Free A Hunt Among Vampires (The Angel Series) by M. Cheykota Page A

major problems when we visit other master’s territories so they have no reason to bother us. Since I have decided to stay here, the master of the city will need to know that we are here. He will not be happy, most likely upset that I want to stay in his city. I am powerful and most likely older than most, if not all, of the vampires in the young United States.”
    “What will happen if the master of the city does not want you to stay in his city?”
    “I will try to be convincing.” He smiles knowingly.
    “Oh no, don’t go starting a war on my behalf.” I warn him.
    “You have no reason to worry. I will reassure him that he has no worries from me. Most likely, he will request my vampires’ assistance in securing his city. That is a price I am willing to pay in order to stay close to you.”
    I frown. “What if I move? You will be stuck here.”
    “If you move, I will follow. I belong to you as much as you belong to me. You still do not understand what it means to be someone’s mate. It is only a matter of time until you give in to your desire and come home. I will be waiting when you do. There is no pressure. You may take as much time as you need. You will find that I have an abundance of patience. That is something I have learned over the thousand years I have been searching for Hassan.”
    I snuggle closer to him, resting my head on his chest. His arms circle me without hesitation. “How can you be so sure that I am your mate?”
    “In over 1500 years, I have never felt about anyone the way I felt about you from the moment I saw you. Trust me. Nothing else can explain this incredible connection between us.” Christien states amorously.
    “Trust has always been an issue with me. I do not give it lightly.” I whisper against his chest.
    He chuckles. “That is one thing about you I already notice. The short time you have known me, you have managed to trust me enough to tell me several of your biggest secrets. Some that you have not even mentioned to Roman in all the years you have known him. How do you explain that?”
    I can’t. I blink in surprise.
    That knowledge stops me short with my ready-made reply. Everything he has told me is true. Even my mother believes that he is my mate and has told me so. Do I have it in me to believe what he is saying and seize what is right in front of me? I don’t know, but for now, I’ll let things continue. He has done nothing to me that would make me think otherwise.
    “Okay, I’ll need some time to think about it. For now, I need my keys so I can go. I don’t have a lot of time to find someone to take this contract off my hands. Obviously, I’m not willing to deal with vampires, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t others who will. There’s a lot of money in it for them if they want to take that chance.”
    Christien’s chest begins to rumble. I look into his eyes and see the humor he is trying to control.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “You are in a house full of powerful vampires yet you want to ask strangers for assistance?”
    “You?” I ask incredulously. “I wouldn’t ask you to put yourself in danger like that.”
    “It does not have to be me if you disapprove. I have many vampires capable of performing guard duty if you wish. However, if you are directly involved, I would like to join you.”
    “Why would you do that?” I pull back to look into his eyes. “This is my problem, not yours.”
    He sighs. “Jessica, you have not been listening to me. I will do anything for you.”
    Unable to speak, I kiss him. He freezes for a moment in surprise before responding to my kiss. A few minutes later, I break the kiss with a smile.
    “I have no idea who he is meeting with. It could be the Master of the City for all I know.” I explain.
    “If it is, I will wipe his mind after the meeting and he will not be aware of my existence, or yours.” Christien says confidently.
    “Are you sure?” I look at him skeptically. “If you go, I’m going in too. I’m