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"If I disagree?" The hunter raised a brow in question

Derek shrugged "Well, it’s not like there’s anything you can do about it, is there? I would think that you’d prefer our cooperation instead of taking us by force, and we both know that you’re not going to blow the island up It’s a waste of a valuable resource"

Zinnia chuckled "I don’t believe this He’s talking about a partnership between hunters and the vampires of The Shade"

I could swear that I saw a flicker of respect in the way Arron eyed Derek as he gave thought to what Derek was saying

He nodded "Teeks I expect your honeymoon to be over in teeks, and then we can discuss how to proceed During that time, I expect to have full access to all the people and resources of The Shade, as well as the cooperation of everyone in finding out a way to multiply the blood of the i a smile to appear on his face Instead, I found the same fierce expression Derek shook his head "No"

"Excuseirritated

"Onethat tiive us the privacy we deserve You are not to try to find us Give my wife and me a chance to enjoy each other’s co to run off?" Arron asked, squinting an eye in suspicion

"We couldn’t do that even if anted to," I spoke up "We’ve both fought and bled for the people of The Shade We wouldn’t abandon theaze away from Derek and let it settle on ht better of it, but the way he was looking at me sent shivers downout of his pores as he looked me over

I had no idea who Arron was or what he was capable of, but I knew that he couldn’t be trusted I made a mental note to ask Aiden about him at some point, but for now, I found solace that even in his hu himself as a force to be reckoned with

Arron rose to his feet "Very well One n of relief, but found none He kept his cold poker face on as he stood up to shake Arron’s hand "One e that you are right There is value to The Shade, but don’t esteeh Our curiosity and patience can only last so long"

Derek’s grip on the older htened "I am a man of my word I will see you in a month, and hopefully, no sooner than that"

Arron srates at my every nerve, Novak Make no mistake about it"

"In our absence, my sister, Vivienne and Sofia’s father, Aiden, will be in charge I trust that they will see to it that only what’s best for The Shade will be done"

I was surprised that Derek would trust my father in such a way, but whatever surprise I felt was overshadohen I saw the reaction on Vivienne’s face Fear, uncertainty, apprehension… qualities that I rarely saw in the seer’s cool and confident countenance…

That same reaction on her face was etched in my mind the first day Derek and I spent on the sandy beaches of Tahiti I felt guilty that I orrying over Vivienne and The Shade I knew I had every right to enjoy my honeymoon, but I couldn’t help it

"How do you think they’re doing back in The Shade?" I asked We were a few feet away froround, a picnic basket and our clothes sprawled above our heads We were both seated and propped up, enjoying the sun’s rays

"It’s our first day here, Sofia You’re already worried about what’s happening back hoht The Shade, along with all its craziness, had become our home I still couldn’t wrap my mind around the idea that I was married to the ruler of The Shade

"I can’t help it," I responded "It feels selfish that we’re having a great ti on in there I mean, do you really trust that Arron will keep his word and…"