Chapter 30

Chapter Thirty

Gianna

I descended the stairs, my footsteps echoing in the grand foyer. The smell of fresh coffee and blood-infused pastries wafted from the kitchen, making my fangs itch beneath my gums. Dimitri was still sleeping upstairs, his soft snores a comforting rhythm I'd grown accustomed to over the past week. The memory of his battered body made my chest tighten, but now, finally, he was healing. My handsome mate was returning to me, one faded bruise at a time.

As I entered the kitchen, my body tensed instinctively. Angelo sat at the table, sipping his coffee with the nonchalance of a king on his throne. I hadn't spoken to or seen him since he'd had been the stuffing out of Dimitri, and the sight of him made my anger flare anew, a hot coal in my chest.

Angelo's gaze flicked up to meet mine, his eyes as cold and hard as agates. He was impeccably dressed, as always, not a hair out of place. It was like looking at a statue come to life. "He's still in bed? If I can't stand up to me, how is he going to defeat a wolf pack?"

I cocked my eyebrow, mirroring his cool demeanor even as my hands clenched at my sides. "You're stronger than a wolf pack and you nearly killed him," I spat, each word dripping with venom. "And I'm not speaking to you."

As soon as the words left my mouth, fear crept into my heart at the mention of wolves. Unbidden memories flashed through my mind—the dark alleyway, the glint of savage claws, the searing pain of bites, the overwhelming terror as I fought for my life. I pushed the thoughts away, refusing to believe that Dimitri couldn't protect me. After all, he had survived Angelo's vicious attack. He had to be strong enough... right?

Angelo set his cup down with a soft clink, the sound sharp in the tense silence. "Don't try my patience, little sister," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. A shiver ran down my spine, but I stood my ground. "If I wanted your precious mate dead, he'd be dead."

I trembled slightly, betraying the fear that still lingered beneath my anger. I scoffed, the sound harsh in my throat. "Enzo said you planned on murdering him, so stop spinning tales."

I moved to the counter, my movements jerky with suppressed rage as I began preparing a tray for Dimitri. The familiar routine helped calm my nerves, but I could feel Angelo's eyes boring into my back, making the hair on my neck stand on end.

"You can't avoid me forever, Gianna," Angelo said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. It made my heart twist painfully in my chest.

I turned to face him, tray in hand, my grip so tight I feared I might snap the handles. "Watch me." I spun on my heel and marched out of the kitchen.

As I climbed the stairs back to Dimitri, my whole body shook with a mixture of anger, fear, and a deep, aching sadness. The heaviness of the tray in my hands was nothing compared to the plight of the situation pressing down on me. How long could we go on like this? If I didn't mend my relationship with Angelo, he would attack Dimitri again. This time, I wasn't sure Dimitri would survive. The thought made my eyes sting with unshed tears as I approached our bedroom door.

I pushed open the bedroom door, balancing the tray with vampire grace.

Dimitri was sprawled across the bed, sheets tangled around his legs. His eyes fluttered open as I entered, a lazy smirk spreading across his face.

"Well, well," he drawled, voice husky with sleep. "Breakfast in bed again? I could get used to this five-star vampire resort treatment."

I set the tray down, my lips twitching despite my mood. "Don't get too comfortable. You're not exactly on vacation."

Dimitri stretched, wincing slightly. "Could've fooled me. After a week in here, I feel like your kept prince. Though I have to say, the welcoming committee could use some work. Less fists, more fruit baskets, you know?"

I perched on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"

He cocked an eyebrow, reaching for a pastry. "Like I went ten rounds with a cement mixer and lost. But hey, at least my dashingly handsome face is intact. Priorities, right?"

I rolled my eyes. "Your ego certainly survived unscathed."

"It's made of tougher stuff than the rest of me," he said, taking a big bite.

I cleared my throat. "I ran into Angelo downstairs. He asked about you."

Dimitri's entire demeanor shifted. His body tensed, eyes narrowing. "Oh? And how is our gracious host? Still practicing his menacing glare in the mirror?"

"He...he said that if he wanted you dead, you'd be dead."

Dimitri's eyes hardened. "Well, isn't that comforting? I'll be sure to send him a thank you note for his restraint."

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, grimacing as he stood. I watched him, concern etched on my face. "Dimitri..."

He waved off my worry. "I'm fine. Just peachy. Nothing a little blood, rest, and not being in the same zip code as your brother won't cure."

As he moved to the window, I could see the tension in his shoulders. "We'll figure this out," I said softly. "I'm just worried about the wolves. Maybe we should?—"

Dimitri spun around, his eyes flashing. "Worried about the wolves? Really, Gianna? You think I can't protect you from a few overgrown puppies? "

I blinked, taken aback by his sudden anger. It wasn't what I expected and it reminded me of Angelo. Too overprotective and hot headed. "That's not what I?—"

"No, that's exactly what you meant," he cut me off, his voice sharp. "Poor, weak Dimitri. Can't even handle a pack of mutts. Guess I'll just hide behind my mate and her big, bad brother, right?"

