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Aden became aware of Bastien at his side He turned and saw the worry shadowing his lieutenant’s face He reached out ed with genuine fear for his safety, because theyloved hiht in his throat Had anyone ever loved hiripped Bastien’s ar his va their oer to aid his healing He didn’t need it, and they weren’t hoe yet What if Silas had learned of the challenge and aiting for the victor to e he would be weakened and vulnerable in the aftermath?

"We one for the truck"

Aden nodded and stood, feeling an ache in his right leg, which he was fairly certain had been broken a h by Salvador’s last attack

"The Mexican was a worthy opponent," he said

"Not worthy enough," Bastien replied loyally

Aden’s lip curled in a half smile, but he privately wondered what the situation was in Mexico, that a powerful vampire like Ramiro Salvador had come this far north in search of territory But then, wasn’t that precisely the situation Raphael had described as happening in Europe? Powerful younger vampires forced to extre to consider, but Aden set the thought aside That was the battle for another day, after he was Lord of the Midwest For tonight, he had to get himself and his va a visit to Sidonie He knehere she lived, of course, and could easily bypass her doory infusion fro like blood, warm, fresh, and velvety Like Sidonie’s

Unfortunately, he was in no mood to deal hatever had sent her off in a huff earlier

"Make sure Haht tail on Sidonie tomorrow," Aden said as they returned to their SUVs "And tell Kage to take over the watch after sunset"

To was up her ass He’d get his answers first

And then he’d get his blood

Chapter Fourteen

SID HOVERED NEAR the edge of the crowd, drink in hand, pretending she was having a great time at her dad’s birthday party Everyone else was But she was justsad Not weepy, put-on-a-cowboy-love-song sad, it wassad She knehere the blah He was tall, dark, and handso perfectly honest, it wasn’t Aden’s fault, either The fault rested with her na&iu to him besides a quick drink and a lay Dresner had warned her about vampires, about their preference for short-term hookups and no commitment Blood and sex Wasn’t that what she’d said? And Sidonie had been certain she was prepared, that her goals were clear, and she didn’t want or need anything else

"Hey, Sid"

She turned with a sether, and she’d been a terrible co very handsome in his tuxedo, and she was about to tell hi his hand She was blond, petite, and curvy, and the look she was giving Sid held just a hint of challenge

"Sid, this is Jennifer Lascher Jenny, Sidonie Reid"

Sid shook the wo to keep the curiosity out of her voice and expression, and settled for the ever reliable, "Nice topolite but didn’t bother to conceal either her own curiosity or the little bit of hostility that lingered in her eyes

Aave Will a look that said, "What now?"

Will grinned back at her, but when he spoke it was to Jenny Draping an arm around her shoulders, he pulled her close and brushed a kiss across her forehead "Give us a few minutes, okay? I’ll meet you back at the table"

Sid studied Will as he stared after Jenny’s retreating back He turned and caught her watching hi full well it was ht not want to marry Will, but she’d known him all her life

He sht "Let’s talk," he said

"I think this one needs privacy," Sid coh his arm "The patio’s empty"

The blast of cold air when they opened the French doors told them exactly why the patio was empty, but her parents--or their party planner--had set up heaters for the few hardy souls illing to brave the cold in order to grab a quick cigarette break There was no one out here noever, so Sid and Will had the patio to thelad she’d worn a sweater over her dress The heaters could only do soout at the sloping yard "We’re engaged"

Sid drew back in quickly-concealed surprise, thankful that Will had been ad at her

"But--"