The Kyriakis Curse Read Online Free Page B

business liaison when you were off chasing your errant son. I did all this because after twenty-five years, I’d hoped you would realize my feelings and see I’d make the perfect alpha fem for you.”
    Paris spoke softly, trying to hold in his temper. “When you gave me all your help, it was very much appreciated. I didn’t realize, however, that there were strings attached.”
    Eleni had the good grace to blush, but the damage was already done. “There were no
    strings attached, Paris, but surely you must know a pack is only as strong as its leader. We have to be even more powerful now that the Council of Immortals is no longer around, thanks to those blasted vampires. I hope you’ll finally admit that the damn Grimaldis are nothing but trouble and sever your association with them.” She snorted. “I hear retaliation is in order for that lot.”
    Paris’s lips tightened. This wasn’t the first time she’d brought up his association with the Underground, an organization founded by his close friend Dante Grimaldi to eradicate the rogue threat among all the groups of immortals.
    “Even if you were the alpha bitch, you still would have no right to question who I do and don’t choose to associate with.” His patience was hanging by a thread. “Understand?”
    Eleni folded slender arms across her chest and pouted mutinously.
    Paris brought his fist down on the table, clattering the plates. “Do. You. Understand?”
    He would not let her have her way in this.
    “Yes, I do. I understand that you’re a cruel bastard, Paris Kyriakis.” Tears welled up in her slanted green eyes. “I gave you my heart; for you to just sit there and throw my feelings back in my face like this is unconscionable.” Then, to Paris’s annoyance, Eleni broke out into loud and noisy sobs.
    With an exasperated sigh, he stood and walked to where she sat. Kneeling next to her chair, Paris took her hand. “It was not my intention to upset you like this, but you must know that I can never return your feelings. It just wouldn’t be fair to you.”
    His words obviously weren’t the right ones, because she cried even harder. Paris gave up and rose; he didn’t have time for this shit. “Eleni, please. This is getting us nowhere.
    You’re an intelligent, beautiful woman and can have any man you want. You deserve a mate who’ll give you the love and respect you require.”

    16 Eve Vaughn
    Lifting her head sharply, moisture still glistening on her eyelashes, Eleni glared at him.
    “I don’t want another man; I want you. How can you be so blind?”
    Paris was at a loss at how to deal with her, so when his daughter strolled into the
    dining room with Isis Vasquez, her best friend, he’d never been happier to see them.
    “Papa, Aunt Eleni.” Persephone acknowledged them before she sat at the table with
    her usual dramatic flair. “What’s for dinner?”
    Eleni’s nostril’s flared as she scowled at her niece. “Persephone, your father and I were having a private conversation. Please leave.”
    The younger woman laughed with a toss of her dark head. “Didn’t look like much
    talking was going on when we came in. Are you still trying to get Papa to make the move from a platonic relationship to something a little... I mean a lot more romantic?”
    Eleni shot from her seat. “This is outside of enough! I will not discuss private matters in front of you, and especially with your low-bred friend sitting there.” Dark green eyes turned toward Paris. “This is exactly what I was telling you about. Your daughter has no respect for the hierarchy of our pack. I’m leaving now, but I expect an apology, Paris.” Inclining her head curtly in his direction, she ignored Persephone and Isis, then stalked out of the dining room.
    Paris knew if he let her leave angry, he’d be paying for a long time to come; Eleni’s tantrums were legendary. He gave his daughter a stern look. “We’ll talk about your rudeness later, young lady.”
    Looking