Ivan turned his molten-orange gaze on the king, his jaw tightening as he fought the instinct to tear the man apart for daring to speak to Evelyn that way. He held himself back only because he felt Evelyn respond first.
"And what makes you think I need your permission to decide who I choose to be with?" she replied, her voice calm, sharp, unyielding.
"You insolent girl!" Solan roared, pointing a trembling finger at her in fury. "How dare you speak back to me! Your father?!"
It was then that Ivan slowly released his hold around Evelyn, only to wrap one arm firmly around her waist and draw her to his side. When he spoke, his voice was low and quiet….yet the lethal threat laced within every syllable was unmistakable. "And what makes you think you can speak to her that way?"
His cold, molten eyes locked onto Solan, who trembled with barely contained rage.
"You stay out of this, vampire!" Solan spat.
