Exclusive Excerpt from Circle of Trust

by Nicholas Bella & Aimee Nicole Walker

“I’m coming with you,” Christian said, rising from his chair right after I did.

I looked at him, contemplating if it would be wise. I mean, my Sovereign demanded I bring him in. My best bet to avoid having to do so was claiming I couldn’t find him or get to him, at least, thanks to his warded home. The fact that I was currently standing inside his home didn’t have to be known to Nero.

“I don’t need you to come with me,” I said.

“Well, I’m coming anyway.”

“No!” I snapped, my hand out toward him as if the motion itself could stop him.

“Lorcán, we made a deal that we’re going to solve this case together. That can’t happen if you’re going to try to sideline me. I need to see this vampire just as much as you do.”

“After I—”

“No, together, not after you see it first,” Christian said, putting his foot down.

There was something about his assertiveness at this moment that spoke to every part of me that wanted him. I felt a spark ignite inside of me, heating my blood to a boiling point, and it took all of my reserve not to slam him down on the table, snatch his pants down, and ride him until the legs literally broke off the old redwood table.

I had to clear my mind—reluctantly so—of the image of his chest heaving as he huffed and puffed, panting in pleasure. Pleasure only I could give him. Yeah, tearing myself away from those thoughts was a challenge but putting his life first made it easier.

“I can’t take you with me, Christian,” I said finally.

“Want to tell me why not?” Christian asked, his arms crossing over his massive, muscular chest. “Something is going on with you. What is it?”

Do I tell him that my king wants him? Shit. “I’ll tell you later. Just for now, I need to handle this alone. I promise, I’ll tell you. For now, lower the wards.”

“I should keep them up until you tell me the truth,” he stated.

“Do you trust me?” I asked him. We studied each other for several seconds, and I saw him exhale before he nodded. He said something in a language I didn’t recognize, which was rare. I felt an electric charge flow through the atmosphere, and I knew the wards had been lowered so I could leave.

I didn’t give him a chance to prod me further. Using my vampire speed, I ran out of his house. I knew he’d never be able to catch up to me because he didn’t even see me move. Hunters had great skills, but even to his trained eyes, it would have looked like I’d vanished, rather than just ran really fast. I was quickly in my car, pulling off, and roaring down the street toward the location of the most recent kill.

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