Coldstorm (Heart of a Vampire, Book 7) by Amber Kallyn Read Free Book Online

self-confidence was most likely well placed. She'd see eventually, she guessed.
    He drew to his full height, towering above her. "I have spent centuries studying around the world. Martial arts. Training with monks. Do not doubt my strength even if it may be different from your own."
    At the moment, she bit back her many questions.
    Her curiosity did come from the need to know about him in order to work together, as she'd said earlier. But part of her was actually interested in his answers. Which didn't make sense. Especially since after a day or two, there would be no need for him to stick around.
    Besides, he obviously felt nothing but revulsion for her.
    Everything she said sparked his temper in some way or another, based on the heat in his crimson tinted eyes. Sharp masculine features mixed with anger made him appear harsh, predatory.
    A shiver slid down her back.
    Nonsense. He'd gotten lucky with that sleep magic last time. That was all. She certainly didn't fear him.
    So why then did her nerves hum lightly with an edge of panic? Because grumpy though he remained, she was enjoying their banter?
    Not possible.
    She stepped toward Matt, forcing him backward and out of her wards. "Thank you for your escort. Please convey my gratitude to your King, and let him know the Council will hear of his cooperation." She half-bowed formally, going through the required motions.
    Matt just looked at her.
    "Or not," she replied.
    From a trouser pocket, he pulled out a cell phone and tapped the screen a few times. "What's your cell number?" he gruffly asked.
    She didn't answer.
    Matt glanced up sharply. "I'll call you tomorrow to meet up—"
    "I don't carry a cell phone."
    His eyes widened in surprise. "Why the hell not?"
    She just shrugged. There were many reasons, none of which she wanted to get into right now.
    He sighed, looking at his watch. "It's almost midnight. Eat. Get some sleep. Then meet me at the diner tomorrow morning. Let's say nine. I'll bring the information you need."
    His command grated on her nerves, but she didn't argue. There was no point in starting a conflict about something minor.
    "Fine," she replied. "Good night."
    He glanced at the stars dotting the sky. "Nine a.m. Sharp."
    As he walked away, Anca reengaged her protective wards.
    Matt muttered something about ruined shoes. The expensive-looking leather had barely survived the hike in. They'd be toast by the time he returned to his SUV. The man was out of place in the middle of the forest.
    Perhaps next time, he'd think twice about kidnapping a stranger.
    When she could no longer hear him, when even the electric zing of his attention grabbing aura quit humming over her skin, Anca turned to her tent. With bags of food and blood, she slipped inside her fairly large temporary home.
    She finished off half of the bagged blood. Opening the to-go containers from the diner, she dug in ravenously. She was more exhausted than she'd realized.
    Guess that was the answer to Matt's disturbing question about why he'd been able to knock her out. Though, she conceded the man was strong.
    Not that it mattered. She depended only on herself. She relied on no one else. If the clan vampire managed to help, it would just make things a little easier.
    Either way, she didn't want to keep thinking about the man. About how, in the moonlight, his dark hair had lit with highlights. How, after discarding his tie and jacket in his vehicle, she'd noticed the way his shirt clung to his chest and arms, and a surprising abundance of muscles. Things she shouldn't bother noticing so intently.
    Something about him intrigued her. She wasn't sure if it was wanting to know the reason behind his reaction to the Magic Council, or the fact he'd managed to sneak attack her.
    Or something else entirely.
    After cleaning up, Anca nearly fell onto the comfortable air mattress and cot that made her large bed. Even as her eyes slid closed and sleep clouded her thoughts, she continued to feel Matt's presence, as if