What he saw and heard shocked him. He was back in the dungeon and in chains. All expected. It meant he probably hadn’t killed anyone. But the sight of Cinn and Eric talking to each other was a kick in the gut. What was she telling Eric about him? What was Eric telling her about him? Of the two, what Eric was saying worried him the most. Eric knew what he’d done during the first few years of his rampages, before he’d decided to fake his own death and cut himself off from everyone and everything he’d ever cared about. Cinn already thought of him as a monster; she didn’t need proof that her conclusion was right.

Eric glanced at him from where he sat beside Cinn on the dungeon’s examining table. Dacian couldn’t help his sudden stab of jealousy. He didn’t want Eric anywhere near Cinn. And telling himself that he had no right to such feelings didn’t mean a thing to his primal instincts.

Eric’s casual glance sharpened. “Welcome back, Dacian. If you weren’t in chains, I’d tear your freaking head off. I’ll save that treat until you can fight back.”

Cinn turned wide eyes his way. Then she smiled. He thought he’d fight his way out of the fires of hell just to see her smile at him that way.

“Are you okay? You were only out for about an hour this time. That has to be a good sign.” She hopped off the table and came toward him.

Eric followed her and put his hand on her arm. Dacian hissed. He wanted to rip the other vampire’s arm off.

Eric looked surprised, and then he smiled knowingly. “I see.” He turned his attention back to Cinn. “Don’t get too close until we’re sure he’s completely back.”

“I’ll never be more back, asshole.” Not the best way to greet an old friend, especially one who was already pissed at you. But Dacian didn’t seem to have any common sense when Cinn was involved.

Cinn glanced up at Eric, and Dacian hated that she looked to the other vampire for guidance. At least this time he was able to keep his mouth shut.

Eric nodded. “I think it’s okay to let him loose.” He concentrated on Dacian’s chains, and they fell away.

Show-off. Dacian hated the awed expression on Cinn’s face.

Eric must’ve sensed what Dacian was feeling, because he moved away from Cinn and leaned against the iron maiden. “I brought my wife with me. After I beat your ass, maybe I’ll introduce you.”

Dacian dropped his gaze as he made a big production of rubbing his chafed wrists. He shouldn’t feel so relieved.