Terror at the Gates (Blood of Lilith, #1)

by Scarlett St. Clair

“Have you decided what you’re going to do about the families?” I asked. He expelled a stream of smoke, scratching his brow with his thumb. “Right now, I’m going to act like they didn’t stab me in the back.” “Can you do that if they decide to go to war over Hiram?” I asked. “Yeah,” he said. “I’ll just offer an ultimatum. Unless you want me to fight for it.” “What’s the ultimatum?” He held my gaze as he took another drag. This man smoked like a fucking freight train. “They can have it,” he said. “So long as I can have you. Only if you agree, of course.” I licked my lips to keep from smiling as I stared at him, though his proposal made my heart feel like it was about to explode. “Do you really think that will work?” I asked. “I think I can be pretty convincing,” he said. “I imagine they will give me what I want for now, knowing they plan to kill me later.” He sounded so casual despite the morbid theme of our conversation. I wondered if his ease was confidence or rather that he did not fear dying. I hoped it was the former, because I couldn’t handle losing him. “What does it mean? To be yours?” I asked. He smiled softly. “Whatever you want,” he said. “I’ll always be here, following in your shadow. I am not afraid of your freedom.” I held his gaze and closed the space between us. “I’d take you over Hiram any day,” I said. I let my hands smooth up his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck. He tossed his cigarette and pulled me close. “Just promise me you won’t die.” He laughed...