Claimed Read Online Free PDF

finally touched his queen. Finishing off his grape energy drink, he rolled his shoulders, his own weapon in place. “We haven’t had to arm ourselves for the colloquium in centuries.”
    â€œ You haven’t. I’ve always been armed.” Talen tucked a knife against his shin. The family quarters were well guarded, but once inside the grand ballroom there would be too many guests to be certain of safety. Vampires, shape-shifters, and witches galore. All of the leaders throughout the Realm—a symposium equal to that of the United Nations. Talen snapped another knife in place up his left sleeve. “You need to stop drinking that stuff.”
    â€œWhy?” Immortality had some benefits. “I’m allowed one vice.”
    Talen grinned. “That’s a stupid vice. At least at the damn colloquium we get scotch.”
    Dage shrugged. “I know you wanted me to cancel the colloquium, but we couldn’t with us having gone to war with the Kurjans. Diplomacy is at a must right now.”
    â€œI know. Portland was a good choice of location this year. Easy to travel from if necessary.” Talen returned to his main topic. “Are you going to mark Emma or not?”
    Dage fought a growl. “Of course.” His pretty blue-eyed scientist would damn well wear his mark—sooner rather than later. He’d waited centuries to find her.
    The wait had ended.
    â€œAh, I have news.” Talen shifted his feet in shiny new loafers, no doubt wishing for combat boots. “Cara’s with child.”
    Dage threw an arm around his brother’s thick shoulders. “Congratulations. You’ll have a fine son.”
    â€œAre you sure? I mean, have you seen my son in your head?” Talen’s eyes held a never before seen uncertainty.
    Dage forced a smile. “No—which means there’s nothing to worry about.” He hoped. He cleared his throat and sought the right words. “In fact, I’d like you to concentrate on strategy and security for the next while.” His brother was a strategic genius, a talent that would more than serve the Realm.
    Talen stilled. “Is that so?”
    His brother was also known for a deadly temper. “Yes. We’re at war and need to focus on making plans with the shifting nations as well as covens. We need to organize.”
    â€œI’m not sitting on the sidelines.” A muscle began to tick in Talen’s jaw, a sure sign punches would soon follow.
    Dage readied his stance. He’d hate to have to kick his brother’s ass right before the ball. Damn but it’d be a good fight if they both let loose. “You know as well as I that planning for the battle is more important than shooting a gun.”
    Golden eyes flashed. “You know as well as I that no battle strategy goes according to plan. I’m as good as Conn on the ground.”
    Together the two men were unbeatable. “I know.”
    Talen sighed. “Dage, I appreciate it, I really do. But my job is my job and I need to do it right, whether or not my mate’s with child.”
    â€œI know. But with Janie and now the new baby, you have a lot to think about.”
    â€œYes, and if something happens to me, I know you’ll take care of Cara, Janie, and the baby. We’re at war, Dage.” Talen clapped him across the shoulders. “We can’t turn our backs on duty, no matter the reason.” He grinned. “Now let’s go find our mates.”
    Â 
    Several suites down, Emma bit her lip as she tugged her skirt into place. One minute she was running for her life through a dark forest with the evil undead on her tail, and the next day she stood in the loveliest blue and silver ball gown imaginable. They’d arrived at the Portland hotel in the wee hours of morning, and she’d even had time to sleep before being reunited with her sister. Now she was pretending to be Cinderella.
    She looked down at the pretty