Caressed by Night by Amanda J. Greene Page B

countered.
    Kerstyn leaned back in her seat. “Surprisingly, no. Everything about it seemed…right. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. Though I have never come across a man as drop-dead gorgeous as Dimitri. Are all…you know what, as good looking as him?”
    “They are all exceptionally attractive, it’s part of their allure, helps draw their prey into their trap.”
    “Is that why I feel this way about him?”
    Silvie shook her head. “What you are feeling is true. Dimitri is exceedingly powerful, but he knows how to guard his gifts. He would never use his powers on you.” Silvie bit her tongue, stopping herself from revealing too much. She wanted to tell Kerstyn she was Dimitri’s mate, that even though she did not understand the raw, sexual attraction, she would in time.
    Kerstyn’s eyes shifted about the shop. She dropped her voice to a whisper, “Are you saying this attraction is natural?”
    “Completely.” Silvie’s eyes dilated. “He is your destiny,” she whispered.
    Kerstyn waited for Silvie’s vision to finish before asking, “Can you repeat that? Your voice was too low.”
    Silvie finished her coffee and stood. She quickly donned her jacket, scarf, and beanie.
    “I have to run.” She pulled her phone from her purse. “It’s almost five. I have to stop by the bank before it closes.” Kerstyn’s eyes shot to the grandfather clock taking up space behind them.
    “Dimitri’s meeting is almost over. You should go home and meet your fella”
    “I didn’t say Dimitri was in a meeting.”
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    “I know,” Silvie said with a wink. She affectionately patted Kerstyn’s shoulder. “The next couple of weeks are going to be difficult and taxing on your mental state and emotions. If you stay true to who you are, the girl who is known to go with the flow, everything will work out. Have faith in Dimitri and remember what I said. The man in him would never wish harm on anyone, but he does have a darker side.
    Dimitri has kept the beast under lock and key for centuries, but there will come a time when his self-control will be tested. I fear that you, Kerstyn, may be his undoing.”
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Chapter Eight
    Dimitri watched Gabriel as he paced before the roaring fireplace in his study, his shoulders bunching with every step. Fury emitted from him, his eyes dark with hate, his breathing rough.
    “Slaves,” Gannon repeated, the word drawing a low growl from Gabriel.
    “Are you certain?” Dimitri demanded.
    Gannon tightly nodded.
    “Would you like a drink, Gabriel? You are more than welcome to my bar,” Dimitri offered.
    The agitated vampire said nothing as he headed toward the liquor.
    Dimitri turned his gaze back to Gannon and motioned for him to continue with his report.
    “Sire, Gabriel and I thought it would be best if we took a look at all of Ven’s properties and businesses before we attacked. We wanted to know which places we should take down first. That’s how we found this building.” Pulling a paper from his leather jacket pocket, Gannon unfolded it, revealing a map of Chicago and a building circled with red ink.
    Dimitri’s eyes shifted back to Gabriel, his fingers wrapped around the neck of an open Hennessey bottle.
    “It’s common knowledge that Ven claims Chicago. He has set up a compound just outside of the city where he, and most of your Clan, resides. He also owns a warehouse within the city. That’s where he holds the slaves until he can arrange a private sale or an auction.”
    “How many would you say are housed there?”
    Gannon shrugged. “Our men didn’t have much time to case the place, Ven has roving guards. They estimate anywhere between fifty and a hundred.”
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    Dimitri sighed and rubbed the nape of his neck, trying to relieve the tension that was building.
    Gannon continued, “I assume Boras is also a slave dealer.
    According to my research, he and Ven would have nothing else in common, no other reason to work together.”
    “I am inclined to agree with