His grin spread. “You aren’t normal, and neither am I.”
Before I could argue, his expression shifted. Sharpened. Deepened. His focus slid to me like a velvet blade. “You know, it has been many ages since I courted anyone. I worried the rituals would not translate.” He leaned in, shadows curling around us like curious eels. “But I realize now I need not fear. You are already drawn to me.”
I blinked, then snorted. “I’m drawn to the sandwiches. They’re divine.” But they were no blueberry pancakes.
“So am I.” His breath whispered across my ear and skimmed my throat, but he was still on the other side of the blanket. My pulse jumped, and a wicked, knowing grin curled his lips. “Your soul stirs with an ancient pull. Death calls to death.”
“It does not stir,” I hissed. “I’m hungry and a little stiff from the ride.”
He chuckled. “You may tell yourself such things, but I assure you, I can seduce any mortal—or immortal—I desire.” His shadows pulsed outward like a heartbeat. “Even one with a mate.”
And there it was. The test. The godly gauntlet.
I wiped my fingers with the cloth napkin embroidered with delicate silver skulls. “Donn, you’re ancient, handsome, powerful, and utterly confusing. You probably could seduce anyone you set your mind to.” He brightened. “But you can’t break the bond between me and Hudson.”
His smile flickered, just for a heartbeat. He tilted his head. “You are certain.”
“Absolutely. The only thing that can break it is if one of us chooses to, and neither of us will.”
The air tightened, not with threat, but with consideration. A god measuring truth.
Donn leaned back on one hand, shadows curling lazily behind him. “Good.”
I blinked. “Good?”
“Yes,” he said, amused. “A challenge is far more interesting than an inevitability.”
I groaned. “That is not the take away.”
“It is mine.”
A boom echoed through the cemetery. Thunder? A ward snapping? A distant roar of fury surrounded us.
Donn smiled wickedly. “Ah. The mate has noticed.”
“Oh, holy hell,” I breathed.
Indigo purred.“This is going to be delicious.”
Donn smiled like Christmas had arrived early. “He is spirited.”
“He is livid and lethal,” I countered, sensing the nightlife already hunkering down in preparation of violence.
“And I’m hungry,”Indigo whined.
“Get in line,” I muttered, as Hudson’s fury rolled closer like a gathering storm. Donn’s shadows shivered in anticipation.
Fantastic. Dinner and a show.
I had a horrible suspicion I was the snack.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Some nights you face destiny. Some nights you just try not to hit a bat.
Irose, and Donn followed with a sharp smile.
“I take it you’re hiding our liaison from your mate?”
