the middle of his chest. She didn’t seem to notice he was covered in

blood.

“Meg, he’s too far gone,” Dante said. “You’ll have to…”

“I heard you in the stands, Dante.” Meg placed her other hand on

his chest and stood very close. He could smell her. She smelled sweet,

nothing like death. Meg smelled of flowers and some womanly scent

he couldn’t name. She smelled of life. “Beck, I’m yours. Are you

going to leave me alone to chase after the others? Shouldn’t you take

care of me?”

“Not going to work, sweetheart.” Dante continued to back up.

“Meg, if you can’t handle it, then I need for you to run. Run to the

stands. I’ll distract him.”

“Shut up,” Beck yelled at the vampire. His jealousy was a roiling

pain in his gut. “You don’t talk to my mate.”

Meg huffed at the vampire. “Fine, but you better be right. If I find

out this was a stupid joke, I’ll stake you myself.” Beck was trying to

move her out of the way. She threw her arms around him and went on

her tiptoes to press her mouth against his. “Please, Your Highness, I

am yours. You have to take care of me.”

Beck’s sword fell to the side as another type of need blazed

through his body.

* * * *

Meg took a deep breath and prayed that damn vampire was right.

She pressed her body against Beck’s. Finally, she had his full

52

Sophie Oak

attention. Her hands were shaking as she thought about what she was

about to do.

Dante had been very concerned when the first vampire was killed.

He’d explained to her that Beck’s control of his temper was a delicate