Series: Werewolves of Wall Street Series by Renee Rose
Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
Brick steps up onto the throne’s dais, taking me with him. Standing, this puts me at eye level with the vampire on the throne.
“Alpha and Luna Blackthroat, welcome.” Thaddeus has a lovely voice, deep and melodic. There’s a touch of a plummy British accent, but it sounds affected. Up close, it’s clear he’s not wearing makeup. His skin is just that smooth, his eyelashes that dark. It makes me think his platinum blond hair is natural, not dyed.
“Thaddeus.” Brick makes it clear he’s not in the mood to play games. He towers over the man sprawled on the throne, but Thaddeus doesn’t seem to mind. “We got your invitation.”
“I’m honored you came.” He sounds so sincere, I know it’s an act. We’re already performing.
But isn’t that what life is, in business and politics? None of us are our real selves in the office or behind a podium. Any glimpse of authenticity is carefully crafted. I never thought all the posturing in the boardroom would prepare me to meet a vampire, but here we are.
“I was dying to meet your new Luna.” Thaddeus turns to me.
I’m careful not to meet his eyes, which is weird, but necessary, given the power vampires have. I think they can just use their voice to enthrall people, but just in case, I fix my gaze on his unwrinkled forehead and white blond widow’s peak.
“Hello,” I say. I feel Thaddeus’ attention on me. It’s flattering, how intensely he’s fixated on me. I get a rush of adrenaline and fight the feeling. I can’t succumb to his allure.
Besides, I’ve been around powerful men before. I don’t scare easily, but I’m also not going to underestimate anyone.
“Ah, Blackthroat…” Thaddeus purrs. “She’s exquisite.”
Brick goes still in a way that means his wolf is gearing up for violence.
“I’m right here,” I roll my eyes. “If you’re going to compliment me, you can speak to me directly. Unless you’re just trying to rile up my fiance.”
A few of the leather clad people behind the throne gasp, and then there’s a taut silence. At my side, Sully shifts slightly, and I know he’s gearing up to leap in front of me if the vampire king lunges for my throat.
Thaddeus lets out a booming laugh. It’s loud enough to be heard over the bass to the back of the club, but somehow it’s hollow. “I heard you had a backbone. I should’ve known a sheep couldn’t run with the wolves.” A few of his posse chuckle along with him, and I feel a flash of pity and contempt. A thousand years of life, and all you have is a fetish club and a few hangers on? No pack. No friends. No mate.
This poor guy. No wonder he pulled power strings to see if we’d dance like puppets. He’s bored, like Ruby said. All he has to look forward to is night after night sitting on a fake throne.
I lean into Brick, letting his warmth strengthen me. The way the vampire follows my every movement reminds me he’s an apex predator. “Brick knew I needed a night out. I was fascinated when he told me about this place.”
“Really?” Thaddeus knows I’m flattering him and can’t help but soak it up.
“Oh yes.” I lower my voice to a whisper. “I shouldn’t say this, but you have a certain reputation…among the lady wolves.”
This time Thaddeus’ laugh is truly delighted. He’s probably more amused by Sully and Billy’s outraged reactions than my comment, but I’ve surprised him.
He straightens up on his throne. “I’d love to show you more of my humble club’s charms if you’d let me.” And he holds out his hand for me to take it.
Brick hauls me closer. “No one touches my fiance but me.”
Another snort. “Wolves,” Thaddeus murmurs to me. “So territorial.”
“The possessiveness goes both ways,” I inform him and put a hand on Brick’s chest. Thaddeus inclines his head. We’ve made our position clear.
No one will be fucking with me or my fiance tonight. If they do, a wolf will rip their head off.
“My fiance wants to experience this club to its fullest,” Brick announces. “We’re going to scene on stage tonight.”
“Lovely.” Thaddeus says, like this is news to him and not something he orchestrated. A mutter runs around the room. I can feel everyone’s eyes on us.
“My attendants will show you the way backstage, so you can prepare.” Thaddeus snaps his finger, and two club employees in matching sparkly purple bodysuits step up to the dais. “Let them know your every request, and it will be granted.”
Brick puts a hand on my back to guide me to follow the club attendants. We’re halfway to a discreet back door painted black to blend into the wall when Thaddeus calls to us.
“And Blackthroat?” The vampire king is standing. The lights have changed, cooled, and Thaddeus’ figure now casts a long shadow that ends at Brick’s feet. “Break a leg.”