Wrenching Fate by Brooklyn Ann

in his chair and fixed his expression into one of mild interest as she stumbled awkwardly over her request, obviously unused to wheedling a man. With those delicious lips and sparkling eyes, God help him if she ever learned feminine wiles.
    “It’s not like they’d be in the way, since you’re not around much,” Akasha finished, shifting back and forth on her toes, barely meeting his gaze.
    Silas couldn’t hide his pleased smile any longer. “How noble you are to ask for something for others rather than yourself.”
    A bright blush tinged her cheeks, like dawn’s light on freshly fallen snow. “Well, I just thought…” she trailed off.
    “But the garage will likely be too cold soon, even with the space heater,” he began. Akasha’s face fell in disappointment. Her succulent lower lip thrust out and he longed to take it in his mouth like a ripe cherry. Silas took a deep breath and forced his focus back on the subject. “I think it would be better if they used the basement.”
    Akasha blinked as she digested his words. “Really? Thank you. What made you decide to get such a huge place anyway?”
    Silas chuckled and looked around at the elaborate setting he had provided just for this woman who’d haunted his visions for centuries. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
    “Well, okay.” She shrugged. “I’ll invite them over tomorrow, after the Halloween kegger.” Her gaze leveled on him. “They’re kinda weird, but really nice.”
    “And who will be driving you home from this kegger?” Silas asked with a dangerous note to his voice that promised ill if her answer was unsatisfactory.
    “Xochitl’s driving Aurora’s van. She doesn’t like beer, so she’ll be sober,” she said, undaunted. “Chill, we’re not stupid.”
    Silas frowned. That may be, but it wouldn’t stop him from checking on her all the same.

Chapter Ten
    “Lord McNaught, do I have your permission to start business in your territory?” the vampire repeated.
    Silas had to fight to keep his attention on the petitioner, anxious to get his first glimpse of Akasha’s friends before they arrived here for the evening. He regretted setting this appointment, but his responsibilities as Lord of the City couldn’t be ignored without dire consequences. Every vampire wanting to reside in his territory must be completely checked out and Silas had to make his rules clear at the offset. Punishments must be doled out immediately to those who disobeyed, for if he lost control there were plenty of other powerful vampires who wouldn’t hesitate to swoop down and snatch this city for themselves.
    “I do think a doctor would be useful here. Greenbriar, was it?” Silas finally replied.
    T he doctor nodded. “Yes, my lord. Please, call me Jonathon.”
    “And your former Lord is fine with your leaving?”
    “Not only do I have her writ of permission,” the vampire reached into his breast pocket, “but she also included a letter of recommendation.”
    Silas read both impatiently. “Very well, Jonathon.” He handed him a packet of papers. “Here’s your contract of residence with the laws of my territory, my listings of properties for rent and my loan information if you need funds to get a start. I’ll see you tomorrow when you’ve read and signed everything. I apologize, but I must conclude this interview. I have another pressing matter to see to.”
    The minute Jonathon was out the door Silas went outside and opened his mind to the Mark between him and Akasha. As he got into the car , he felt her a few miles southeast.
    He was on a dirt roa d past the lake and near the Fernan Saddle when he saw the light of the bonfire and heard the music. Silas pulled over and walked the rest of the way, not wanting to be seen. As he drew closer to the party, he sensed the presence of something not human …and not vampire either. It could be none other than the daughter of Mephistopheles. McNaught peered through the trees and saw a mass of young