“Not at all,” Obsidian said, his voice reassuring. “But if he arrived without letting me know, I suspect there’s a damn good reason.”
Standing in the foyer were three of thefiestreigh—Magnar, Echo, and Cayden—armed to the teeth and awaiting their orders.
“Open the door,” Obsidian instructed.
Without hesitation, Magnar pulled open the front door, the three males leading the way outside. Obsidian followed, then Penelope, while Eclipse pulled up the rear. Once he reached the porch, Eclipse subtly moved around in front of Obsidian’sereswa,prepared to protect her should it be necessary. In a casual move, he pulled off the shades, folded the arms, and tucked them into the neck of his T-shirt for safekeeping.
Standing at the base of the steps was six feet seven inches of powerful male vampire. Kaj’s jet-black hair was a haphazard mess and in desperate need of a trim—perhaps the style—while his jaw sported a week’s worth of dark stubble, and the thick muscles of his shoulders were tense, as though he was expecting a threat and not sure he was ready for one. But those keen celadon-green eyes showed no signs of exhaustion.
Eclipse had to give the vamp credit, though. While he was the focus of an army of angels loaded for bear, he appeared unfazed, proving he had brass balls. Or a death wish.
Outside of those who resided in the mansion, Kaj, the vampire Obsidian considered his nearest and dearest friend, was likely the closest thing to family they had here on Earth. During the three hundred years Kaj had been hanging around, Eclipse had spent more than one drunken night in the male’s company, but he hadn’t heard even whispers of what Kaj was up to for the past eighteen months, ever since the vampire left the mansion after six months of recuperation.
Not for lack of trying, of course. Thefiestreighhad been attempting to get in touch with him to help with the Perfidious issue, to no avail.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Obsidian prompted, his voice stern.
The vampire smirked, light green eyes glittering with amusement. “Good to see you, too, brother.”
Eclipse kept his eyes on the female currently slipping out of the SUV. She was slight of build, despite her taller-than-average height for a female. Casting aside her posture, which spoke of defeat and despair, Eclipse knew they couldn’t rule out her abilities. When it came to vampires, it was always best to err on the side of caution.
For several breaths, Obsidian and Kaj squared off with one another until finally Obsidian laughed, all tension dissipating at the gruff sound. The two males embraced, smacking one another on the back.
While they bro-hugged it out, Eclipse slipped into Kaj’s mind in an attempt to get the lowdown, but before he could filter through a single memory, the vampire’s head turned his way, those celadon peepers igniting with light, effectively breaking the connection.
“Don’t do that again,” Kaj rumbled. “I assure you, I’m not a threat.”
Eclipse would be the one to decide that; however, he’d clearly have to take a different approach, because Kaj’s mind was closed to him, impenetrable. A new development, for sure.
“Seriously, Kaj,” Obsidian said, “what brings you here?”
“As much as I’d like to claim it’s a social visit, I’d be lying.” His eyes trailed over Obsidian, then darted to Penelope as she moved in closer to herreuthet. “But it looks like the rumors are true. I presume this is your better half?”
Eclipse remained at Penelope’s side as she moved down the steps to join Obsidian.
“Most definitely.” Obsidian’s voice rang with pride as he placed one big arm over her shoulders. “Penelope, meet Kaj Courtenay. Kaj, this is myereswa, Penelope Calazans.”
“Ereswa? I assume that’s a fancy term for life mate,” Kaj teased, offering a polite nod to Penelope. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
The vampire didn’t attempt to shake her hand, knowing full well that a mated female angel could not stand the touch of another male. That wasn’t only the case with angels, but all supernatural creatures God had created, including vampires. Considering how much infidelity the humans encountered, Eclipse often wondered why the Almighty hadn’t done the same for that race. At the very least, it would’ve shortened that list of commandments they lived by.
“Likewise,” Penelope replied with a nod, sliding her hand into Obsidian’s when he held it out for her.
“Come in,” Obsidian urged, turning to head back inside.
Kaj peered over his shoulder briefly and Eclipse followed his gaze.
The female vampire likely thought she was hidden in the shadows of the SUV, but every male there could see her clearly. Eclipse sensed her uncertainty and that innate desire to maintain a safe distance. He’d bet dollars to donuts she had an escape route picked out based on the hard glint in her eyes.
Kaj motioned her forward. When she took a step, Obsidian put his body between the newcomer and Penelope while the others took up a defensive stance, Kandarie and Torak shimmering into existence on the other side of the unknown female. Eclipse remained on Penelope’s right, his hand resting on the hilt of the half-moon blade sheathed on his side.
“Stand down, angels. She’s not a threat,” Kaj said, his voice low and even. “Bijou, I’d like you to meet Obsidian. Obsidian, meet my daughter, Bijou Courtenay.”
Eclipse wasn’t the only one doing the wholewhat the fuck?Behind his dark lenses, Obsidian’s eyes widened, and knowing him, he was racking his brain in an attempt to figure out when Kaj had mentioned he had an offspring.
Obsidian nodded in Bijou’s direction, his furrowed brow telling Eclipse he was surprised as well. “Pleasure.”
She offered a shy smile, eyes lowering respectfully.
