Refugee (The Captive Series Book 3) by Erica Stevens Page A

not
opulently furnished, was appointed nicely. Aria pressed closer to
him as her horrified gaze slid over the brutal scenes of death and
violence depicted on the numerous canvases lining the walls. It was
the first time he sensed any true fright from her as she fidgeted
nervously with her hands. This was a world she didn’t understand
and probably never would.
    “Are those human?” William’s eyes were
narrowed as he stared at a shelf displaying jars full of
teeth.
    “Some,” Gideon replied flippantly.
“Others are vampire.”
    William looked horrified as his head
turned slowly toward Gideon. Aria’s lips parted, a small breath
escaped her as her hands pressed against her belly. Even though
she’d worn a hood throughout most of their journey the sun had
still caught her face and reddened her cheeks and nose. At the
moment she was deathly pale beneath her sun kissed skin.
    “Why?” she breathed.
    “Souvenirs,” Gideon answered with a
negligent shrug.
    Aria took a small step back. She looked
ready to bolt as her gaze darted wildly around the room before
landing on her brother and the jars. “Don’t look at them,” Braith
told her.
    She couldn’t seem to stop looking at
them though, as her eyes were riveted upon them. “Souvenirs of
what?” William demanded more angry than mortified.
    “Better times.”
    “Gideon,” Braith hissed.
    Gideon met his gaze head on. “This is
my home Braith, you came here. I won’t put on airs for two humans
that you’ve brought along as your food supply.” Braith bristled,
his hands fisted at his sides. Aria tugged on his shirtsleeve as
she shot him a reproving look. Gideon rested his fingertips on his
desk as he pinned Ashby with his unyielding gaze. “Some of us
didn’t exactly enjoy the war, or the outcome, right
Ash?”
    Ashby shook his head, his lip curled in
distaste. He hated to be called Ash, he always had, always would.
“Whatever you say, Giddy.”
    “Did you enjoy my gift?” Gideon
inquired, refusing to acknowledge Ashby’s dig at him. “Was she to
your liking?”
    “She was fine,” Ashby answered
absently. “How did you know where we were?”
    Gideon grinned at him, his fingers
bounced lightly on the desk as he pushed himself off of it. “I have
eyes all over these lands; a man in my position must always be
alert. So, to what do I owe the honor of the heir apparent and the
fallen brother-in-law coming into my humble town?”
    “We’ve come to gain your support,”
Braith informed him bluntly, knowing that Gideon didn’t do well
with subterfuge.
    Gideon was thoughtful, his eyes
doubtful and questioning as he frowned at Braith. For the first
time he didn’t appear even faintly amused or smug. In fact, he
seemed almost hopeful. “Support for what?”
    “To overthrow the king.”
    Gideon released a low curse; his
fingers stopped their incessant moving as he leaned forward.
“You’re serious.”
    “I am.”
    Gideon was speechless, he gawked for a
moment. Then his jaw snapped closed, his nostrils flared, and his
dark eyebrows drew sharply together as his focus became riveted
upon Aria. He came out from around the desk, striding forcefully
toward her. Braith instinctively stepped in front of her, pulling
her back as Gideon reached for her. “Don’t!” Braith snapped
slamming his hand into Gideon’s chest and knocking him back a
step.
    Ashby seized hold of Gideon’s upper arm
when Gideon lunged at Aria again. “Are you an idiot?” Ashby
demanded.
    “Let go of me,” Gideon snarled as he
shoved Ashby’s hands away.
    Braith widened his stance, bracing
himself for Gideon as the vampire spun back on them. He was
prepared to kill the man they had come to seek help from. Gideon’s
eyes were fevered as they raked Braith from head to toe. Aria’s
head popped out from around him, the hood had fallen back from her
face to reveal her cascade of auburn hair and the paleness of her
features.
    Braith was afraid to take his focus off
of Gideon for even a