Levet by Alexandra Ivy Read Free Book Online Page A

curls. It was the soft blue eyes, however, that pierced his unbeating heart. She’d been to hell and back, but there was an innate purity in her that could never be diminished. Was it any wonder his jaded soul was so fascinated? “Enough blood was shed when I became clan chief.”
    She blinked in surprise. He rarely shared his world as clan chief. Why burden her with the darker side of his position?
    â€œYou mean when you battled to take the place of the former leader?”
    â€œ Oui , and then for the next several decades after claiming Paris.”
    She paled. “Decades?”
    He grimaced. During those dark days he’d often wondered if he would survive from one night to the next.
    â€œIt’s traditional for each demon species to try and kill the new leader of vampires.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œIn part because they enjoy any excuse to try and kill a vampire, but more importantly to make sure a chief is strong enough to keep control of his territory,” he explained. “A weak chief is an invitation for constant upheaval, not only among his clan, but from outside threats. Peace comes from strength.”
    â€œAnd now?”
    He arched a brow, belatedly sensing the tension that hummed through her body.
    â€œNow?”
    â€œAre you safe?”
    â€œA clan chief is always a target,” he admitted, unable to resist outlining her lips with the tip of his finger. “Either from an ambitious vampire who wants to challenge me for my position, or from any number of demons who I’ve pissed off over the centuries.”
    â€œNot hard to believe,” she muttered, although the words didn’t disguise the concern that darkened her eyes.
    â€œMost are convinced the world would be greatly improved if they could remove my head from my body.”
    With a gasp, she pressed her hand against his lips, her expression troubled.
    â€œDon’t say that.”
    A fierce satisfaction cascaded through his body at her plea. Gently, he pried her fingers from his lips.
    â€œCareful, Valla,” he teased. “Or I might think you care.”
    â€œOf course I care,” she said without hesitation. “I don’t want you hurt.”
    He pressed a kiss to her palm, his thumb stroking her inner wrist.
    â€œThen you at last understand why I’m so anxious to protect you.”
    She thinned her lips as he neatly turned the tables on her. “Maybe. But—”
    Hmm. Perhaps he hadn’t turned any tables. Neatly or otherwise.
    â€œI don’t think I’m going to like this.”
    She pulled her hand free to touch his face, the light caress sending jagged bolts of arousal through his body.
    He could count the number of times she’d ever purposefully touched him. And never with such a lingering intimacy.
    â€œIt terrifies me to know your position makes you a constant target,” she whispered.
    He held her worried gaze. “It’s my duty.”
    â€œYes,” she agreed with a nod. “And while I hate the thought that you’re in danger, I would never try to stand in your way.”
    The direct hit came without warning, leaving Elijah gaping at her in bemusement.
    Hoisted by his own petard, he wryly acknowledged, recalling how often he’d tried to prevent her from even leaving her apartment without him at her side.
    At the time, he’d thought he was revealing just how much he cared for her. Now . . .
    â€œIs that what you think I’m trying to do?”
    Her fingers drifted to brush over his lips, her expression somber.
    â€œA partner should make you stronger, not weaker.”
    She was right. Of course she was.
    As much as he might hate to admit it, his rabid need to protect her was more about his constant knowledge of how close she had come to dying before they’d ever met, than keeping her happy.
    Selfish even by his standards.
    â€œOh . . . merde ,” he growled in resignation.
    She eyed him warily as he