seen. “Boy’s night,” he agrees, almost shyly.

Grinning, I hold out my hand, and Ramy gives me the same stiff high-five in return. Kai cackles and slaps his palm to mine.

“Alright! Boys night!” I call out. “Oh, and Lucero, I wanna meet Vidar.”

All humour drains from his face. “Out of the question,” Lucero says, leaving no room for argument. Which is too bad for him. I might wanna sit naked on his lap, but I’m no pushover.

“But—”

I’m turned in Lucero’s arms and surprised at his stern, unforgiving features. Even when we fought he hadn’t looked this uncompromising.

“I visited Vidar last night and while he may be doing better, he remains apathetic and bitter. He wanted you hurt once, and I am never purposefully putting you in a dangerous situation. So no, Golden, you are not meeting him.”

Lucero doesn’t budge when I attempt to push away.

“You said he’s your family, right? I’ve now met that dickhead.” I motion a thumb over my shoulder at Rurik, and get a grunt from him in reply. “Now I want to meet your Maker, properly this time”

Lucero’s gaze stays hard, unchanging.