I’m entranced, and she hasn’t even opened her mouth. Her legs are long, covered in tight leather, and she wears a simple shirt and vest adorned with her colors and patches. Her shoulders are wider than most females’ are, built to accommodate the muscles needed for her wings. I allow my gaze to slip up to her face.
Her bright eyes steal my breath and my attention. I knew what she was the moment I scented her, but this is more confirmation that I’ve been blessed with the last female of my species as my mate—Harlow’s daughter, the President of the Obsidian Angels.
She’s nothing like the girl I expected from listening to my old friend. I was still young myself the first time he spoke of her. I suppose I never allowed for the passage of time when thinking of her, because she’s certainly not the child I imagined.
“It’s okay, Egan.” I hear the words clearly, though they were spoken quietly, as I stride over to her. Falling to my knees wasn’t even intentional, but that’s where I find myself as I slice my palm and pledge myself to her in any way she’ll take me.
With no hesitation, she retrieves a blade from her back and scores her hand, then joins it with mine. The moment our blood mingles, a connection is formed, though it’s not just because she accepted me into her club. The exchange goes much further than that—she accepted me as one of her mates.
“We have some things we need to discuss.” She tugs my hand, urging me to rise and follow her.
The high demon at her side brushes his lips over the skin on her hand. I want to touch her like he does without holding anything back. I want to memorize every inch of her skin in both forms with my lips and tongue. My dick is hard as I watch him touch her, and when she reaches for his face and smacks a kiss on his lips, I think I could come in my riding gear.
The fallen at her side retracts his wings, extinguishing the hellfire that still singes the air, and follows her through a door.
Harlow’s scent still lingers in his office, even though hers is much stronger. Egan, I believe she addressed him as, stays near her side.
“You knew my… Harlow.” It’s a statement, not a question, but her voice contorts with pain when she says his name.
“I did. He didn’t give up.” I’m adamant about this. The pressing need to get here seems to be for a different purpose than I originally assumed, but it’s still important she knows the truth.
“I know, but thank you for seeing that. You don’t have any idea who could have been behind this, do you?” Her head tilts to the side, and a curtain of plum hair slips over her shoulder, mesmerizing me.
“Not yet, but I will kill them when I find out.” My voice is low and menacing.
A ghost of a smile curls her lips. “You’ll have to wait in line. I’m Lorelei or Lore, either works for me.”
Mineechoes in my head, but I manage to keep the word from slipping past my lips, for now.
Lore
I allow myself a little solace,knowing there won’t be another big surprise tomorrow. I’m as confident as I’ve ever been now that we are complete. Cyrus’ presence adds a new dynamic to the group, just when I thought we were getting a handle on our bonds, although it’s probably for the best that he’s with us now so we can all get to know each other together.
Gargoyles are protective by nature—it’s why we were created.
I should fill him in on what we know while I have the chance. He wears the weariness of his journey well, but he has to be exhausted, not to mention I’m guessing he’s older than me, which means he’ll need to recharge and get acclimated to our home.
“We believe a witch is involved, and possibly the old sergeant, a vampire.”
“Thana?” Cyrus’ thick blond brows dip low as his forehead furrows.
“You know her as well then?” I cross my arms over my chest. I’m not certain about her involvement, but I don’t want him fighting for her innocence either.
“We’ve met,” he admits. I wait to see if he has anything else to add, but he remains quiet, not divulging anything about how well they know each other or how he feels about her. “You’ve replaced her. Is she dead?”
“Not yet,” I rumble.
“Good.” He nods solemnly.
“Why is thatgood?” He doesn’t know me well enough to recognize that I’m getting pissed off, but you’d think he could read my tone and mannerisms.
“If she’s dead, we can’t pull the answers from her. There is a hellhound that owes me a favor though,” he replies as if he’s trying to say it’s okay if she’s dead, we’ll still find a way to get what we need anyway. I like that. “What makes you think she was involved? Harlow seemed to trust her. What of Adder?”
“She didn’t react when he could have attacked me.” I swat Egan’s arm with the back of my fingers. It’s easy, since he’s standing so close. “Who’s Adder?”
“Attack you?” Cyrus repeats, ignoring my question as his skin shifts to stone. He’s wasting energy.
I lift my palm to stop his progress when he makes a move to come forward. Egan just stands his ground, unfazed, though I suspect these two could really do some damage to each other.
