Free Unclaimed: The Master and His Soul Seer Pet: A New Adult College Vampire Romance by Clarise Tan, Marian Tee, The Passionate Proofreader

“we’ll all die…even Alexandru. And I’ll kill you if you let that happen.”
    Zari started to cry. “Lady Katarina, no.”
    “Move,” Katarina screamed. “I can’t hold on much longer!”
    “Lady Katarina, please, we’ll…”
    “ Zari .”
    It was the first time Katarina had called her by her first name like that, and it was the first time she saw the hunter’s face streaked with tears.
    “Promise me you’ll love him the way I’ve never been able to?” Katarina whispered. “Promise me you’ll be the one protecting him? Promise me, Zari. It’s the only way I can go in peace.”
    Zari whispered, “Yes.” She looked inside herself. Elsa. Go to her. Keep her from feeling pain.
    And then she started to move, pulling Alexandru with her.
    The moment she pulled Alexandru out through the window, the fire roared up as if it was unwilling to go without taking someone with it to Hell.

    ~~~~

    La Scala Legaturia was no more when Zari and Alexandru came back. It was completely burned to the ground, just like how it was in her visions. But no one had died, with everyone’s lives saved thanks to the early warning Alexandru had sent.
    Or at least everyone had lived but Katarina.
    Hunters all over the world came to pay their respects as Katarina’s body was taken back to Chalys and laid to rest.
    When the rites were over and her casket sealed in the marbled tomb, Alexandru drew his pet to his side.
    Rest in peace, Katarina.
    Beside him, his pet squeezed his hand. You have very good taste in women.
    The words almost made him smile. I’m sure she’ll be happy to know you think so.
    They walked together in silence, and as they came further and further away from the others, it was only then he asked, What now, pet?
    Zari took a long time to reply. I want to be strong, Master. Strong enough so that people like Katarina won’t have to die for me. Strong enough so I can protect you on my own.
    It was his turn to be silent.
    Master?
    You understand that if you study in ANEX it will mean we will not be able to see each other for two years?
    She wasn’t even surprised that he knew about it, even though she was sure the marquis had yet to speak to his younger brother about her intended transfer. Master, I’m yours for eternity. Two years won’t matter.
    You speak as if you’re already immortal. His lips curved, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.
    The haunted look in his gaze made Zari ache. Master, if you don’t want me to go—
    I don’t. His voice was grim. Alexandru cupped her face and brought her mouth to his. She leaned into the kiss, loving the way it was hot, hard, and possessive.
    Alexandru raised his head. I despise the thought of you not being by my side where I can always guard you...but I can’t – I won’t stand in the way of your destiny.
    Tears stung her eyes as she felt her Master’s lips press to the top of her head. It was a long road ahead, but she knew she had made the right choice, knew she owed it to Katarina’s sacrifice to learn to be strong on her own.
    She laid her head against his heart. Master, this isn’t goodbye. I’ll always be yours. Always.

    The End

About the Author
    Marian Tee is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of steamy romantic comedies. She is Filipino-Chinese, has lived all her life in the Philippines, and is a frustrated mangaka. She is addicted to horror flicks, misses hiphop dancing, and loves all things Japanese.<3
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