severing the heads of even immortals.â âI do not intend to allow anything to take a bite out of me.â Viper smiled. âNot unless they happen to be naked in my bed at the time.â Danteâs concern didnât ease. âYour slave has fallen to the attention of a very dangerous enemy. You would be better served to pass her ownership to another.â âI recall saying precisely the same words to you only a few weeks ago.â âAbby is my true mate. She belongs to me and I would give my life to keep her safe.â He regarded Viper with a far too knowing gaze. âWhy do you risk yourself for the Shalott?â Viper battled an unexpected surge of anger. He didnât want to explain his fascination for Shay. Not to Dante. Not to anyone. Even himself. âThat is my business.â Dante paused as he easily sensed he had pressed Viperâs temper as far as he dared. He gave the smallest bow of his head. âAs you wish.â A hint of amusement returned to the silver eyes. âI will warn you that Abby will not be satisfied until she has assured herself that Shay is not being mistreated.â Viper gritted his teeth. He was the clan chief. A ruler who held the power over hundreds, no thousands, of vampires and lesser demons. But even he knew better than to try and argue with a woman. âAnd how will she be satisfied?â âShe desires to have Shay spend a day with her.â âA day?â Dante gave a helpless lift of his hands. âShe was very specific that the visit be during the day.â âSo I cannot interfere?â âIn part.â A whimsical smile touched the younger vampireâs lips. âBut in truth I believe that Abby longs for the companionship of another woman. Despite being a goddess she is still human enough to long for hours shopping at the mall and gossiping over coffee.â Viper shuddered in horror. âBy the blood of the saints, why?â âThat, old friend, is a question beyond vampire logic.â He gave an impatient shrug. Blood and bones. He didnât want to share Shay. Not with anyone. Unfortunately, he couldnât make himself forget the shadows deep in her eyes and her fierce determination to save her gargoyle. She was lonely. Deeply, heart wrenchingly lonely. âI will extend Abbyâs invitation to Shay, whether or not she agrees is up to her.â Dante was swift to pounce on his casual words. âSo she is not your slave?â âShe is myâ¦guest.â âYou knew she would be at the auction when you went there.â Viperâs patience came to an abrupt end. If he were going to squabble the night away with someone, he intended it to be Shay. That was the sort of squabbling a vampire could enjoy. âI think it is time for you to return to your lovely mate.â Something very close to a smirk curled Danteâs mouth. âShe captured your attention and you sought her out. Well, well.â âDo not press your luck, my friend.â Dante held up his hands as he gave a small laugh. âI am leaving.â âGood.â The smile vanished as Dante reached out to grasp his shoulder in a tight grip. âViper, you are more than my clan chief, you are my friend. If you find yourself in need, I want your promise you will call me.â âAnd have the Phoenix angry that I put you in danger?â Viper gave a lift of his brows. âI am not entirely stupid.â âNo one is more conscious of the debt owed to you than Abby. She will use her own powers if it will keep you safe.â âAnd considerable powers they are.â Danteâs grip tightened. âYou will call?â Viper paused before giving a reluctant nod of his head. Dante was almost as stubborn as himself. He would not leave until he had a promise. âI will call.â Dante stepped back and offered a surprising bow. âOur pledge is