Read Online Ravenous by Sharon Ashwood - Free Book Online Page B

with one of his own.
    Pierce , Alessandro thought with a flare of annoyance, and then turned deliberately away. The male was as irritating and unwholesome as chewing gum stuck to one's shoe.
    Omara nodded to the crowd, bestowing a smile that was somehow both gracious and dismissive. "Greetings, my friends. Please carry on as you were. Enjoy the night."
    There was a rustle as patrons resumed their seats. Then a hushed babble of conversation rose, urgent and filled with repressed exclamations. A hostess arrived and quickly cleared the best table. Alessandro and the queen waited politely while she worked.
    Omara's hand tightened on his biceps. "John Pierce looks like he wishes to snap your neck."
    Alessandro gave a slow smile. "Let him do his worst. I will put him in his place."
    Omara laughed. "What an arrogant beast you are."
    "I know my worth."
    "Does he wish to replace you as my representative here?" The question was taunting. "Or perhaps take over your role as my battle champion?"
    "He is nothing but a playboy and a dabbler in spells. More to the point, last year I was obliged to behead his brother."
    Her eyes widened with interest. "I had forgotten. Why did that happen?"
    "He attacked a human in anger. I merely did my duty."
    "As you should, but watch yourself. Pierce will cause you trouble."
    "I know. I look forward to his mistake."
    The table was ready. Alessandro held the chair for Omara while she sat, an old habit that still lingered. A waitress appeared, clad in black slacks and crisp white blouse that showed soft, warm skin. Omara ordered a complicated martini. He ordered a dark Hungarian red wine, the thick vintage nicknamed Bull's Blood. His usual. The drinks were more props than sustenance, but it was a pleasant ritual. As the waitress left, Alessandro wondered how she might be described on a menu. A young vintage, but with a delicate bouquet?
    Omara folded her hands on the glass surface of the table. Her rings sparkled in the dim light, shimmering with every movement of her fine-boned hands.
    "To return to the murders, and what I wish you to do…" Omara said without preamble.
    Alessandro straightened, glad she was finally ready to talk. "Yes?"
    She ducked her head, licking her lips. It was a rare show of nerves. "I believe one of my old enemies has returned. I was not surprised when the Fairview police contacted me."
    "Why not?"
    "My home in Seattle was ransacked. Nothing was taken: not my money nor my business records. Not even my jewelry."
    "Your books and implements of magic?" Alessandro asked anxiously. Omara possessed powerful, dangerous rarities any sorcerer would covet for his collection.
    Her eyes went wide for a moment, perhaps envisioning that disaster. "No, those are safe."
    "A blackmailer, perhaps? Someone looking for information?"
    "No demands were made." Omara looked away. "It was odd, disturbing. Then the Fairview police called, wanting my advice, so I came. Perhaps the incidents were unrelated, but I doubt it. I believe the break-in was to put me on notice. Someone desires a fight. They have picked Fairview as their battleground."
    "Was it wise to come?"
    Her lip curled. "I do not run."
    "But why Fairview? Since I've been here it's been a quiet city, at least until these murders."
    "That's because you, my champion, are here. I haven't needed to worry about this part of my domain. You keep the law here with a strong and just hand. If something went amiss, you are my natural successor."
    Alessandro allowed himself a small, sardonic smile. "You know I have no ambition to be king, and I have never learned the sorcery necessary to hold the throne."
    "If you choose, you could learn. You have more than enough ability and natural power."
    Alessandro wasn't sure if this was the truth or an attempt to secure his interest. It didn't matter. "If our enemies bring us together in Fairview, they face a double threat."
    Omara shook her head. "Still, it puts us both within one killing stroke. There is danger as