Hupotasso (Vampire Bachelor Games #2)

18

18

I toy with my meal as my mother, Wolf, and my brother make small talk, but look up annoyed as Mother laughs and calls my name.

She rarely laughs at anything Viper says.

“What?”

“Falcon, darling, Viper has asked you the same question three times now, but you’re away with the fairies, it seems.”

“I have a lot on my mind,” I mutter.

‘Fucking understatement.’

For weeks now I’ve been mulling over my disagreement with Jag over Sophie’s request. His reaction is still playing on my mind, as is the progression of my plan to destroy Spider — I need Jag to have my back if I’m to succeed. And try as I might to stop it, in between my plans I’m plagued by constant flashes of my wife, naked, flushed from my attentions and entwined in rich fabrics on the floor of the ballroom, her eyes telling me she’s leaving.

“I can’t think what’s on your mind now The Games is done,” Viper sniggers, “unless you’re missing the little redhead who stole your heart. Love-sick Falcon — I never thought I’d see the day.”

I roll my eyes and give him a wearied expression, ignoring his jibe. If I bite he’ll continue along this line no end, knowing how it riles me.

Wolf stabs his food with extra gusto and flicks a sidelong glance at Viper. Neither he nor Jag have ever liked my brother, but they tolerate him.

“What is your question, Viper?”

He smirks.

“My question is; do you plan to keep your wife entombed in the West Wing for all eternity? Mother was wondering if the new Lady Dragonspur will be joining us for our evening meals when she returns from her televised tour. And I’d like to get to know her — we didn’t get off to a good start. A total misunderstanding, and one I’d like to clear up.”

I narrow my eyes at him. Viper never misses the opportunity to stir shit, and I never did get to the bottom of what he said to Angelina at the family luncheon that day. Not that it matters any more.

“She prefers to dine alone.”

Mother shakes her head.

“But surely when guests visit she’ll he here at our table?”

“Yes, I suppose,” I snap.

“Trouble in Paradise?” Viper sniggers.

“Not at all,” I drawl.

I realise digging my heels in is going to raise more questions about my marriage, questions best left unasked.

“If that’s what you desire, Mother, by all means invite her to dine with us.”

“Good, it’s settled then,” she smiles as she rises from the table, “I’ll inform the staff.”

“There’s no hurry, surely,” I mutter, “she’s away for another three days at least.”

“Counting the days?” Wolf quips.

I ignore him, but he’s actually not wrong. I’m getting regular updates from Caroline, keeping tabs on my wife until she’s back and locked up under my roof. I may not truly know her, but I know enough about her to know that she’s going to try and run. And when she does she’ll lead me directly to the one who placed her in The Games.

She only has one competitor’s family left to visit on her royal tour. It’s the one family who might offer her an opportunity to escape, and me an opportunity to prove Spider is definitely linked with The Free Men.

And this time, I’ll be ready.