“I knew that’s what you’d decide. I can’t say I’m happy about it, but like I said, I’m with you no matter what. Quite frankly, I’m out of my depth with him, too.”
I wrap my arms around her soft neck and whisper, “Thank you, Lou.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m a fucking saint. Just keep it in your pants, yeah?”
“Lou, Jameson assaulted me. He nearly killed me tonight. I’m not really in the mood for a make-out session with the billion-year-old monster.”
The hellhound sneers at me. She doesn’t believe me. Do I believe me?
“Well, let’s go then, Aurora. You need to rest. You can have your little chat with the ancient twat. I’ll be outside running the perimeter. If anything happens, I’ll be close enough to tear someone apart if they try anything. Okay?”
“That makes me feel even better about my decision. Are all hellhounds as awesome as you, Lou?”
“No.”
There’s not a hint of humor in her voice as she pushes the bathroom door open and heads to the living room. When I grow up, I kind of want to be like Louie.
I give myself a few seconds, then wander out after her. Louie is curled up in front of the fireplace, while Ezra sits in my reading chair, completely absorbed in a book.
The sight of him so lost in one of my novels does something weird and fluttery to my insides.
No. Bad Aurora.
“Ezra?”
My voice drifts out quiet, careful, like it belongs to someone else.
Startling an ancient predator seems … unwise. His shadows flick at the edges of the chair, restless things that never quite settle.
“Are you well, Aurora?”
Ezra lifts his gaze, storm-grey eyes drinking me in. Not in a sexual way, though. He’s truly making sure I’m okay.
“All is well, Ezra. Thank you.”
I glance away, trying to calm the anxiety scraping against my ribs.
“Um, so I was wondering if you would consider staying here tonight. Like I told Lou, I’d feel better if both of you were here. But I understand if you have other things to do. You don’t have to feel obligated or anything. You’ve done enough.”
My face burns while I fidget with the hem of my shirt. This question felt less embarrassing a few moments ago.
“Are you sure, Aurora?” Ezra asks, his voice softer now, a careful thread of hope running just under the concern. “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable, nor do I want to upset Louie.”
He shifts in the chair, glancing at the hellhound.
“But if you truly want me here …”
His eyes meet mine again, searching … hoping. Shadows curl at his wrists, just barely held in check, waiting for permission.
“I’m very sure. Louie will keep watch outside if you’re willing to stay inside with me. Right, Lou?”
“Yeah. For some reason, Aurora wants to spend time with you alone. But for the record, I don’t trust you. And I expect you both to keep your pants on.”
“Okay, Mom,” I mumble under my breath.
I’m twenty-seven years old. If I want to drop my panties for Ezra, I’m going to fucking do it. But the overprotective hellhound doesn’t need to know that.
“Understood, Louie. I apologize for my transgression the other night. Please rest assured that it will not happen again.”
