Free Blood and Fire by Ally Shields Page A

in a swift movement to face him, pushing through the sparkles of the dissolving spell. “You will regret this, Daron. The O-Seven will not appreciate how you have treated their representative.” She snarled at him with her fangs bared, then almost as quickly, she recovered and composed her features. A smooth mask replaced the angry creases, and only the red edges to the black aura surrounding her revealed her smoldering rage. She craned her neck so she could look past the men at Ari. “I have a long memory, witch. We shall meet again.”
    “I look forward to it.” Ari didn’t feel nearly as brave as she sounded, but no way was she going to let the bitch know that.
    “Well, Ursula, this has been an interesting evening,” Daron said, interrupting the tension arcing between the two women. “But it is time to put an end to our festivities. So tiring. I hope you enjoy the rest of your brief stay in my territory. Since I will not have the honor of seeing you again before your departure, please take my regards to the council. And to my sire.” He paused as the reminder of his ancestry sank in and his gaze narrowed. “I will give your warning due consideration, but I hope the elders understand that new places and times need new rules. That does not mean we fail to respect the old ways.”
    “I will convey your words, Daron. With the same sincerity in which they were uttered.”
    Daron sighed. “You wrong me. I can only hope you will reconsider before you reach home.”
    “Unlikely.” She smirked and offered her hand. “I fear our next meeting will not be so convivial.”
    Daron brought her fingers to his lips but didn’t bow. “Regrettable.”
    “And you, Andreas.” Ursula turned to him. “I would once again see you in my bed. Perhaps next time. I foresee many more happy moments in our future.” With a wicked smile at Ari, Ursula turned and swept from the room.
    Ari might have considered a swift kick to hurry the vampiress on her way, if her legs weren’t threatening to collapse under her.
    “Let me see your injury,” Andreas said as the door banged closed.
    “It’s nothing but a scratch.”
    He must have heard the slight hitch in her voice, because he took her hand and gave it a quick squeeze. Taking a handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped the blood away. “Ursula has not changed in the last two centuries. Still the temperamental diva.”
    “She’s still beautiful,” Ari muttered. The thought of him in the vampiress’s bed left her cold.
    “Only on the surface.”
    Daron, who hadn’t said anything since Ursula left, cleared his throat. “I thought that went well.”
    Stunned silence. Ari and Andreas turned to stare at the Toronto prince for a long moment. Finally one of the werewolves failed to suppress a snort, and all three leaders burst into laughter.
     
    * * *
     
     
    On the flight home an hour later, Ari and Andreas lay facing each other on the bed in the small stateroom, newly redecorated from the gaudy black and blood red that Sebastian had favored, to warm autumn tones. The decor and polished wood now reminded Ari of a well-appointed suite in an expensive hotel—understated class. Ari had slipped back into her jeans and had one of the antique-gold throw pillows propped under her chin as they continued discussing the evening’s events.
    “Did I make things worse?” She felt guilty about losing her temper. Not guilty enough, however, to deny she’d enjoyed seeing Ursula sprawled on the floor.
    “No. You were you. Daron wanted her to see the three of us together, and I wanted her to go home still ignorant of our abilities.” His face held a look of satisfaction. “I think we accomplished both. As long as the elders do not understand what we can and cannot do, I hope they will keep their distance. We could not have said anything to please Ursula or change the minds of the O-Seven. When all is considered, it was the best outcome we could expect, except for the risk to you.” His eyes