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Why was he making himself comfortable?
    “The only thing I’m feeling is the need to keep you alive. I thought you could prove to be quite useful but now I’m beginning to wonder if it’s necessary,” I said, peering up from my book.
    “Empresses shouldn’t lie,” Victor whispered, leaning across the arm of his chair.
    “I’m not lying.” I could no longer focus on reading. The room felt incredibly hot as both our auras elevated.
    “By the way, I’m all yours, so it can be arranged,” Victor murmured.
    “ What can be arranged?” I asked.
    “You, having your way with me.” The corners of his mouth rose up seductively. I fought the urge to be consumed by his shimmering steel gray eyes. Every part of his beautiful, handsome face was hard to ignore, but I must. He wasn’t what my mind wanted, just my body. I had to keep drilling that into my head. I tried to think of Evan.
    “Was there something you wanted, Victor?” I was trying to appear composed, but I was failing miserably.
    “I think I’ve already stated what I want ,” Victor murmured.
    “We don’t always get what we want , do we?” I smiled, but it soon faded as I flushed with what Victor said next.
    “Well, I do,” Victor declared, sounding self-assured as he looked deeply into my eyes. “You want what I want and soon enough you won’t be able to live without it.” He winked and I gulped. “Now about what I need .”
    “That’s the way to a girl’s heart,” I whispered shakily, and tried to chortle. I stuck my nose back into my novel. I had to hide my rose-colored cheeks somehow.
    “Why would I need to be shown the way? I’m already there.” A ripple fluttered through my belly. “You have a firm hold on my heart. You always have and always will.” I broke down and looked into his eyes. They pulled me deeper and I ached to kiss him. Oh no! What’s happening to me? I tore myself away from his gaze.
    “Really? All while you killed me and while you hunted me to do it all over again?” I faked laugher. I don’t believe that he bought my act for a split second.
    “How can you laugh when you know that I’m right?” Victor asked, shaking his head. “I enjoy my feelings for you, and thank the gods daily for choosing me for you.”
    I sighed and he continued.
    “It may scare you that I’m right, but we belong together and you know this.”
    The message in his mind was clear. He was serious. “Anyway, getting back to what I need.” I was so relieved that he decided to go in another direction.
    “And that is?” I asked, as Victor stood up. He walked over to the globe, which stood in the center of the room, and spun it.”
    “What is rightfully mine, Delia.” He didn’t have to spell it out. I knew exactly what he meant. Being powerless amongst so many with power, earlier today, had taken its toll on him.
    “In due time, Victor,” I said with a heavy sigh that seemed to irritate him.
    “Haven’t I proven myself? I told you of the plan Hades has in store for you. If I wanted to hurt you or any other member of the family, I wouldn’t have shared that information.”
    “In due time,” I promised with finality. He had no idea that I was pulling for him. I wanted to restore his powers, but I wanted everyone to be on the same page. I couldn’t have Victor’s position in the family causing division. It was already causing friction between Evan and me. The council would have to give their opinion, although in the end the decision was mine.
    “Sometimes I do wonder who runs this empire. You or lover boy?” Victor snapped, and stormed out of the library.
    I slammed my book shut and closed my eyes, relishing the silence.
    I agonized over my decision to send the warrior teams out in the morning. I couldn’t talk to Evan. He was probably still angry. I needed to speak to two very important people. The wall disappeared as I wished it to. I was now standing in a gray marble-walled room. The glass domes emerged almost immediately.