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Orion’s sweet cologne tickled my senses. I breathed in enjoying the scent of his skin. My eyes fluttered open ... the room was dark. It took me a moment to realize we were in Henry’s bed. The heavy curtains were drawn, blocking out the light.
Someone’s warm breath tickled my belly, and I realized Kane was wrapped around my waist. Jameson was on the same side, but he was higher up on the bed. Orion was clinging to my other side, and Bear was on the other side of him. Somehow, they managed to fit all five of us in Henry’s bed comfortably.
My thoughts drifted to everything that had occurred in the last twenty-four hours. I agreed to be an executioner, Cassius told me I was fooling myself, I executed a vampire, and I added two more men to my ever-growing list of lovers. Truthfully, I just wanted a distraction, and they were it.
I managed to wiggle free of the man pile. I left Henry’s room and walked to my room. I took a quick shower, then I put my robe on. I needed coffee and time to think. It was about one in the afternoon, so they probably wouldn’t be awake for a while.
I hesitated on the stairs when I smelled coffee already brewing. I continued down the stairs, then crossed the foyer to the peek out the window. I sighed when I saw Henry’s truck parked next to my car. I resigned myself to the fact that he was here to torment me and continued on to the kitchen.
Henry was seated at the small table. He glanced up briefly as I walked to the cupboard to retrieve a cup. “You’re going to have to buy a bigger bed if you intend to keep adding to your collection of men.” There was no anger or jealousy in his voice like I expected; he was simply making a comment.
I sighed as I poured myself a cup of coffee. “They’re like strays ... feed them once and they don’t seem to want to go away.”
He laughed softly, shaking his head. “Is that so?”
I smiled as I turned toward him and leaned against the counter. “They aren’t so bad to have around.” I took a sip of my coffee as I watched him. I was waiting for his wrath, but it didn’t seem to be coming, which was strange.
He sighed as he turned his attention back to the file in front of him. “Well, your strays need to at least stay out of my bed; otherwise, I have to sleep in the spare room.”
I straightened, placing my cup on the counter, trying not to get too excited by his comment. “You’re coming home?”
He shifted his gaze to me. “I’m already here.”
I crossed the room nearly at a run and threw myself into his arms. He laughed as he hugged me tightly. Tears spilled down my cheeks and sobs wracked my body. “Don’t ever leave me like that again,” I whispered as I choked back more sobs.
He buried his face in my neck as he held me tighter. “Don’t cry, Dorian ... please don’t cry.” His voice was choked like he was trying to keep from crying himself.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to stifle the tears. “I killed Fredrick, Henry. I killed him, and I didn’t feel bad about it. What if I’m a monster like him?”
“You’re not a monster, Dorian. Fredrick had to die. You did what was needed to keep everyone safe,” he said gently.
“But I didn’t feel any remorse ... I didn’t feel anything,” I whispered.
“You just don’t understand what you felt, Dorian. Taking a life is difficult, even when it has to be done.” He was still cradling me against his chest, holding me tightly.
I was hoping he was right. Maybe I just didn’t understand what I felt. I was so overwhelmed by everything that had happened my emotions were a wreck. I could barely think straight let alone understand what I was feeling. I didn’t realize how much I needed Henry until that moment. I stayed buried in his arms, clinging to his body. Slowly, my tears ebbed, and I began to relax. Henry seemed completely content holding me.
I wasn’t sure how much time passed, but the doorbell ringing pulled me from the trance I was in. I slipped out of his lap. “I’ll get it.”
Henry scoffed. “I wouldn’t bother. Probably a salesman.” He turned his attention to the file in front of him.
I knew he was probably right, but I wanted to make sure. I went to the door and opened it, hesitating when my eyes met cornflower blue eyes. His black hair fell in thick waves around his shoulders, framing his pale face. A small gasp escaped my lips when his energy washed over me. His skin had the same luminescent quality mine did. He had the same prominent markers of my race ... he was a pureblood elf who still had his light.
He closed the space between us, pushing the door open as he did. His eyes remained locked with mine as I looked up at him. He reached out, caressing my cheek. My eyes fluttered shut as his energy washed over me in cool waves. He felt familiar ... like I’d known him all my life.
“I have finally found you, Aralia.” He spoke in Elvish; his voice caressed me, feeling like silk brushing my skin. His lips met mine, and I felt like he was touching every nerve ending with his power.
“What is taking you so long, Dorian?” Henry’s voice and approaching footsteps made the stranger pull away.
I looked back just as Henry entered the foyer. He froze, his eyes locked on the newcomer.
The man met Henry’s gaze head on, and anger contorted his perfect features. “Traitor!” He spat in Elvish, moving past me as if he were going to attack Henry.
I caught his hand, stopping his advance. I looked from him to Henry. “What the hell is going on, Henry?” I didn’t realize it until that moment, but I was breathless.
Henry’s jaw clenched as he held my gaze. “Dorian this is Davian ... he is your mate.”
I hesitated, waiting for Henry to crack a smile and tell me he was joking, but the smile never came. I shifted my gaze back to Davian, but his eyes were locked on Henry. It was obvious he was furious with Henry, and I had a feeling Henry knew why ... he just failed to mention it to me. In fact, I was starting to get the feeling that Henry forgot to mention quite a bit.
Book 3 coming soon!
