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)
“We are here to arrange a marriage between Silke Vriese Reinders, a human demon slayer, and Benedek Kovak, a Carpathian ancient and hunter,” Nicu announced formally.
She nearly breathed a sigh of relief. Nicu’s declaration allowed her to break the captivating hold Benedek seemed to have on her. She was determined that she wouldn’t look at him again while they were negotiating. If she did, she wouldn’t be able to keep her wits about her, and she didn’t trust Benedek or Nicu at this point.
“Are you both in agreement that you will honor the marriage contract that we write out today?” Nicu persisted.
Fenja tapped the pen on the notebook and then reached out to pat Silke’s hands where she had them clasped together in her lap. The small gesture of encouragement shocked Silke. Her mother rarely showed her affection in front of others.
She took a deep breath and nodded her head.
“I need a verbal answer, Silke,” Nicu said.
“Yes,” she answered. Sheesh. They were being extremely formal.
“I will honor the contract,” Benedek agreed.
He had that gruff rasp, and he always spoke in a low tone. Was it damage from that cut around his throat? Her heart clenched, another strange reaction from just having a thought of that kind of harm coming to him. Who had gotten so close to him that they were able to cut his throat? Was it a woman? Was that why he was so distrustful?
“I realize you have no choice other than to claim me,” Silke said, making every effort to control her voice, to keep from showing there was a slight ache, a hurt, that she wasn’t his chosen partner. “I want Benedek to acknowledge that it is the same for me.”
She felt the weight of his focused stare. He was back to being the predator, making her feel like she was in a cage with a tiger. She tried to ignore the pull of that stare and concentrate on Nicu instead.
“I’m well aware you feel you have no choice,” Benedek said.
Something in his tone drew her eyes in spite of her determination not to look at him. He intimidated her. That was part of the reason she felt at a disadvantage. Her gaze jumped to his and she was instantly caught in the unfamiliar emotions working at the back of his eyes. Possession? Desire? What was that? His eyes were so black it was impossible to read him unless he wanted her to—and he clearly didn’t.
She shook her head, sticking her chin defiantly in the air. “Oh, no. You don’t get to play word games with me. I don’t feel as if I have no choice. You were very clear what would happen should I not accept you into my life. That’s hardly giving me a choice. And don’t think for one moment that I believe you would suicide or turn vampire.” She tilted her head to one side, studying his expressionless mask. “You would force your claim. That’s who you are.”
One eyebrow went up and the faintest of smiles moved through her mind when there wasn’t a single change to his expression.
Already you’re cheating. You aren’t supposed to be in my mind.
He didn’t look in the least bit remorseful. “You don’t know me. You cannot say what I would do.”
“I know you. You’re merciless with your enemies. Relentless when you want something.”
He leaned slightly toward her. “It is good you are aware of some of my traits. I want you, so there is not going to be any other outcome but that we are together as lifemates.”
The way he stated his interest with that raspy voice, the way his gaze went hot for the briefest of moments, sent heat rolling through her bloodstream.
“You expect me to sleep with you?” She nearly squawked the question. “Right away?”
“This marriage will be very real, so yes, that is expected. It is also expected that you remain loyal and exclusive to me.”
Now there was something very deadly in his intense stare. That look replaced the heat in her bloodstream with chills. She was looking directly at a hunter. Not just any hunter. The one Tora had described as being lethal. He obviously meant what he said.
She refused to be his prey. If she was going to live with this man, she had to stand up to him. Right now, with his friend and her mother in the room, while they were negotiating terms, was her best chance to get to know if she could live with Benedek—and if he could live with the real Silke.
It was clear that he was still in her mind when he leaned toward her, his gaze fixed on hers. “We will be lifemates, Silke, so whatever you want in our marriage, you make it known beforehand. If we can’t agree immediately, we’ll talk until we come up with a compromise. There is no compromise on this issue. I would break your neck and that of your lover if you were ever foolish enough to betray me.”