Dante lifted his brows. "What do you mean?"
As concisely as possible, Viper revealed what they had discovered in the auction house. He was careful to describe the mutilation of the trolls in great detail. It could be that Dante would recognize something about the attack that would assist in tracing the savage culprit.
"You are certain a demon is responsible for the massacre?" his companion demanded.
"What else?"
"A witch or wizard perhaps."
Viper hid a smile. Who could blame his friend for being suspicious of witches? Having someone try to kill you on several occasions tended to make you a bit twitchy.
"Shay sensed no magic."
Dante gave a shake of his head. "If it were a demon, you should be able to track it. There are few who can hide their scent from a vampire."
"A Hunding, an Irra, perhaps a Napchut."
"Are they powerful enough to tear apart a nest of trolls?"
It was the question that had plagued Viper since he had discovered the various troll parts splattered across the room. Unfortunately, he could only imagine one demon strong enough to defeat the trolls and yet possess the magical abilities to hide his scent.
"A Lu warrior would be."
Dante stiffened. Viper didn't blame him. The Lu were the bogeymen of the demon world. The nightmares that crawled from the earth to devour whatever was in their path.
"The Lu haven't been seen for centuries," Dante breathed.
"Neither have Shalotts"
"True enough" Dante moved slowly forward, his expression somber. "A vampire, even a clan chief, would not be strong enough to battle a Lu. Their teeth are capable of severing the heads of even immortals"
"I do not intend to allow anything to take a bite out of me." Viper smiled. "Not unless they happen to be naked in my bed at the time."
Dante's concern didn't ease. "Your slave has fallen to the attention of a very dangerous enemy. You would be better served to pass her ownership to another."
"I recall saying precisely the same words to you only a few weeks ago."
"Abby is my true mate. She belongs to me and I would give my life to keep her safe." He regarded Viper with a far too knowing gaze. "Why do you risk yourself for the Shalott?"
Viper battled an unexpected surge of anger. He didn't want to explain his fascination for Shay. Not to Dante. Not to anyone.
Even himself.
"That is my business."
Dante paused as he easily sensed he had pressed Viper's temper as far as he dared. He gave the smallest bow of his head.
"As you wish." A hint of amusement returned to the silver eyes. "I will warn you that Abby will not be satisfied until she has assured herself that Shay is not being mistreated."
Viper gritted his teeth. He was the clan chief. A ruler who held the power over hundreds, no thousands, of vampires and lesser demons. But even he knew better than to try and argue with a woman.
"And how will she be satisfied?"
"She desires to have Shay spend a day with her."
"A day?"
Dante gave a helpless lift of his hands. "She was very specific that the visit be during the day."
"So I cannot interfere?"
"In part" A whimsical smile touched the younger vampire's lips. "But in truth I believe that Abby longs for the companionship of another woman. Despite being a goddess she is still human enough to long for hours shopping at the mall and gossiping over coffee."
Viper shuddered in horror. "By the blood of the saints, why?"
'That, old friend, is a question beyond vampire logic."
He gave an impatient shrug. Blood and bones. He didn't want to share Shay. Not with anyone. Unfortunately, he couldn't make himself forget the shadows deep in her eyes and her fierce determination to save her gargoyle.
She was lonely.
Deeply, heart wrenchingly lonely.
"I will extend Abby's invitation to Shay, whether or not she agrees is up to her."
Dante was swift to pounce on his casual words. "So she is not your slave?"
"She is my .. -guest."
"You knew she would be at the auction when you went there."
Viper's patience came to an abrupt end. If he were going to squabble the night away with someone, he intended it to be Shay.
That was the sort of squabbling a vampire could enjoy.
"I think it is time for you to return to your lovely mate."
Something very close to a smirk curled Dante's mouth. "She captured your attention and you sought her out. Well, well."
"Do not press your luck, my friend."
Dante held up his hands as, he gave a small laugh. "I am leaving."
"Good."
The smile vanished as Dante reached out to grasp his shoulder in a tight grip.
"Viper, you are more than my clan chief, you are my friend. If you find yourself in need, I want your promise you will call me."
"And have the Phoenix angry that I put you in danger?" Viper gave a lift of his brows. "I am not entirely stupid."
"No one is more conscious of the debt owed to you than Abby. She will use her own powers if it will keep you safe."
"And considerable powers they are."
Dante's grip tightened. "You will call?"
Viper paused before giving a reluctant nod of his head. Dante was almost as stubborn as himself. He would not leave until he had a promise.
"I will call."
Dante stepped back and offered a surprising bow. "Our pledge is made, master." He straightened, a wicked twinkle in the silver eyes. "Be sure and give your demon a kiss for me and Abby."
A flare of warmth swept through Viper's heart. "Oh no, my friend. When I kiss Shay I assure you it will not be for you."
With a laugh, Dante turned and with one great leap he had disappeared through the window. Left on his own Viper poured himself a large measure of brandy and paced the room.
His friend had spoken the truth.
Shay was being pursued by an enemy that might endanger his very existence. The wisdom he had earned over centuries should have him tossing her and her damnable amulet in the nearest river.
What could possibly be worth the risk of death? And, worse, the deaths of his clansmen?
He sipped the warmed brandy knowing that the answer to his questions might be more frightening than any lurking demon.
It was nearly two hours later when Viper slowly climbed the steps that led to the second floor.
It had been two hours of hell as he had tried to distract his thoughts from the beautiful woman who filled the entire house with her sweet scent
He had tried searching his library for clues as to the demon that had attacked the trolls. He had called his various businesses to ensure there had been no unexpected problems. He had even made a swift inspection of the grounds to speak with his guards and assure himself that all was quiet.
At last he could deny the pounding need within him no longer.
He wanted to see Shay.
To hear her voice and touch her soft skin.
To just be near her.
It was downright pathetic.
Reaching the landing Viper paused as he regarded the small gargoyle curled on the floor next to Shay's door. Obviously the temperamental beast was playing guardian. A thought that might have been humorous if Viper wasn't well aware that love and loyalty counted far more than any amount of strength.
He would rather battle a fierce warrior than a friend protecting his comrade.
Someone willing to die for another made him a dangerous enemy indeed.
Moving forward Viper watched as the gargoyle scrambled to his feet and leaned against the wall in a negligent manner. He might not possess the size of most gargoyles but he had all of their towering pride.
Strolling forward Viper halted directly before Levet. Oddly he didn't feel the expected flare of annoyance at the intrusion of this uninvited guest. Instead he felt something closely akin to respect. Perhaps because he had revealed that Shay's welfare was as important to him as it was to Viper.
"There are any number of fine bedrooms," he murmured. "Most of which I am certain would be more comfortable for a gargoyle than this hallway."
"I will seek a room when dawn arrives. Until then I will remain here."
"Ah. You are on sentry duty?"
His tone was mild but the small, undeniably ugly face hardened with offended pride.
"You believe I cannot protect Shay?"
"On the contrary, I believe you would prove to be a most dangerous adversary. Thankfully, there is no need for your concern this night. My guest is gone and the grounds are secured."
"You remain."
Viper gave a lift of his brows. There were few demons, no matter what their size that would dare confront him directly.
"I am no threat, my small warrior."
"You suggest she is safe in your hands?"
"I paid a great deal of money for Shay." He pointed out in reasonable tones. "I am a good enough businessman not to toss away a near fortune on something I intend to injure."
The gray eyes narrowed. "I asked if she would be safe."
