Sinjin by H. P. Mallory

Sinjin was in love with my sister.
    That piece of news stirred a slight jarring feeling deep inside my gut, something that strangely resembled jealousy. Confused and angry over my initial reaction, I immediately shelved the jealous feelings, hoping to use this weakness of Sinjin’s against him. How I would do that , and when the opportunity might present itself, I wasn’t sure, but I definitely recognized a chink in Sinjin’s armor that begged to be explored and revisited later. I filed this bit of information into the back of my head, to be investigated at another date.
    One of the first lessons, and one of the utmost important, that I’d ever learned in my training as an Elemental was to discern any weaknesses in my enemies. And once I identified said weaknesses, I was to exploit them.
    I had to smile when I thought that I was well on my way to discovering exactly what made Sinjin tick and using that confidential information to my advantage. 
    “I would like you to assume responsibility for Bryn as her guardian as of this evening,” Jolie addressed Sinjin. He immediately nodded, his eyes still transfixed on hers and unwavering. I watched Rand cover Jolie’s right hand with his own, his attention also captured by the vampire. However, whereas Jolie looked at Sinjin with an expression of happiness and sincere friendly love, Rand’s eyes were narrowed into a hard expression. Maybe there was more to this triad than I’d previously considered. Honing in on Rand, I accessed my powers of telepathy. I was immediately blasted with heat, as if I’d just walked from an air-conditioned room into a hot Las Vegas summer day.
    “Of course, my queen,” Sinjin respectfully answered. “I will happily assume my post as of this very evening.” The vampire smiled at my sister, but it wasn’t a friendly smile. It was laced with sexual innuendo, pompous self-confidence and libidinous thoughts. It was the same expression Sinjin wore whenever he was in my company.
    Glancing back at Rand, I had to ignore the anger I felt coming from him because it only clouded his innermost thoughts. Weaving through his self-imposed cloud of resentment, I focused all my concentration on him, attempting to read his emotions. As soon as I became rapt in my efforts, his thoughts completely engulfed me. His anger was commanding him, and he wasn’t doing a very good job of hiding anything, really.
    I detest the way Sinjin looks at you , Rand said to Jolie through the bond that united them. You are his queen, but he looks at you more like you were his prey. It is highly presumptuous and insolent.
    Rand, we’ve been through this, she telepathically replied. Sinjin already knows where I stand where you’re concerned.
    Yes, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have ulterior motives. Sinjin seeks power, Jolie, and he always has. Despite the ‘friendship’ you believe you have now with him, a leopard can’t change its spots. Sinjin has been and always will be out for himself; although I’m convinced he still harbors passionate feelings for you.
    Don’t be silly, Jolie answered as she figuratively waved Rand’s concern away. Sinjin knows I’m pregnant with your baby. He knows we’re bonded, too; and most importantly, he knows I’m truly, madly and deeply in love with you.
    Rand inhaled audibly and smiled with tenderness and love at his mate. She patted him on his knee with the hand that wasn’t currently taken beneath his. Tugging my attention away from them, I began pondering the information I’d just uncovered. The candor in Rand’s thoughts actually surprised me, since I figured Jolie must have briefed everyone that I could read minds.
    The sooner I can call you my wife, the better, Rand continued . Perhaps our marriage would dissuade the bloody vampire from looking at you as precociously as he does!
    Rand, it’s just the way Sinjin is. I don’t believe he knows how to interact with women in any other fashion. It’s just his way. Then she