"Dimitri, that's not fair," I protested, but he was on a roll.

"You know what's not fair? Being treated like I'm made of glass. News flash, sweetheart—I've been dealing with supernatural threats since before your brother learned to brood professionally. I may not be the Angel of Death, but I'm not some helpless damsel either."

He stalked toward me, his movements fluid and predatory despite his recent injuries. "I can protect you, Gianna. Against wolves, vampires, or whatever else decides to crash our little party. Don't make the mistake of underestimating me just because your brother got in a few lucky shots."

I stared at him, a mixture of emotions swirling in my chest—concern, frustration, and a hint of admiration at his fierce determination. "I don't think you're weak, Dimitri," I said softly. "I just don't want to lose you."

His expression softened slightly, but the fire still burned in his eyes. "You won't. It'll take more than a few furballs and your psychotic brother to keep me down. After all," he added, his trademark smirk returning, "I'm Dimitri freaking Dragan. Danger is my middle name."

As he sauntered back to the bedside to table to finish his breakfast, I couldn't help but wonder if his bravado was entirely for show. But one thing was clear—underestimating Dimitri was a mistake I wouldn't make again.

Dimitri finished his breakfast with a flourish, licking a stray drop of blood from his lips. He stretched his arms wide, the muscles in his chest rippling beneath his shirt. "After I take a shower," he drawled, his eyes twinkling with mischief, "how about you show me around this prison? I mean lovely abode."

I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt, anxiety coiling in my stomach. "How about we sit out on the patio instead?"

He cupped my chin, his touch gentle but insistent. His blue eyes bored into mine, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're doing it again, Gianna. Trying to keep me bubble-wrapped and tucked away. If you don't show me around, I'll just wander on my own. And we both know how well that will probably turn out."

I sighed heavily, my shoulders sagging in defeat. I wrapped my arms around his neck, breathing in his scent. "All right, you win. Just please, please, don't make him mad."

Dimitri's eyebrows shot up, his smirk widening. "Me? Make someone mad? I'm shocked you'd even suggest such a thing." He placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "How can your brother possibly resist my charm? I'm like a vampire version of Jason Momoa, only better looking."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at my lips. "Humor has never been big on Angelo's agenda."

"Clearly," Dimitri quipped, his fingers tracing lazy circles on my back. "Maybe he just needs to get laid more. Nothing like a little horizontal tango to improve the mood."

I snorted, the sound very unladylike. "He's had plenty of women, Dimitri. That hasn't improved his disposition."

Dimitri waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "All it takes is one, sweetheart. One very special lady to turn that frown upside down. Or maybe a gentleman, who knows? I don't judge."

He pulled away, sauntering toward the bathroom with an exaggerated swagger. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a shower. Try not to miss me too much."

As the bathroom door closed behind him, I couldn't help but shake my head. Dimitri's bravado was both infuriating and endearing. I just hoped his charm would be enough to keep him out of trouble. With Angelo around, that was a tall order.

I glanced at the bedroom door, steeling myself for the tour ahead. With Dimitri by my side, it was bound to be anything but boring. I just prayed it wouldn't end in another fight. Angelo hadn't been happy when I left the kitchen and it would be just like him to take it out on Dimitri, especially if Dimitri got smart with him.

Maybe Angelo would leave and I could show Dimitri the house and coax him back to bed for a long day of claiming each other over and over again. The thought bloomed in my mind like a firework, its sparks cascading through my body and igniting a smoldering heat in my core.

I closed my eyes, imagining Dimitri's hands on my skin, his lips trailing fire across my body. My fangs itched, longing to sink into his flesh, to taste his blood on my tongue. The memory of our last intimate encounter made my breath catch in my throat.

My fingers absently traced the curve of my neck where Dimitri had last bitten me. The phantom sensation of his teeth breaking my skin made me shudder with desire. I could almost hear his voice, low and husky, whispering my name.

The sound of the shower shutting off snapped me back to reality. I blinked, realizing I'd been standing there, lost in my fantasies. My cheeks would have flushed if I'd been human.

I smoothed down my clothes, trying to compose myself. But the thought of spending the day exploring Dimitri's body instead of the house refused to leave my mind. My skin felt too tight, every nerve ending alive with want.

As I heard Dimitri moving around in the bathroom, I found myself hoping fervently that Angelo would indeed be gone. The house tour could wait. Right now, all I wanted was to lose myself in Dimitri's arms, to forget about the danger and drama, if only for a little while.

I bit my lip, picturing Dimitri emerging from the bathroom, water droplets clinging to his skin. Would he notice the hunger in my eyes? Would he feel the same urgent need coursing through his veins?

My body thrummed with anticipation as I waited for the bathroom door to open. House tour be damned. If I had my way, we wouldn't be leaving this bedroom anytime soon.