I need you here with me, he relayed, relishing the way she responded as though she knew who he was. As though it was possible she didn’t think of him as a murderer, a male she should be scared of.
Like usual, the connection faded all too quickly, and Eclipse was left alone in his private quarters, wishing Orianna was there with him. Despite the fact he’d come during those brief moments of shared passion, his cock was still hard, still aching. It had been that way since the night he’d encountered her in that alley. Little had he known at the time, but he’d been face-to-face with hisamsouelot. The human male had called her Amber, but that had been a case of mistaken identity. The female had been none other than Orianna McKay, the elusive Amber’s younger sister and Eclipse’s life mate.
No doubt, he hadn’t made the best impression as far as first meetings went, what with killing the human and all. Most males probably opted for dinner and a movie as a means of making a first impression. Not him. Nope. He vividly remembered the shock on her face when he’d snapped that fucker’s neck, sending him into Lucifer’s waiting arms without an ounce of regret.
Well, that wasn’t true. There was some regret. If he’d had it all to do over again, he would’ve ensured she was far, far away before he’d offed the bastard who’d threatened her life. But he would do it again, of that he had no doubt.
Sliding down into the bed, Eclipse closed his eyes, willing his body to relax long enough to catch a few z’s.
Later that evening, Eclipse was sitting in the third-floor living room, staring at the television screen, and flipping the remote in his hand when Aphotic appeared out of thin air. The sight of his brother made Eclipse grin and not only because he was happy to see him.
Oh, no. It was the dusty Wranglers and the snazzy black felt hat on his head that gave him the most amusement.
“What the fuck are you wearing?”
Aphotic smirked and tugged on the brim of the hat. “You like?”
“I’m not sure I’d go that far.” He motioned toward the hat. “Perhaps we should start calling you Tex.”
“You could try,” Aphotic countered, strolling over to peer at the television. “What’re you watching?”
He glanced back at the screen and offered a one-shoulder shrug. “Avengers.”
“The new one?”
“No idea.”
Honestly, he really didn’t know because he’d spent more time staring into space than paying attention to what was happening on screen. His thoughts were stuck on the interaction he’d had with Orianna early this morning, right before he’d fallen asleep for the day.
“You should check it out,” Aphotic stated, always ready and armed to recommend the next best television show or movie. It was a wonder Aphotic got anything done for all the time he spent in front of the TV.
“Yeah. Maybe.” He clicked the remote to shut off the television. “What brings you by?”
“Obsidian summoned us.”
Ah. Right. Family meeting to discuss the status of Kaj and his daughter.
“Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask…” Eclipse got to his feet. “How’s Taayin doing?”
Aphotic frowned. “No idea. He’s not working with me right now.”
Eclipse stared blankly at his brother. “What? According to the schedule he is.”
“He was. Took off a couple of days ago. Said he was coming back here. He didn’t?”
No, he hadn’t. But that didn’t surprise Eclipse. Ever since the shit that went down with Perfidious, thelieterrahad made himself scarce. Since Asmia was here at the mansion, having moved officially into the role of Penelope’sritarro, Taayin was avoiding the place like the plague. Almost as though he blamed the Fae for what had gone down.
“They’ll figure it out,” Aphotic said, clearly reading Eclipse’s mind.
“I damn sure hope so.”
“Anyone else here yet?” Aphotic inquired.
“Not that I’ve seen.”
“Up for a beer?”
Eclipse grinned as he got to his feet. “Always.”
