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Styx could live with that

"Des the return of his clansmen"

It took ato Of course, at thebeyond his need to return to Darcy

A dangerous realization

At last he e up the memory of the two desperate vampires who had so recently petitioned him for his protection

Desmond had to be the clan chief whom they feared

"He trespassed in your territory?" Styx demanded with a hint of surprise

It was a death wish to enter the territory of another vampire without formal permission

"He clai two of his people against their will"

"It is known that they came to petition e you is to challenge ed "I presuods, there were times when he wouldn’t wish the position of the Anasso on his worst enee?"

"So far he’s killed three hellhounds, an ie to draw h to provoke an all-out clan war"

"No vampires?"

"Not yet, but it is only a matter of time I must take care of this, but I would prefer to do so without having to kill the chief"

Styx resisted the urge to sigh He kneas coo with you?"

"Yes" Viper gave a lift of his hands "Of course, if you cannot"

"I will go" Despite his reluctance, Styx understood he had no choice It had been his decision to give protection to the two vampires It was now his responsibility to confront the chief who ca for them "Allow me a few moments alone with Darcy"

Viper’s expression hardened, but thankfully he resisted the urge to continue his arguments

Smart, smart vampire

"As you wish," he murmured, with a lo "I will await you downstairs"

Darcy was standing beside the hen she felt Styx aze into the thick darkness, silently savoring the cool rush of power that brushed over her skin

Shee the fierce passion she felt whenever he entered the rooe sense of comfort that settled deep in her heart

As if his h to co, she wrapped her ar had made her more sensitive to Styx’s uarded black eyes that so

"What has happened?"

He h to cup her cheek in his hand His touch was gentle, but Darcy could feel the tense need that huh his body He touched her as if he had to touch her

"A clan chief has entered Viper’s territory He must be dealt with before he causes vaers that pressed against her face

"I don’t like the sound of that" She frowned as her heart gave a sharp squeeze of fear "Are you going to be in danger?"

He shrugged, see more interested in the shape of her lips than the fact that he was about to confront a dangerous vampire

"Very little Des our laws"

Her eyes narrowed at his nonchalant tone "I still don’t like the sound of that What if this vampire doesn’t want to be reminded of your laws? What if he decides to hurt you?"

"Viper will be with ainst the two of us" He paused as his gaze shifted to lock with hers "You are concerned forperception, there were occasions when vampires could be incredibly dense

"Of course I’m concerned You may drive me nuts, but I would never want you to be hurt"

His expression softened "Because you care?"

She stiffened at his soft words Not because she objected to his accusation, but because it was so painfully true

She cared so very, very much

Still, she found herself ridiculously reluctant to confess the tangled emotions that clutched at her heart They were too raw and tender to be dragged out and discussed

At least for now