“I don't have a problem with it. They are just bodies. What you do with them is natural. Well, mostly. What Death does with them is unnatural.”
“Right,” I whispered. “Death.”
“Sorry. Did I ruin the mood?” she drawled.
“No. It was already ruined by Vexen's cousin.”
“Ah, yes. Rahu. Very handsome. Straight as well. Maybe I should share my tips with him.”
I chuckled, imagining Rahu's shock to hear a disembodied voice telling him how to fuck. “I think that's a fabulous idea. Why don't you go down there and talk to him right now?”
“You have a devious tone to your voice.”
“Do I?” I headed into the hallway and then downstairs.
“Yes. I like it. It's sexy.”
I shook my head as I left the stairwell and went into the main living space where Vex was sitting with Rahu, each with a steaming mug in their hands. Vex waved at the cushion beside him on the couch, then at a third mug on the low table before him. The scent of coffee wafted to me.
“I made coffee,” Vex said.
“Thank you.” I sat down next to him and took the mug. I sipped. The coffee was mixed with the perfect amount of cream and sugar.
“Congratulations on your mating,” Rahu said to me.
I sputtered into the coffee. After swallowing and clearing my throat, I warily said, “Thank you.”
“Our introduction was not ideal,” Rahu went on. “I'm sorry for that. Vexen has explained things to me, and I've had some time to think about it. I've also discussed you and your relationship with the clan.”
“With the clan?” I asked. “I see. And what did they say?”
“That's why he's here,” Vexen said. He rubbed the back of his neck, his hand sliding beneath the heavy fall of his hair. “They want to, uh, test you.”
“Test me for what?”
“For worthiness,” Rahu said.
“Worthiness?” I made a sardonic sound. “Right. So, you're good with me as long as I pass some kind of test?”
“You didn't tell him?” Rahu looked at Vex.
“Very few of them know. It wasn't necessary,” Vexen said.
“I understand. But you mated him. He needs to know. You should have told him before the mating.”
“Um, should have told me what?” I asked. “This is starting to worry me.”
“Ember, I am a wraith lord above all else,” Vexen said.
Rahu made a scoffing sound.
I frowned at him, then at Vex. “Uh-huh. But it sounds as if you're more. So, what are you that has your cousin getting into a fit?”
Vexen grimaced then said, “I'm the Chief's son. His only heir.”
“All right.” I sipped my coffee.
“All right?” he repeated with lifted brows.
