“I get more than a small taste,” I reply quickly. It’s not jealousy that makes me say the words, it’s more of a need to claim him as my own, and it’s a completely new development.
Modeus leans back far enough so I can see his vivid blue eyes. The curl of his lips would suggest smugness, but there’s also something soft in his gaze. “That’s right—you get all of me.”
My fingers tighten on his side in another show of possession. This is going to take some getting used to. I drop my hand and take a step away from Modeus, mostly to prove that I can and to make sure that I’m going to be able to focus on something other than him—namely, the shit I need to deal with at the club.
“You think Thana is a snake, and I want a better explanation as to why Reaper waited so long to tell me Harlow was MIA,” I state. “Let’s go see what kind of answers we can pry out of them.”
Modeus invades my space again. I have a feeling he knows exactly why I put some distance between us but doesn’t care. “Where you lead, I will follow,” he says, stopping just shy of touching me.
“What if I didn’t want to lead? The club I mean,” I clarify hurriedly.
Modeus searches my eyes. “That changes nothing here or there. I’m with you.”
“Harlow would be pissed.” I try to keep my voice light and joking, but there’s too much truth in my words.
“Are you sure it’s him you’re worried about upsetting?” Modeus questions.
I look over his shoulder instead of meeting his eyes, because he’s partly right—I would be disappointed in myself too. “It’s irrelevant anyway. I have two weeks before I can do anything, and I’m not going anywhere until I find out exactly what happened to Harlow.”
CHAPTER8
Egan
Bad news tendsto travel fast, and I’ve been hearing whispers about Harlow’s disappearance for days.
Normally, something this insignificant wouldn’t be worthy of a second thought, but for some reason, the murmurs seem to follow me everywhere I go, and with every utterance, I feel a tug to know more. I almost forgot what it felt like to be curious, and for that novelty in itself, I give into the urge to know more.
The Obsidian Angels’ territory encompasses the entire Southeast, from the coastline to the mountains. I haven’t been here in ages, but the lush greenery and damp soil remind me why I used to like it, back when such things mattered.
My bare foot touches down on the asphalt, and although the sun has long been set, the heat the black road absorbed is still evident, warming my skin.
A flock of white birds erupts from the forest to the west of the road, escaping to the sky after sensing my presence, not that it would save them or anyone else.
I tuck my massive black wings behind me and walk down the center of the road, heading toward the only thing I’ve actually felt in ages.
Lore
Motorcycles are once again linedup near the square and in front of the clubhouse. I can’t believe how much has changed in twenty-four hours, but everything looks the same.
Modeus parks his bike next to mine and comes to my side. As much as I like having the massive demon around, I don’t want to appear weak. I probably should have talked to him about personal space when we were alone. The fact that was even a thought is mind-boggling. I’m actually worried about hurting his feelings. I’m so fucked.
“What position do you want?” I blurt out.
Modeus doesn’t skip a beat. “Whichever gives you the most satisfaction.”
“I mean in my inner circle. Assuming I’ll have one.” I probably should have clarified that. Is everything always going to have a sexual undercurrent? Not that I’m complaining.
“I need more information before I can answer that with any certainty. Who do you trust? What are their strengths and weaknesses?”
I can’t decide whether I’m surprised or not that he didn’t just jump to be the VP, second-in-command. “What are your strengths besides…” I lift my hand and gesture to his body. If I had the capability to blush, I might, but only because I’m getting hot thinking about what I know he has to offer.
“I would die for you,” he says while staring into my eyes. “I’m a strong fighter and good with a blade, but there are others who are better, my brother Satan for example, but his wrath makes him unpredictable.”
I’m turned on by his honesty and the fact that it’s clear he’s willing to do what’s best for me, even if that’s admitting there would be someone better to protect me in a battle, but that’s not what scares me. What frightens me is the feeling in my chest—the warmth that doesn’t have anything to do with wanting to strip his clothes off and ride him for hours.
“Noted,” I reply with a thick voice. “Your loyalty means more than your prowess with a blade,” I tell him, even though it makes me uncomfortable to admit it.
“I just want to ensure your safety,” Modeus continues.
