Free Vampire Charming by Cassandra Gannon

She bit-off in an exaggeratedly level tone.  “Like a lot .”
    “Of
course!”  He smiled at her, pleased that she always called him “Slade.”  Most
beings addressed him as “your majesty” or “King Slade,” as was proper with
underlings.  But, Jane was his friend.   He enjoyed the fact that she
used his given name.  Her voice gave it a sultry sound that fed into his
bloodstream.  “I am always eager to hear your ideas.”  He patted the rock next
to him.  “Come here.”
    “I
meant alone.”  She persisted with a determined expression on her face.  “You
and me.  Outside.  Alone .”
    “Yes,
but…”
    “ Now. ”
    Several
of the brothers frowned at each other, apparently concerned that a mere servant
would speak to their new monarch in such a disrespectful way.  Slade understood
their feelings, but he was too content to care about Jane’s continued
impertinence.  The insecurities that had plagued him of late went silent when
she was beside him.  Jane was the one person he was totally sure of.  She would
guide him to his destiny.  He knew it.
    Plus,
she smelled the incredible .
    “Uh,
Vampire.”  Hal or possibly Al began in a worried voice.  “I mean, King Vampire.  I don’t think it’s such a good idea for you to leave.  Stay here and
let us make you an offer you can’t refuse.”
    Jane
made a scoffing sound.  “Jesus, if this becomes some kind of Godfather porno, you’re on your own, Slade.”
    He
wasn’t sure what to make of that or of Hal/Al’s proposition.  “It’s fine,
minion.”  Slade assured the man.  “Wait here.”  He bounded over to Jane, even
though he should’ve moved at a more aloof and regal pace.  He’d missed her while they were separated.  How did she make him miss her so much?  And was
he going crazy or did she not look so plain in the moonlight?  “What did you
wish to speak about?”  He lowered his voice.  “Women troubles?”
    “Get
over here, you gigantic moron.”  Jane seized hold of his arm and tugged him into
the night.  “Have you completely lost what little mind you have?”  The cave was
set on a small incline.  The golf clubs clattered as she dragged him down the
hill.
    “No,
I…”
    Jane
herded him passed the tree line, so they were hidden from view.  “Did you ever
consider that the strange men who pick you up in bars aren’t people you
want to go home with?  Huh?”  She gestured back towards the cave.  “You can’t trust
them.  They’re working for the Werewolf.  And --Jesus--I cannot believe I just said that.”
    Slade’s
eyebrows compressed.  “No.  The Satyr Brothers support the rebels.  They wish
to defeat Fang and help me claim the throne.  They are very interested in my
plans to unite Infinia.”
    “Says
who?  Them?  Because the half-naked bartender says they’re notorious bad guys. 
They’ve lured you here to sell your pretty, empty head to that Fang guy’s
soldiers.”
    Slade
considered that possibility.  “You believe she’s right?”
    “Yes!
 It’s easy to believe people are rotten, because they always fucking are .”
    “That’s
not true.”  Slade found it sad that she’d say such a thing.  Jane Squire was
too young to be so cynical.  “Most people are good.  Not as intrinsically
honorable as Vampires, but…”
    Jane
interrupted him.  She did that a lot.  “You’re so naive, you shouldn’t be
allowed to roam free in the world.”  She jabbed a finger at him.  “For whatever
reason, I seem to be stuck with you, so just do what I say, alright?  We’re leaving .”
    Slade
crossed his arms over his chest.  “You’re being unduly suspicious.  The Satyr
Brothers are our first link to the rebels.  If we abandon them, how will we
begin our quest?”
    “It
won’t be much of a quest if you’re dead.”
    Slade
shook his head.  “I cannot allow pessimism and fear to influence my choices.  This
is my destiny .”
    “King
Slade?”  One of the Satyr