Bloodlust

Miss Snow

— LIAM —

This would not end well.

Heart in my throat, I watched Eleanor eye Venice with an all too familiar look. She was jealous of Venice and, like a child with her favorite toy, she was going to throw a fit about it.

I was grateful we were outside and away from the other guests. At least now we could settle this in private. We needed to stay in the King Alpha's good graces and I wouldn't let Eleanor's bratty ass ruin that.

Although, the King Alpha seemed to have a soft spot for Venice. My fists curled tighter at the memory of him touching her, winking at her, smiling at her.

"Venice, meet Eleanor Snow," I said, warning her with my gaze. "Eleanor, meet my colleague, Venice Sweeney."

The women both held each other's gaze before Venice forced a smile and nodded. "Pleasure."

A sly smirk spread across Eleanor's blood-red lips as she looked Venice up and down.

"Yes, what a pleasure, indeed," she drawled. "Now, why is your glass empty? This is a party after all."

"We are here on work matters," I snapped.
"We have to keep clear heads. Now, leave us."

"Yes, and how did you come to work for the Princeps?" Eleanor smiled bitterly. "Last I heard, they hate your guts."

"You know nothing of the vampire world," I spit.

Her face darkened with hurt. She was quick to mask it with her signature coy smirk.

"You underestimate me, Liam." She clicked her tongue to her teeth. "I do my own research. Especially when it comes to you."

Venice's breath hitched and Eleanor noticed this as well.

"Oh, you poor stupid human," the lycan taunted.

"Shut up," I snarled at her. "Do not speak to her that way."

Eleanor framed another deadly smile onto her mouth as she lifted her free hand to caress my arm. A tingle rushed through my nerves. Venice stiffened beside me. Growling, I jerked away from her.

"Leave us," I hissed again.

"Or what?" Eleanor said. "What are you going to do, Liam? Gonna hit me? In front of all these big, strong Alphas?" She laughed coldly. "Then again, I guess you are pretty stupid. You're messing with this weak, fat bitch when you could have me. There's no telling what you're capable of."

My mind and body were at war—part of me wanted to rip her to shreds, while the other part ached at her insult. I fought to refrain from carrying out either impulse.

"I am trying to be civil," I said through gritted teeth. "For the sake of your reputation, I suggest you do the same."

"I am being civil, aren't I?" Her lips twisted into a scowl.

I felt it coming. My head began to shake but she didn't listen. She had proven time and time again she didn't care about me, my life, or my goals. She wanted me to manipulate and control me.

"I just heard my mate tell another woman he loves her," she said. "I think not ripping her head off should earn me some credit."

Venice's pulse raced, her artery throbbing under the milky skin of her throat. I sighed deeply.

"Mate?" she squeaked.

"No," I said, "it's not like that."

Her glossy eyes were wide with shock and pain. Something broke inside me at the sight.