Blood Magic (After Dark Book 7) by Sarah Bailey (ereader for android txt) 📗

the head of the Creekside clan, distant cousins of the Farlane clan and a rival of Dani’s father. So this is who has been causing all the trouble. I shouldn’t be surprised.

“This is an argument you have used many times, Questor,” Mitah said. “The Queen of Hell has given up her claim to the throne. I am Gwilliana’s closest relative. The crown is mine by our laws.”

“How do you expect Cadmi to rule Hell and the fae? She isn’t even full blooded,” Theo added.

Questor glared at Mitah and Theodus. Dani nudged Novus who rolled his eyes at her.

“He honestly has no idea,” he whispered.

“About what?”

“Candace.”

“Perhaps one of us should speak to her. Do you think she’d help clear this up?”

Novus eyed her with a frown.

“Good luck getting an audience. Doubt Lucifer would allow you within ten feet of her.”

Dani shook her head. She wasn’t exactly scared of the King of Hell even if she’d never met him.

“How do you know?”

“She rarely leaves Hell and there’s no way they’ll let you go there to see her.”

Dani sighed. There had to be a way to solve this problem. The trouble was no one had heard from Candace herself regarding the throne. If she could just tell the fae to get lost, then there would be no reason for anyone to discredit her father’s claim to the throne.

“I have to try. Father doesn’t have time to constantly deal with threats to his position.”

Novus gave her a sharp look.

“You need to stay out of this. You’re already on thin ice.”

“No one except you knows about Jamie.”

“And it needs to stay that way. Trust me, Dani, your interference is not necessary.”

Dani didn’t believe that for one moment. She was the only one who could fix it because no one would suspect her. And she liked Candace. Perhaps she could persuade the half witch to put an end to this ridiculous feuding. If anything, it would mean she could go back to spending time with Jamie without the threat of them being discovered.

She missed him. They hadn’t seen each other in two weeks, although they’d spent several hours on the phone together. The lack of physical contact with him was getting to Dani. She had to replenish her magic soon. The feeling itched beneath her skin. She only wanted Jamie to fuck her afterwards. No one else. She craved the vampire and their shared connection.

“Don’t think I don’t see that look in your eye, Dani. Don’t do anything stupid,” Novus hissed, his voice bringing her back into the room.

“Your concerns have been heeded, Questor,” her father said, a deep frown etched on his brow. “In this time of deep sorrow at the passing of our queen, we must not be divided. We are a beacon of command for the common fae folk. Do you imagine if they knew we were at odds they would stay loyal to the crown?”

Questor’s face fell a little at Mitah’s words. They all knew the dangers of divisions between the ruling clans. It had happened across the pond. War between the fae folk in America was rife. The Old World did not wish to associate itself with such trouble.

Questor bowed deeply.

“My apologies, my king.”

Dani didn’t believe for one moment he was genuine. There was no doubt in her mind Questor would divide their people if he was left unchecked. Her decision was made. She had to do something to save her people from war and bloodshed. And if that meant facing the Archangel Lucifer and his queen, then so be it. She might hate she was now part of the royal line, but she had to save her father. She couldn’t lose him too. It would be too painful after what happened to her mother.

“Novy,” she whispered. “I need to return to London as soon as I can.”

Her brother eyed her warily.

“You know you can’t leave until he says so. He needs you here and you’re not safe now we know Questor is out for blood.”

Dani shivered. That was exactly why she had to go.

“I’ll be safe with Jamie.”

Novus stared at her for a long moment before letting out a silent sigh.

“I’ll help you find an excuse.”

She gave him a grateful smile. No matter what, Novus couldn’t find out what she planned to do. He would never allow it. Her only saving grace was the knowledge she was doing this for the good of her people. He’d surely understand when it was all over.

Wouldn’t he?

§

Jamie drummed his fingers on the bar of Fright Night. It was quiet this evening. He was keeping an eye on things for Neave whilst she was out dealing with shit for Gavin. After they’d forced him to interrogate Mrs Travsmead, they’d spent the past few weeks tracking down the men she’d mentioned. That left Jamie in charge of the bar. A role he was beginning to resent. Whilst he might not have to bartend, he did have to deal with idiotic customers complaining about the stupidest shit he’d ever heard. Only last week someone was in here moaning because the bar didn’t have some ridiculous top shelf expensive gin.

Why can’t they just get a fucking life?

He was nursing a glass of Jack and coke when he looked up at the door opening. If he had a beating heart, it would’ve stopped in his chest. It had been three long, long weeks without her. She wasn’t expected back in London for another two.

What is she doing here and why didn’t she tell me?

Dani stood in the doorway, her mousy brown hair braided down the sides. Her curved ears clearly on show. She was wearing figure-hugging black jeans, low heeled ankle boots, a plain t-shirt with a cardigan under her thick coat. And even though he’d