His hand slides up my thigh, a quiet challenge to anything that might try to tear us apart.
The eddies aren’t impressed. Eddy #1, the boldest little shadow, trails up my neck, curling at the base in a coil of lazy contentment. Eddy #2, cheeky as ever, slides up the back of Ezra’s hand, giving his wrist anudge-nudge, likeC’mon, do something.
Ezra huffs a quiet laugh, ignoring their blatant meddling.
His shadowy council of savage suitors coils around him, their sightless gaze unwavering. They track every movement, every breath, terrified I might disappear.
How could I not name Ezra’s fucked-up little army of handsy voidlings.
Collectively, they’re the eddies.
After Eddie Brock from theVenomcomics.
Yeah, I’m a nerd.
Whatever.
Every little shadow has its own personality, each becoming more distinct by the hour. The only thing they seem to have in common is a disturbingly sweet obsession with me.
Plus, they’re so fucking adorable.
“Have you heard from Luca yet? Are they safe?”
Ezra has a sibling. Which feels … wrong. As if the world wasn’t already maxed out at one traumatized, man-eating shadow monster.
But Astrid exists. And Luca? He sounds like the perfect salve for her battered soul.
I wonder if there are more?
“Yes, darling. They’re safe. Luca sent a message this morning. Astrid’s still healing and apparently happier since meeting me. Surprising, really, considering she broke my face. They’ve found a place in Northern Pennsylvania, so they won’t be stuck in that dreadful slaughterhouse much longer,” Ezra says, squeezing my thigh.
Eddy #3, the shy one, twitches at the motion, trailing after Ezra’s fingers before snapping back, guilty it got caught. I know seeing Iain is important, but I would much rather spend the day in bed being worshipped by Ezra.
“And Thane? When do you plan to tell him you know what he is? To find out why he’s here.”
Ezra sighs, turning to the window, probably hoping to spot Bigfoot and the Mothman making out over a table set for high tea so he doesn’t have to answer me.
His shadows twitch, something uneasy rippling through them. One coils tightly around his wrist, while another slinks toward his ribs, desperate to disappear.
“I will deal with it, little lupine. But not today.”
His voice is soft and thoughtful. And maybe a little scared.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think the ancient shadow monster is afraid of losing a friend.
“I guess I should talk to Eve, too. She deserves to know who she is,” I say, chewing on my lip.
Eddy #1 grazes my chin, obviously concerned I might hurt myself.
“When will you speak with her?” Ezra asks softly.
“I’ll deal with it, Grim. But not today,” I smirk.
Eddy #2 flicks smugly toward my chin, like he’s saying,Good girl.
Ezra chuckles softly, but his fingers tighten on my thigh. Just a little.
In the rearview mirror, Louie nods along to something loud, her headphones barely muffling the aggressive, bass-heavy song bleeding through.
