Read All Knight Long, Book I: One Warlock's Love Story for Free Online Page B

and took the hemp earring from his ear.
    “What are you doing?” Zander asked. Tau’s large hands were more nimble than Zander might have imagined. He took the cowrie shell and the hemp and fashioned a ring that fit perfectly on Zander’s right ring finger.
    “This shell was given to me by grandfather. They were used as currency in Africa and even thought by some to be magical agents,” Tau said.
    “That is so sweet,” Zander said. “I can’t take something that’s this valuable to you,”
    “I want you to have it,” Tau insisted, admiring the ring on Zander’s finger.
    “I won’t feel right unless I give you something of equal value in return. I have a special gift that my grandmother gave me for my birthday. It would mean a lot to me if you would have it. That way I know you won’t forget me, either.” Zander removed the ruby stone necklace from his pocket and tied it around Tau’s neck. It was the second time that Zander had acted against his better judgment in one night. He’d given Tau his full name and his grandmother’s birthday gift.
    “This is a very special night for me,” Tau beamed, giving Zander another kiss.
    “So there you are!” Giovanni yelled. Zander was sure that he heard Tau growl this time. Zander turned to greet Giovanni.
    “Where’s your friend?” Zander asked.
    “Apparently, I am too much warlock for him. I sent him to my house to sleep it off. That’ll guarantee me some good sex when I get home.” Giovanni winked.
    “How’s he going to find your house, let alone get in without the key?” Zander asked skeptically.
    “He’s a vampire, silly. He’s tasted me. He can find me anywhere on earth now. I gave him my address and invited him to enter my home, so he won’t have a problem getting in.”
    “You should be more responsible,” Tau told him. “There are rules in this club for a reason. You shouldn’t have let him bite you.”
    “Who the hell are you supposed to be?” Giovanni asked.
    “You recklessness could end up getting Zander into trouble,” Tau warned.
    “Zander is a warlock. He doesn’t need an extra from the Wiz to take care of him,” Giovanni said.
    “What?” Tau asked, clearly confused.
    “You heard me,” Giovanni snapped, stepping back to cast a curse. Tau growled and stepped forward.
    “Wait! You two can’t do that in here. No magic and shifting, remember?” Zander stepped between them and placed his hands on their chests.
    “What is that?” Giovanni asked, looking at the new ring on Zander’s finger.
    “What?” Zander asked, confused at Giovanni’s shocked expression.
    “Who gave you that ring?” Giovanni asked, gazing skeptically at Tau.
    “Tau gave it to me. It’s just a keepsake. It’s no big deal,” Zander said.
    “Did you give him anything in return?” Giovanni asked.
    “Why do you ask?” Zander questioned, still not sure why it was such a big deal. He also couldn’t help but notice that Giovanni’s line of questioning seemed to be making Tau slightly uneasy.
    “Maybe I underestimated you,” Giovanni purred.
    Just then, there was a loud explosion on the far end of the club, followed by shrieks, screams, and howls. The building shook, the ceiling caved in, and pandemonium ensued. Giovanni spun around and began moving his arms around in fluid movements. He finished the spell with an incantation that covered both him and Zander with a translucent protective bubble. Hunks of mortar and brick fell from the ceiling, bouncing off Giovanni’s shield. Giovanni seemed to get just a little bit weaker each time a piece of rubble struck. Zander looked through the shield and saw a witch levitating trying to avoid the falling debris and several vampires shadow walking out of the room. Shifters were changing quickly, in order to assume the size and speed necessary to withstand whatever was attacking the club. Then he remembered Tau.
    Giovanni yelled something, but Zander didn’t pay attention. He was too focused on finding