“No, nothing like that. They just found common ground.”
“Common ground? You mean your asshole?”
I nearly snorted my coffee.
Nex laughed again. “Oh, I'm sorry, they probably made good use of your mouth too.”
“I'd tell you to fuck off, but you're right.”
“Oh, kid. I'm always right.” He grinned, showing me the tips of his Tytra fangs. “So, where are your happy lovers this morning?”
“I don't know.” I frowned and glanced toward the door. “I went to the bathroom and came out to find them gone.”
“That's odd.”
“Yeah.” I ate a few bites of food, then my mind circled back to something he'd said. “Hold on, what did you mean by ourfirstaddition?”
“What do you mean, what do I mean? He's the first one you added to your elite Goddess group.”
“First,” I whispered. “I have to add more?!”
“Isn't that what the Emperor said?” Nex frowned at me.
“He wasn't exactly clear.” I crumpled. “I guess I was so relieved that things went well with Rath that I hadn't thought of . . .”
“It going well with another man?” Nex offered. “I'd make a play for you, just to see what it's like with three-on-one, but I'm not good with sharing.” He winked at me. “Sorry, kid.”
I made a face at him.
“I know,” he said dramatically and flicked a long, golden lock over his thick shoulder. “It's a tough blow, but you'll get over it, eventually. You've got two lovers to help you through your heartbreak. And soon, maybe more.” He glanced at the Lords at the other end of the table. “So, who's next? Who you got your eye on, huh? You can tell Nex.”
“I . . . I can't.”
“Sure you can. Just whisper it.”
“No, I mean I can't take another lover.”
Nex sighed. “Here we go again.”
“Hey!”
“Hey yourself.” Nex pointed his fork at me. “You've got an awesome opportunity, kid. The Goddess herself has decreed that you need to collect Wraith Lords and make them into superwraiths with your magical asshole. You could have any man in this place.” He pursed his lips and amended it with, “Well,almostany man. You know, except for the straights and me. I'm already super.”
“Magical asshole?”
“That's all you got from that?” He lifted a winged brow at me.
“It kinda stuck out.”
“Your magical asshole sticks out?” Nex made a face. “Sounds like you got rode too hard. You gotta be more careful, kid. You're mortal. That could do permanent damage.”
“You know that's not what I meant.”
He rolled his eyes. “Didn't you hear what I said? You can have whoever you want. Start making a list. Look around. See who else you like. It doesn't have to be today, but when you do decide, all you have to do is crook your finger, and they'll come running.”
“To get supercharged,” I said. “Or do their duty to the Goddess.”
Nex made an annoyed sound. “So what? They know you have to love them before you give up the magic goods, so they'll be working their asses off to make that happen. That should be a dream come true for someone like you.”
