Scion's Freedom (Siren Publishing Classic) by J. Annas Walker Page B

opened. Instead of another caw, a harsh, rough voice was heard in its place.
    “Who would make this request of the Council of Crones?”
    “Princess Cassandra, Scion of High Prince Vlad Dracul IV, wishes to request an audience with the council at your earliest convenience,” Cassy said in her best diplomatic tone. She hated being a princess but knew how to play the game. She has been brought up in her father’s court.
    The bird sat quiet so long the sky had begun to push away the inky black with burnished orange. Cassy’s skin was tingling, but she never broke eye contact. She waited for a response. The crow’s beak opened again to speak.
    “You may present yourself to the main gate at our headquarters in Asheville as travel permits. We look forward to seeing you again, Princess Cassandra,” the crow rasped.
    “Thank you,” Cassy replied. “I accept your invitation.” With that, the bird left. In short order, the entire murder flew off in a furious flap of feathers and noise.
    David had stayed quiet throughout the exchange. Cassy turned to see him staring at her with a mixture of fear and curiosity. Face pale, he was looking at her clawed wrist. The cuts were nearly healed and the bleeding had stopped already. There would be no scars. She held it up for him to examine more closely.
    She gave him a reassuring smile. “It looks like we have a road trip to plan. Any ideas on where we might get a vehicle?”
    “I think we should get in before the sky gets any brighter,” he remarked. It was sound advice. Cassy followed him back to the mine.

Chapter 10
     
    “We need to rest,” Cassy said as David secured the door. “Tomorrow night we need to be in Asheville. It’s a three-hour drive,” she said rubbing her eyes.
    David nodded and yawned. “I’d sneak back for my car, but everyone knows what I drive.” Cassy stretched and made for the bedroom. She turned to find David headed for the couch. She frowned.
    “I think you would be more comfortable in the bed. It’s plenty big enough, and I can behave, if you can,” she said.
    “I’m too tired to misbehave,” he agreed. “I didn’t sleep much yesterday.”
    David hoisted himself off the old sofa and joined her. Neither spoke as they undressed. With covers pulled up, his toned, muscular arms cradled her. The smell of him was relaxing. Cassy fell into an exhausted sleep curled into David’s body.
    “Hey, wake up,” a male voice hissed. “You have to wake up! Get your ass up! Damn it!”
    A large hand was shaking her shoulder hard. She did not know who it was, but it was not David. Fangs dropped into place in response to the unknown danger. Her hand shot out, grabbing the man by the throat. She leapt forward in a single bound, pinning the man to the far wall. He was taller, but she still managed to hold him off the ground. His hands clasped her wrist. To no avail, he tried to break her hold. Choking noises issued from his clenched teeth. She could hear someone running toward the bedroom door. She hissed and balled her other hand into a fist, ready to lash out at the intruder.
    “Cassy, no! Put him down!” David flicked on the lights and rushed to her side. “He’s one of the good guys!” He tugged at her in a failed effort to free the trapped man.
    Coming to the realization she was in no danger, Cassy turned loose. The man dropped to the floor gagging and coughing. His face was still red as he gasped for air.
    “I apologize,” she addressed the man with contrition. He shot her a foul look. “Sneaking up on me is not good for your health.”
    “I thought you said she was a princess. She could have killed me,” the man said to David. “Aren’t princesses supposed to be all delicate and ladylike?”
    “Even a lady must defend herself, sir. I don’t know you or your intent. Nor was I expecting you. And that is not, by the way, how you wake a sleeping vampire,” she huffed.
    “Defend yourself nude much?” He coughed again.
    Embarrassment