Captiva Capitulation by Talyn Scott Page B

vampires grew in power, were then able to spin Druid webs hidden inside our ancient, Celtic world – ones they should know nothing about. However, this particular continent is one of a few who have joined factions with vampires, if only on occasion to combat a joint enemy.” He pushed his third empty plate away. “Alpha mingled with Maestru in a form of peace, as his father had, though most days they keep a respectable distance. That is, until Maestru stole Jayce’s queen. Now, things are sketchy, though our Pack certainly worked with them to bring you home.”
    “I can see hatred in your eyes,” she observed uneasily.
    “For Maestru? It’s close. Personal.” Another deep breath and then, “You know about Dakota’s attack.”
    It wasn’t a question. Rock knew Sixten couldn’t keep it from her forever, and he hadn’t. “I do. But Sixten said I cannot see her for a while.” Her hands fisted in her napkin. “That Dakota’s okay, though.”
    “It depends on your version of okay. Maestru’s blood saved her life. I’ll give him that.”
    “There’s a ‘but’ in there somewhere.”
    “I’ll feel better once I talk to her. Only then will I know that she’s in her complete mental faculties, wouldn’t hurt for me to see her walk around a bit, too. Use those arms and legs.”
    “I still hear a ‘but’ in there.”
    “Those vampire laws…and humans.”
    “Go on.”
    “Owing a Master vampire a blood debt is significant.”
    Blythe put her fork down. “I’ve seen Maestru feed others.” With a negligible shrug, she added, “Possibly, I have some of Maestru’s blood rushing my veins. I know that the Vojaks donated to me as well as Dr. Holt. Honestly, though I’m grateful, I was so sick that I lost track of everything. That said, no one asked for anything in return or suggested I accumulated a debt.”
    “I haven’t memorized all the laws, but if you consumed a Master’s blood, Maestru could have accepted payment through Sixten’s contribution to the Coven. Don’t forget that you were claimed at the time, a wife to one of his subjects. There’s a significant difference between you and Dakota. And that’s the difference I’m worried about. If…when she wakes up, she’s going to find her life in shambles and we have to be there to help her.”
    “I heard about her father’s stroke, his downtown store,” Blythe groaned. Sixten had killed Rave there and the place stood destroyed. “Without even asking him, I know Sixten will help with their finances and the store’s reconstruction… if her father’s able to work it after he recovers.”
    Brushing her hair from her shoulder, Rock said, “We’ll help her with that and more, but as far as Maestru’s concerned.”
    “Your hands are tied.”
    “My hands are tied,” he confirmed. “No matter what he’s done in the past, this morning, I overstepped my bounds with Maestru. In fact, he can file a huge grievance with Jayce and insist a Vojak take me into his Coven’s custody.”
    She narrowed her eyes, “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m guessing you not only lost your temper, you put your hands on him.”
    “You stand uncorrected.”
    “Wow. Not only do I have to discuss Dakota with Maestru, but plead my case for my hotheaded werewolf friend. That’s a lot of groveling.”
    His face darkened. “I hope you’re kidding, and I’m way past friend status.”
    “Partially kidding, but I have to try something. Besides, I think Maestru has a soft spot for me.”
    Rock laughed evilly. “He’d better not have any spot for you. For that alone, I would kill him and suffer anything the Vojaks would throw at me.”
    “No doubt you’d enjoy the drama, especially on a slow day.” Blythe wondered about something. “I heard you have Maestru’s fangs.”
    “Yeah, too bad they grew back.” Scooting closer, his thigh touched hers, white denim stretched over corded muscle. “Vampires are like reptiles.”
    After an attack, local alligators