“Sire,” he said, waiting until Raphael acknowledged him with a short nod before taking the seat to Raphael’s right. He nodded a greeting to Juro, who remained standing at Raphael’s left. The big security chief returned the greeting in kind, his expression registering no visible emotion. “Your mate doesn’t trust me,” Jared observed. “She doesn’t know you,” Raphael responded. “My Cyn is very protective, and she doesn’t trust easily.” “I’ve heard stories about her,” Jared said. He hurried to explain when Raphael gave him a cool stare. “High praise, my lord. And more than a little fear. The rumors concern recent events in Seattle, and before that, Arizona. I still have excellent contacts there.” Raphael relaxed a little and smiled ruefully. “I’ve heard the same rumors, Jared. And I’m afraid they’re all true. She has the heart of a warrior.” He sighed and changed the subject to one he was more willing to discuss. He knew his vampires gossiped; he knew they gossiped about him and, by extension, about Cyn.
