“That’s what I was going to ask you.”

John jerked on his chain, grimacing from the pain caused by the silver rubbing against his wrists. The scent of burnt skin and hair filled the air.

John narrowed his eyes at him. “This is no way to treat the leader of the king’s guard.”

Abel chuckled. “I don’t think you’re in a position to complain right now.” He glanced at the woman who watched them fearfully. “She’s pretty, I give you that. But to find you maintaining a human mistress came as an utter surprise to me. Tss, tss.”

John growled low and dark.

Abel walked to Nicolette and took her chin, lifting her head so she had to look straight at him. “It would be a shame to destroy such a pretty face.”

“Take your hands off her!”

Abel whirled his head to John and flashed his fangs. “Don’t order me around!” Then he released the woman and jumped toward the leader of the king’s guard. “Now let’s talk! Where the fuck were you?” He lashed the back of his hand across John’s cheek, whipping his head to the side. “And don’t even think about lying to me.”

John turned his head back to him. “I was following a lead.”

Abel narrowed his eyes. “What kind of lead?”

“An informant told me that a man matching your deceased brother’s description was spotted in the Pacific Northwest. I had to check it out. With your coronation next week I needed to make sure that nothing got in the way.”

“And you couldn’t tell me that in advance?”

“There was no time.”

“Oh, I bet.” He didn’t believe a single word John was saying. After all, he’d been one of Cain’s most loyal followers. “Did you find the person you were looking for?”

John dropped his head, seemingly defeated. “No. I lost his trail.”

“Brilliant king’s guard you are! He showed up here yesterday.”

John lifted his head. “An imposter?”

“Cain in the flesh! Risen from the ashes like a phoenix!” Angry, Abel curled his hand into a fist and slammed it into John’s face. Blood dripped from his nose. “You told me he was dead!”

“He’s alive?”

Abel landed another blow in John’s face, hearing his jaw break. “You fucking jerk! You never liked me. It wouldn’t surprise me to find out that you had something to do with his reappearance. You never wanted me to be king.”

Defiantly, John looked at him, blood dripping from his nose and mouth. “Just like you resent the fact that I’m the leader of the king’s guard.”

Abel bent closer. “Oh, that’s something I’m going to change when I’m king.” He motioned to the vampire behind him. “Baltimore will become the leader of my guard just as soon as you’ve passed your secrets on to me at my coronation.”

“There won’t be a coronation now that Cain is back,” John ground out.

“That’s where you’re wrong. Nothing will stand in the way of my coronation, not even Cain. And you, my dear John, will make sure of that.”

“Roast in hell!”

Abel tossed a look at the tied-up human. He’d expected John’s reaction, but he knew how to make the stubborn guard change his mind. “Or your lover will pay for your defiance. Slowly and painfully.”

John’s gaze shot to Nicolette, who now pulled on the handcuffs. “I won’t let him hurt you,” he assured her now.

Abel grinned. “So, we’re in agreement then?”

John pinned him with a furious glare, but Abel knew he’d won.

“Good. Make it look like a rival clan is responsible for it. It will appear that we’re under attack.” He grinned to himself. He would kill two birds with one stone: Cain would be dead, and because the kingdom would be believed to be under attack, Abel would ascend to the throne instantly. The waiting period which would start rolling from Cain’s actual death once again—one year, one month, and one day—would be waived in a time of war.

Without taking his eyes off John, Abel instructed his guard, “Baltimore, make sure he’s healed completely before you release him so Cain won’t become suspicious. Then get two of your trusted men to watch the woman and return to the palace. I don’t want your absence to be noted.”

“Yes, Abel.”

“Good, then my work here is done.” He turned to the door, then looked back over his shoulder. “And just so you know how generous I am to those who serve me well, I’ll grant you and your woman safe passage after the coronation. Releasing you from your position as leader of the king’s guard is the only way for you to keep her, as you’re well aware. I’m doing you a favor. Don’t forget that.”