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tonight.”
    I shrun k back into Garrett's arms, needing the physical contact. He hugged me tighter as his anger grew along with my fear.
    Lord Caelen smiled at Kennet, but there was no warmth in the expression. “Jacqueline is now an ally and also the lifemate of Garrett Cuvier. This—proposal of yours cannot be approved. How could you imagine that we would allow it?” Lord Caelen’s dark eyes had begun to spin with golden anger.
    “He is an undead. A former shape shifter. He is of no account. His ridiculous vampire mating ritual has no power under Fae law.” He waved his hand toward Garrett as if he were a fly to be swatted away. I clenched my fists and glanced down at the mark on my wrist.
    Lord Caelen, Aedus and Liam stood. “Garrett Cuvier and Jacqueline Crawford are under my personal protection.” The room was suddenly very quiet.
    “I do not intend to harm her. I intend to raise her to the position of Lady t o a wealthy and powerful Lord. A position that many other females would desire to fill.”
    “What happened to the last three Ladies that you so generously raised to that position?” Lady Jorrenn was standing as well. Garrett rose out of his seat and brought me up with him, pushing me slightly behind him. His eyes were swirling with a silver heat and his fangs were beginning to poke out. This could turn ugly fast. I didn’t want us to be the cause of a battle between Fae Lords.
    “As you know, Lady Jorrenn, two of them became s eriously ill and the other had a tragic fall. It has caused me great sorrow.” Hearing that his last three mates had died, made me draw in a sudden breath. He turned back to look at me, his reptilian smile making me freeze in place.
    He spoke softly and intimately and his dark violet eyes pulled at me, making my body want to move closer to him. I forced myself to stand frozen in place, all the while knowing that he was only using the smallest amount of his power. He could force me to crawl to him if he wished it.
    “Jacque line, You would be wealthy beyond measure. I can teach you more about how to use the lines than your vampire or your half-seelie friend. I am a skilled lover.” He looked me over hungrily, the icy fingers of his magic making me shiver. He smiled, misinterpreting my response. “You would enjoy our time together and you would give me the heir I desire.”
    Dozens of purple eyes turned in my direction. I looked at Lord Caelen for permission to speak. He nodded somberly, but I could see the glint of anticipation in his eyes. Liam nudged me mentally. “ Stay very calm, Jacqueline .”
    “ Liam, I’ve got this.” I could sense his mental groan so I took a deep breath to calm myself, narrowed my eyes in concentration and faced Kennet, keeping my voice steady and forcing my emotions to stabilize.
    “Lord Kennet, it is a pleasure to see you again.” He nodded at me with a sly smile since his ego wouldn’t let him hear the sarcasm behind my words. “However, I do recall telling you at the battle three weeks ago that I was not interested in becoming your Lady. I am Garrett’s mate for life and that will never change. I don’t desire your sizeable wealth or your magical expertise or your proficient bedroom skills. I will never give you an heir. I appreciate that you feel you're honoring me with this offer, but I’m blissfully happy in the life I’ve chosen for myself. I must refuse you, again .”
    The entire room was silent for a few moments as Kennet’s expression morphed from smug to angry. “You will come to me, Jacqueline.” Kennet turned to Lady Jorrenn. “Thank you for the opportunity to speak, Lords and Ladies of the Council.” His voice dripped with undisguised scorn as he turned around and left, his two men following silently behind. Samson was growling again.
    My knees gave out and I sat down with a thump: shaking from the tension of keeping myself in control. Garrett was grinning as he put his arm around me and held me close to