Sidia stood in shock while Marcus said nothing, keeping his chokehold on Julia. She ran her hands over her neck just to confirm there was no bite mark. Julia had been so close, but Sidia’s neck was still smooth with unbroken skin.

The door to Julia’s living quarters flew open, and Severus was right behind Marcus. A group of vampires had gathered outside in the hallway, curious enough to linger but not enough to risk entering and upsetting their emperor.

“What ...