“That's all right,” Lord Jusso drawled as he slowly passed by. Instead of joining one of the groups, he made a sharp turn to stand beside me. “If you're feeling shy, you can sit with me. Or on me. My lap, I mean.”
“Oh. Uh—”
“Leave him alone,” a deep voice came from the corner to my left, a shadowy spot I hadn't noticed was inhabited.
I turned to see Lord Xaedren sitting there in an armchair. An assortment of weapons was strewn on the floor before him, and he had a sword in his hand. He was cleaning it with a cloth. I don't know how I missed him with his pale hair. But then again, Ladrin were known for their stealth.
Xaedren's indifferent gaze flashed over me, then went to Jusso. “He doesn't like Ladrin.”
“For fuck's sake,” I muttered. “I told you, I don't hate your people.”
“I didn't say you hated us.” Xaedren set his sword down and picked up a dagger. “I said you didn't like us. And I understand why. Don't get all twisted over it.”
“Why don't you like Ladrin?” Lord Jusso asked me.
“I don't dislike Ladrin.”
“Oh, wait. I remember now. Some of the Wolf Clan killed your parents. But I'm not of the Wolf Clan. I'm a fox.”
“It doesn't matter. I don't dislike any type of Ladrin.”
“But you don't like us either?” Jusso's amber eyes twinkled.
“I don't know any Ladrin well enough to have an opinion either way.”
“Maybe you should get to know one of us.” Jusso trailed a finger down my chest. “I'm sure I could convince you to form a positive opinion. Give me an hour.” He turned his hand upward to offer it to me. “What do you say? Wanna see my bedroom?”
A clang came from the corner as Xaedren dropped his dagger.
“Uh. I think I'd like to get to know you out of bed first.”
Jusso chuckled and dropped his hand. “Not tonight, Ember.” He ran his hand over his bulging crotch. “I need to get some ass. Maybe another time.” And he strode away.
I let out an annoyed huff.
“You want to get to knowJusso?” Xaedren snorted. “I'll tell you all about him in four words. He's a fucking idiot.”
I looked over at Xaedren, then mentally shrugged. Instead of going further into the room, I sat down on the chair next to him and his arsenal. Sighing, I leaned back and let my gaze wander over the other Wraith Lords. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Xaedren watching me. He picked up another dagger and started sharpening it on a small stone.
“This is the first place I've felt comfortable,” I said, keeping my stare on the room. “I like it here, and I like all of you. I just thought that maybe I could form some friendships. I've never had friends. And maybe one of those friendships could become something more.”
“You've never had friends?” Xaedren asked.
“No, not even when I was little.” I looked over at him. “I've had to keep to myself to protect my secret.”
Xaedren grunted. “I'm sorry. Sounds lonely.”
“It was.”
“You don't become friends with someone by telling them you want to get to know them.”
“Then how?”
Xaedren paused his sharpening to level a stare on me. “Shit. You have less social skills than me.”
“I can be sociable. I like people. Especially people who don't judge me,” I said pointedly.
He grunted again. “Don't we all. But you're approaching friendship like a child. You think you can walk up to someone and say, 'Hey, wanna be my friend?'”
