Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Someone, she was certain it was Castello, pounded on the door. She felt the fury through the thick wood and weave of safeguards. He was truly angry and determined to have a confrontation.
“There’s a doorbell,” Visser pointed out. “Get control, Castello, or we’re leaving. Two very respected women live here. You’re not going in like some mad dog, upsetting them.”
Silke was happy to hear Visser stand up for them. He was the calmer of the two officers. She’d never heard him raise his voice, not even to teenage pranksters. If anything, he found the children amusing. She knew Noah Visser was very interested in her. He’d asked her out on multiple occasions. He’d gone so far as to suggest they go places as friends, with no pressure, to further their friendship.
You are enhanced from the blood exchange, Benedek reminded. He will find you more alluring than ever.
Silke wanted to smile at the bite in his mind. His tone was mild, but she felt his disapproval of her being in close proximity with Visser.
If I had wanted to be with Noah Visser, I would have already done so, she assured him.
I don’t like other men near you, he confessed.
Tora has explained to me that ancient Carpathians don’t like others around their lifemates. That feeling is left over from centuries ago. This is a much more modern era. I’m not ever going to invite men into my home when I’m alone, but I will maintain my friendships.
More pounding on the door. Visser protested again. “You’re going to be civilized, Castello, or we’re leaving,” he said firmly. “I’ll come back with my partner and ask Silke and Fenja questions without you being present. The way you’re acting will just stir up animosity, and believe me, you don’t want Silke to get protective of her mother or angry with you.”
“What can a woman do?” Castello sneered.
I’m opening the door.
You are alone right now.
She found herself laughing. My mother is here. No worries. I will see you when the sun sets.
Stall them for as long as you can. I have a bad feeling about this. There was no note of teasing in his voice or in his mind. His warning system was on full alert, as was the mycelium network.
Will do. She knew it wouldn’t be easy. Castello wanted a confrontation, and he would be pushing to have one as soon as he could.
She took her time getting to the front door and opening it slowly. Ignoring Castello, she focused on the policeman. “Noah, this is a surprise. It’s good to see you.” She turned her attention to Castello. Little red flames flickered in his eyes as he glared at her. She pretended not to notice, looking as innocent and welcoming as possible. “Mr. Castello. How nice to see you again. And Ese, I haven’t seen you since you needed me to get rid of the fluid buildup in your lungs.” She made a point of reminding him that she’d helped him when the doctor had all but given up. “I’m so pleased that you seem to be doing better. What can I do for you, gentlemen?”
Ese Jordan glanced at Castello and then looked down at the porch floor without replying.
“We’re here on official business, Silke,” Visser said. “May we enter?”
Silke stepped outside and closed the door firmly. “You’re aware my mother’s immune system has failed, Noah. She can’t be around outsiders.” She waved her hand toward the chairs. “Sit down and tell me what you’re here for.”
“That’s not good enough,” Castello snapped. “We need to search the house.”
Silke raised an eyebrow. “Search my home for what? Do you have a search warrant? If so, I’d like to see it. I have no idea what you could be looking for.”
“One of my followers came here to see you, and he never returned,” Castello said.
“I’m sorry, how frightening for you. Who is missing? Noah, have you organized a search party? I didn’t hear of one.”
“Herman Drakos came here,” Castello reiterated. “I know he did, and he never left.”
Again, she raised her eyebrow and turned her attention to the policeman. “Do you think he’s under a lover’s spell and I’ve got him hidden away in my bedroom?”
To her horror, her voice came out sultry. Sensual. Alluring. Noah Visser choked on whatever he was going to say. Ese Jordan coughed, his hand over his mouth, his face red as he stared at her, mesmerized. Castello stepped back from her, a look of cunning mixed with apprehension on his face.
O jelä peje terád, emni, Benedek rasped into her mind.
Silke interpreted. To her amusement, he was once again swearing at her in his Carpathian language. The words meant “Sun scorch you, woman.”
I warned you that the blood exchange would enhance your beauty. You already know men are attracted to you. You’re ten times as potent as you were. You haven’t learned to tone it down, so it isn’t safe for you to be around so many men without me present.