Chapter 3
Ezra
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Igrab my cart andstart going through the aisles, splurging for once and really stocking up the house. Since the triplets never accept my money for rent, I usually just run around paying the utilities and such before they can get there, much to their annoyance, or getting them things they’re sorely in need of. New clothes or something nice they’d never buy themselves. They’ve spent their entire lives going without for us, so it’s the least I can do.
I reach the end of the aisle at the same time as someone else about to pass it, t-boning and crashing into their cart. A few things fall, but mostly it’s just loud.
“Fuck, I’m sorry,” I apologize, snatching things off the ground and dividing up what’s his or mine.
“You’re a girl.”
I look up at that, because honestly, it’s a weird way to start a conversation. Even if I don’t know the names of every Tom, Dick, and Harry, people know mine just by reputation alone. Not only from the fact I’m the only woman in the vicinity, but that I’m the only one to ever run the gauntlets, and they’re televised throughout the city.
“Brilliant observation. I’m also a scorpio and have red hair,” I retort sarcastically.
He has auburn hair, leaning closer to brown, that’s in need of a trim. His black t-shirt is stretched tight across his chest above dark jeans, but it’s his eyes that captivate me. A deep red like I’ve never seen before, as if his entire world is tainted through a filter of blood. He looks the very part of a demon and radiates a quiet menace that any sane person would listen to. Instead, I find myself drawn to it, wanting to see if he’s as lethal as he comes off.
The corner of his lips twitches. “And like long walks on the beach at sunset?” he teases.
I scoff. “Only if the beach is made of quicksand.”
He grins, extending his hand. “Vyrian.”
“Ezra.”
I shake his hand, but let go as soon as I see some familiar faces in the aisles. Last thing I want is for my brothers to be called away twice in one day.
“So what brings you to Hadeon?”
His smile falls. “It was time for a change.”
I’ve never been one to be tactful. I lean my elbow on my cart handle, resting my chin in my hand. “Kill a king and need to flee your lands?”
His smile returns as he shakes his head. “Nothing nearly as interesting as that. But after you’ve spent enough time in a town, you’ve seen it all. Life’s too short to sit still and wait for things to fall into your lap.”
I roll my eyes. “Like a mate?”
He doesn’t have the decency to look chagrined. “Can’t say that wouldn’t be nice, but I’ve long since given up on that prospect.” I try not to look intrigued. “Though I am looking for something to add to my collection. I hear great things about the blacksmiths in this town and want to commission a project.”
I stand to my full height, beginning to walk through the aisles again and finishing the shopping while we talk. “What sort of project?”
