Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 105815 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105815 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
“If you don’t mind an outsider’s opinion,” Junjie hedged, earning a harsh bark of laughter from his companion.
“It hasn’t stopped you so far.”
“The next leader of the fae is a moot point if you can’t get your people back to the fae realm. If you leave Trin and his army to my clan to deal with, you can focus your energy on saving as many of the elves and other races as you can. When the door is closed and your people are safe, you can worry about who will lead your people into a brighter, more hope-filled future.”
Ellora fell silent, allowing the song of the night creatures to swell. A temporary peace had fallen over the world. It was hard to believe they’d been running for their lives less than an hour ago. Or that members of the fae could be lurking close by now.
“It’s something to think about,” Ellora said. “After so many miserable years with King Ash and Queen Belladonna, only to have Trin follow in their footsteps.” Her sigh was heavy, sounding as if it had crawled up from the darkest places of her soul. “You can’t help but want to avoid the next nightmare.”
“Understandable, but you can’t plan beyond the obstacle that lies in your path right now.”
Junjie knew that all too well from personal experience. As much as the members of his clan wanted to explore and understand the changing world around them, there was nothing they could do, no plans they could make, until they were free of Jiang Chong.
Sadly, after so many millennia, their clan found themselves right back within the long-reaching shadow of their demented creator. This time would be different. There was no escape for him. They could finally end his life and secure their freedom.
Chapter 18
Leo St. George
“Cat, if you don’t stop pacing, I’m going to use you for target practice,” Chen grumbled as Leo traversed the main corridor leading to the front door for the sixth time in the past twenty minutes.
Leo paused and glared over his shoulder at the vampire before he continued on his route.
Moon poked Chen in the shoulder. “Stop it. You’re just as anxious about Xiao Dan and the others. Besides, you’re jealous that Erik chose Leo to read his bedtime story tonight instead of you.”
“Nonsense,” Chen mumbled under his breath. Except Leo could hear with his superb cat hearing that Chen didn’t really think it was nonsense. The vampire was hurt by the fact that the little boy had chosen Leo.
Smirking to himself, he wandered to the entrance and peered out at the empty driveway. Junjie and the others should have returned by now. Sunrise was still several hours away, but he’d been gone too long. What kind of trouble had they encountered? Should he have gone with Jun-Jun instead of remaining behind to protect Erik?
When the vampire had asked him to watch the child, Leo had caved in an instant to those big, fearful eyes. Junjie was relying on his gift to see walkers through the dead realm to warn the clan if Jiang Chong invaded their space again. Leo caring for Erik meant Junjie could focus all of his attention on the dangers he was going to face in the woods rather than worrying about what was happening at home.
But staying behind meant worrying endlessly about Junjie.
Was this what happened when people found their mates and did things like date? This was a fucking nightmare. Why would anyone do this long term?
“Relax. They texted that they’re on their way back. Everyone is safe,” Chen confessed.
“You hadn’t told him already?” Moon gasped. “Junjie texted nearly half an hour ago!”
“What?” Leo roared, shifting straight into his human form. He marched up to Chen, who smirked at him as he looked down at Leo. Being short sucked. And Chen had a good six inches on him. It was hard to be intimidating when you were staring up someone’s nose.
“What do you care?” Chen asked, one thick eyebrow lifting as if he were barely holding in a laugh. “Afraid the comfortable existence you’ve managed on the good graces of my shidi is going to suddenly end?”
Thankfully, Moon was right there. The smaller vampire reached up and flicked Chen’s earlobe, causing him to flinch. His superior attitude crumbled to dust. “Why do you have to be such a nosy pot stirrer? You always have to be the first one to get the best spilled tea.”
Chen batted away Moon’s hand as his mate tried to flick his ear a second time. “This isn’t about gossip. I’m genuinely concerned about Junjie’s well-being, and I don’t believe this tomcat has Junjie’s best interests at heart.” As he spoke the last word, he captured Moon’s hand and brought it to his lips, where he pressed a kiss to his knuckles. Moon showed signs of melting, and Leo could only roll his eyes.