NALEDI’S POV
The cards were served and the game began.
“Tell me, Amara,” Luka whispered into my ears.
Did I mention he made me sit by his side? Pressed closely beside him.
“Where are you from and how long are you in town?” His tone reeked of smoke.
I hated it. But took it like a champ, wearing a beautiful smile and sucking up to him. “I’m not supposed to tell.” I batted my eyes. “I was not supposed to tell my real identity.”
That caught the attention of the four men on the table. How did I know? I can’t really tell, just call it a sixth sense. A sniper’s instinct.
“And why is that?” He asked, passing a card to Caellum.
I made a show of looking around. “I can’t…”
“I’m intrigued.” He persisted and that’s when I saw it. His fangs. His eyes dilated and he compellingly said to me. “Tell me who you are.”
My eyes diverted to Caellum’s who hid his concern but I caught it anyway. “Amara Cordel. Sole Heiress of the Cordel group of companies.” I spoke without a stutter.
Wondering why I said what I said afterwards. “Good.” He purred and traced his hands on my face. “Now tell me, what are you here for?”
“To have a good time?” My tone was unsure and the men on the table laughed. All except Caellum.
“Didn’t know the Casino was a place to joke around, but be my guest.”
Caellum dropped his cards and others followed. As expected the odds were in his favour as he had the best cards. “I heard you are looking for partners on this new business?” Caellum’s tone was low but demanding.
“Alpha. Nothing ever gets past you, I see.” Came Luka’s confident reply. “Just a little business I was hoping to test out.”
“All I hear are words, Luka. No answers.” He sat up and his eyes went round the table, settling on me for the briefest second. “I wouldn’t ask again, Luka. What are you planning?”
“I don’t remember signing a deal that warrants telling you private information about my businesses, Alpha.” his tone was mocking and angry. “I only agreed to pay my respect by paying a quarter to you. Don’t overstep.”
“And if I do? What can you do if I decide to overstep? This is my territory, Luka. Never forget that.” Caellum was pumped and angry.
I could sense he was seconds away from tearing Luka’s head off. A move I knew Luka could sense because his next words proved it.
“I have way more vampires in this room than you do werewolves. Kill me and I bet you wouldn’t live to tell the story.” Luka said, then traced the vein in my wrist, humming silently in my ears.
Was he tired of living? That was the only explanation I could give for his deadly actions around me and most importantly, towards Caellum.
“Is that a threat?”
“Of course not, Alpha. I am only stating facts.” He said nonchalantly.
“You have forgotten your place, Luka. Don’t tempt me into putting you exactly where you belong. On second thought, I think I would be pleased to do just that.”
“I mean no disrespect. I welcomed you into the Casino and played some good games with you. How much more would you bite me and expect me to keep silent? There’s only so much one can take.”
Luka looked at me and smiled, his fangs protruded and for some reason, my body shook. “Don’t be afraid, my lady. I just want a little taste of you. I promise it won’t hurt.”
My hands shook as Luka brought his lips to my wrist and sank his fangs into my veins. Pain shot up and I struggled to get out of his hold. Much to my surprise, I couldn’t.
I couldn’t feel my wolf strength, nor wolf. I just felt empty. An empty, helpless version of myself. Something was wrong.
Luka drank from me until I saw stars. Literally. While Caellum watched with clenched jaws. I knew he hated me, but helping his mate live even after her blatant disobedience to him must be somewhere within his character.
He couldn’t just watch me die.
“Luka,” Caellum spoke when I was close to unconsciousness. His tone was a reprimand, and dare I say, disgust was written over his face. “If you want to eat, find somewhere less conspicuous. The last thing I need is humans getting curious about what beasts that lurk in the dead of the night.”
Thankfully, Luka stopped in his tracks and came up with a bloodied smile. “I didn’t take you as one to be afraid of these mutts. They are simply the end of a food chain.” He took out a white handkerchief and cleaned his mouth. “A means to an end.”
“They may be to you.” Caellum shrugged. “And that’s okay. So long as you get yourself and your rabid little minions out of my territory, we won’t have a problem.” He gritted.
“Easy there, Alpha.” He said with hands raised. “No eating the humans. Done.” He looked me over, “Believe it or not, this one has a bit of allure to her. I can’t help but want her by my side. Is that a problem?”
“Whenever did you tell me about the women you keep on your side? I don’t care if you date every single woman in Italy, so long as they don’t end up dead with all the blood drained out of their body.”
“Touche. We have a deal then.” He got up and dragged me along with him. “Me and Amara here are about to have a taste of some good time. If you’ll excuse us.”
Caellum bit his tongue and his eyes settled on me. “Great. Whatever you do, know that I have eyes and ears in the oddest places. Good luck with your little business. If I do find it enticing or the least bit profitable, I might just become one of your partners.” He placed his hands in his pocket. “I like a good business after all.”
“Okay then, I’ll keep you posted!” Luka looked around. “I’ve been holed up in this place since I came into town, making money and planning my big event, but the night you show up, the game suddenly turned to your favour. I guess I’m due for a good night out.”
Caellum didn’t humour him with an answer, and Luka didn’t give him the opportunity to do so. He immediately left the hall, with me in his arms while I was left wondering what the fuck I had gotten myself into.