Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Fizzlewick tugged on his new white lab coat. He’d ordered it the previous week, saying he wanted to appear more like the Queen of the Realm, considering the world believed her to be the best and most famous doctor. “There’s something else.”
“Of course there is,” Vero sighed.
Fizzlewick turned and strode on new white tennis shoes—also a trademark of the queen—toward the two bodies in the rear of the building, both tossed sideways over the one remaining bed. “The attackers you killed from last night.” Their legs and headless torsos hung down on either side of the bed, covered by a sheet. He pulled the sheet down to reveal their bare chests.
“Shit,” Jonathan breathed.
Vero’s chin went up. Awareness and irritation clocked through him. The circle with three slashes through it adorned both corpses over their hearts. Deliberate brandings. “They didn’t heal those, so they must’ve wanted them to stay.”
“What does that symbol stand for?” Jonathan snarled.
“I have enough of a reach to conduct an internet search,” Vero said. He’d have to delegate that job, and he hated delegating. In fact, it had been too long since he’d worked in the lab. They needed to make the Sunshine Cure permanent so his people didn’t require injections every month. As he turned and gazed at the victim, frustration heated his skin. His most important duty right now was running the entire nation, but the lab called to him.
Fizzlewick tossed the sheet back over the dead attackers, not nearly as gentle as he’d been with the female. “Burn the bodies?”
“Affirmative,” Vero said. “Go forward with your plan for Tekii and the Alaska car crash. For now, keep this female on ice. In case we find her family. Humans like to bury their dead.”
“So do we,” Jonathan noted.
Vero nodded. “I’ve heard that demons and vampires burn their dead and then bury the ashes. Seems redundant to me.”
“Some folks like their ashes scattered. I’d like to be scattered over a mountain in Alaska,” Jonathan said thoughtfully.
Vero moved toward the door. “I want to interrogate Silas.”
Jonathan followed him out into a brutal wind. “Who’s been guarding him?”
“Lukas. The kid is a genius with technology and helped me to hide the cameras.” Plus, keeping the kid busy kept him away from Genevieve. All Vero needed was two kids to get mated before they even knew themselves, much less each other. “We need to get everything settled before Paxton returns.”
Jonathan coughed. “Are you sure the king is safe in Realm territory? I know Paxton grew up with them, but…”
Vero rolled his neck. “If anything happens to Paxton, I’ll blow up the Realm. I sent that message to King Kayrs earlier today.” He could be a devious son of a bitch if needed. “I also hinted that I can get to Hope in a dreamworld.” Which had pissed off Dage Kayrs to no end. Even so, it was imperative they understood each other. Vero paused at seeing a pale Maeve standing off to the side, obviously waiting for them. “Hi, Maeve.” He’d met the female at the cocktail party.
She gave a quick curtsy. “Prince.”
Jonathon nodded at her. “Miss. Vero, I’ll go give some pictures of the latest victim to Lyrica—after I fetch more coffee.” He headed toward the lodge and disappeared inside.
Vero stared at the female and squared his shoulders. “What can I do for you?”
Huddled in a green wool jacket that brought out the stunning color of her eyes, Maeve clutched her mitten-covered hands together. “Ya took Ralstad last night, and he hasn’t come back. That’s not like him, it isn’t. Beggin’ yer pardon if I’m bein’ too bold, but…where might he be?” Her brogue came out strong in the crisp morning air, her breath leaving a small puffy cloud.
“Let’s go to the main lodge and discuss it.” Vero motioned for Maeve to precede him. His skin felt stretched too tight, and his body ached. Oddly. Even his hands hurt. If he had more time, he’d discuss the matter with the doctor.
Maeve hovered hesitantly at Vero’s side, the harsh wind forcing tendrils of her red hair free of her braid. “I dinna mean to bother you.”
“You’re not.” Vero gestured her ahead of him. “Let’s go talk where it’s warm.”
She paled and turned, her head down as she began following the path.
Vero followed her, noting the sounds of construction all around them. They had to erase any signs of weakness before the Cyst soldiers arrived. Time was working against him. Plus, he wanted enough cabins built to house at least three hundred families. All unmated males currently occupied several barracks, but he wanted to build them all their own houses. The territory needed to feel like a home so Paxton could foster loyalty and a sense of safety the Kurjan nation hadn’t felt in centuries.
They reached the main lodge, and Vero paused to admire the speedy craftsmanship.