Urban Fantasy Collection - Vampires Read Online Free PDF Page B

place more private where we can talk?”
    â€œProbably,” Dante said. “But I don’t want to, so, no.”
    One eyebrow arched up. “Is there a problem?” she asked, voice low, taut.
    â€œYou mean aside from you being here?” Dante said. “No.”
    < Caution, child. This is a game you should not play. >
    Dante ignored Lucien, ignored the heat of his gaze, focused on the flash of anger in Agent Wallace’s blue eyes. His pulse raced.
    â€œThis is a murder investigation,” Agent Wallace said, stepping in close, too close. “I don’t understand why you’re refusing to cooperate.”
    â€œYeah, that whole cooperation with the law thing? Just ain’t me,” Dante said, standing his ground, refusing to step back after she’d thought he would by invading his personal space.
    He listened to the rapid beat of the fed’s heart, heard the rush of blood through her veins, smelled it, rich and sweet.
    â€œI won’t take much of your time. I just need to verify a few things.”
    Dante ran his fingers through his hair. “Everything I had to say is in the police report.” He sprawled onto the throne, stretched his legs out before him. “Read it.”
    â€œI’ll do that,” Wallace said, meeting Dante’s gaze. “But I’d like your permission to look around the premises, the courtyard in particular.”
    â€œNot without a warrant,” Dante said, voice low.
    < Child… >
    She looked at him for a long moment, head tilted, her gaze considering. “Look, we don’t have to do this the hard way.”
    â€œIt’s the only way I know,” Dante said.
    â€œDid you know the victim was from Lafayette?” Wallace asked, voice tight.
    Drawing his legs in, Dante sat up. Lafayette. Pain strobed, spasmed. He touched his fingers to his left temple and rubbed until the pain faded. “Fuck,” he whispered.
    â€œIs something wrong?” Wallace said.
    â€œYes,” Lucien rumbled from behind the throne. “He suffers from migraines. I’m afraid you’ll have to resume your questions at another time.”
    < Trouble, > Von sent. < Étienne’s on his way in. >
    â€œNo, I—” Wallace’s words ended abruptly as excited whispers buzzed and echoed throughout the club.
    Dante watched as Étienne’s Armani-clad form sliced through the crowd. His chicory-and-cream-colored skin seemed lit from within; he bristled with hate. A step behind, Von strode along the now silent path Étienne had cut.
    Ã‰tienne stopped at the bottom of the steps. A fringe of cobalt-beaded braids framed his cold, chiseled face. Von stood to the visiting vampire’s right, taking up his duties as llygad on the floor instead of on the dais at Dante’s side.
    Dante sat forward, hands on the throne’s armrests, muscles coiled.
    â€œYou’ve been ordered to present yourself before Guy Mauvais,” Étienne said.
    â€œYou’re fucking kidding,” Dante said, half laughing.
    Ã‰tienne tensed. “The Council is conducting an inquiry.”
    â€œThe Council has no authority over Dante,” Lucien said.
    â€œ Je regrette , Nightbringer,” Étienne said, inclining his head respectfully. “But this doesn’t concern the Fallen.”
    â€œWilling to stake your life on that?” Lucien’s deep voice rang through the club.
    FBI investigations. Council inquiries. Goody. “Nothing like being popular,” Dante murmured. To Étienne, he said, “If this is about the fire again , tell ’em not to waste their time. Sa vaut pas la peine. I don’t know—”
    Ã‰tienne flew up the steps, only stopping on the third when Von, in a nightkind blur of speed, leapt behind him and seized his arm.
    â€œArrogant lying prick!” Étienne hissed, his narrowed gaze dark and seething. “You need to be leashed! Brought to your