When Jared discretely gave my hand a supportive, comforting squeeze I gathered that he had picked up on my irritation. It unnerved me that we could read each other like that. I had slowly gone from being able to sense when he was near to also picking up on what he was feeling at times. If Jared and I had shared blood at some point then I could blame this weird link on that and have the comfort of knowing the link was only temporary. But right now I had no idea what this link was or how to get rid of it.

What do you think about the High Masters then? asked Jared as we made our way out of the patio which overlooked a large, fancy swimming pool complete with a man-made waterfall.

I’d say Carlos’ loyalty is questionable, and I’d say the same about Winston Jones. But I reckon the others would be loyal to Antonio, especially Bran.

You and me are on the same wavelength then.

Oh I knew that and it was what disturbed me.

Have you noticed Bennington acting odd?

A couple of times I saw him whispering and lingering around the other High Masters. He’s been looking over at you quite a bit.

Actually, I think it’s you he’s been looking at. The idea seemed to piss Jared right off.

If he is, he’s probably thinking how best to approach the prospect of you passing me onto him. An idea popped into my head. How about you go leave me alone for a sec and let him have the opportunity to speak to me on my own?

Hell no, Sam, I’m not leaving you alone. I told you, you don’t leave my side.

Just act as if you’re going to answer a call of nature, it’s not like I can’t defend myself if I have to but I can’t see anyone, not even Bennington, trying to hurt me.

No, I’m not comfortable with having you out of my sight.

I pressed myself up against him, seizing his gaze. Instantly his irises began to glow.

Don’t even try seduction to get your way, Sam.

Just give me five minutes.

Hell. No.

With my tongue, I drew a circle on the patch of skin that was exposed by the V of his shirt. He shuddered. I scraped my teeth over the patch the way I knew he liked. Jared, you know this is a good idea.

Sam, will you quit the teasing.

Oh this isn’t teasing, I’ve got every intention of biting you tonight. So let’s get the business crap out of the way and then we can get out of here. Don’t you want that?

He shuddered again. You’re evil.

Five minutes, Jared.

He sighed, half surrender half frustration. Three minutes. He swatted my arse and then pointed a finger at me. Making a show for anyone who might be watching, he sternly said, “Stay here. I’ll be back in a minute.” I nodded. If anyone hurts you I swear to God I’ll kill the pair of you for it.

I mentally rolled my eyes. I suspected that it wouldn’t be long before Bennington came over; he wouldn’t want to chance Jared getting back before he’d had a chance to get whatever it was he had to say out of his system. I was right. Something like thirty seconds later I heard:

“Well hello, Samantha. It’s been a while.”

I nodded and smiled a little. “Yep, it has.”

“I take it that Victor had a price for you after all.”

“Oh he didn’t sell me, he’s dead.”

Bennington’s thick black brows rose. “Dead? How?”

“I killed him.”

“You killed your own Sire?”

“I’d kill anyone who tried to hurt Antonio. And if Victor really thought he could attack Antonio and live to tell the tale he was a daft sod who was just begging for an immediate death.” I saw Bennington’s head working away. He probably didn’t like that I was clearly very loyal to Antonio.

“It is little wonder, then, that Jared has you as his consort. For now, I should say.”

I could guess Bennington’s game. He wanted to turn me against Jared. “So he’s a bit of a slut?”

“I’ve never seen him with the same consort twice. It strikes me that he gets bored most easily.”

“That works out well for me then; I’m pretty much the same.”

He didn’t seem to like that answer. “Don’t you miss your days as an assassin?”

“What’s there to miss? Blood and gore?” I shook my head, my face scrunched up in repugnance. “Don’t get me wrong, if Antonio asked me to work for him as an assassin then I’d do it, but I’m quite content as I am.”

His expression said he wasn’t convinced. “You’re a most spirited individual, Samantha. I cannot imagine you being satisfied being nothing more than a consort, even if it is to the Heir of The Hollow. The offer for you to join my team is still open. Then you can exercise that spirit of yours, end your consort days.” It wasn’t a question. He had every intention of consulting Jared about it and was letting me know in advance, giving me incentives to be cooperative.

“I can’t say I’ve any need to complain. Jared’s a good shag. But by all means ask him.”

“Ask me what?” I’d already known Jared was approaching; I’d felt it in my bones. He laid a hand on the small of the back and greeted Bennington. To his credit, he was as civil and relaxed as he had been to the other vampires; giving nothing away about his hatred of him.

Bennington spoke, “I was just saying to Samantha that my interest in her is still great. Victor was never open to negotiations about selling her. I wondered about your own willingness to do so.” His facial expression and cunning smile told me that he was confident that Jared wouldn’t be possessive over a consort.

“I’m afraid my interest in her is just as great,” replied Jared as his arm snaked around my waist once again.

“Oh I didn’t mean my interest in her is as a consort, no. But if the idea of losing a consort bothers you much, I’m sure we can come to some arrangement.” He gestured at his own consort; a blonde Keja vampire who was gazing at Jared like he was a Christmas treat. I had to fight against the urge to cook up a gust of wind that would get her away from Jared and out of my sight.

“No disrespect to you or your consort, but my answer is a resounding ‘no’. I’m nowhere near finished with this woman yet,” he added in a cheeky voice. “Enjoy your evening.” With that, he guided me back into the mansion. I almost punched the sleazy sod of a bitch.

You’re not the only one.

What did he say while I was gone?

Just trying to entice me to become part of his little collection. Typically he’d set up a fight-off between his best assassin and yours, me being the prize. But he hasn’t got his team with him so had to use a different tactic. He probably reasoned that I could take you on with my gift and thought that if he could make me want to leave you I could fight for my freedom or something.