Reclaimed (Shadow Beast Shifters, #2)(18)

Lucien flashed his signature grin, the tapered points of his fangs barely visible. I knew those babies could extend when he fed or fueled up his power, but in normal times like this, they just looked like slightly sharper teeth.

Simone all but launched herself at him. “Are you a vampire?” she asked, exuberant in a way that might get her killed here if she didn’t learn to control it. “Why didn’t you show me those babies when we were in Torma? I’m a massive Twihard. Pretty sure I’m the perfect woman for you.”

Thankfully, Lucien, the master vampire who didn’t glitter in the sun, took her enthusiasm in his stride. “Once again,” he murmured, “I’m coming to the conclusion that humans are my new favorite beings in the Solaris System.” He all but ate up my gorgeous friend with his darker than normal green eyes, leaving Simone on the edge of panting.

Pushing between them, I forced the eye contact to break. Lucien glanced down and smiled at me. “Have a nice journey, ma petite.”

I jabbed him in the chest. “Listen up, smooth talker. While I do love the way you all use your Earth knowledge in conversation—it makes me feel right at home, despite French not being my native language—I’m only going to tell you this once… If a single hair on Simone’s head is damaged when I return, I will put a stake through your heart, laugh out loud, and then shove one through your dick as well.”

He blinked about a billion times before he slowly turned to Shadow. “Your woman is scary, brother. She’s going to laugh out loud as she stabs me.”

Simone looked like she was trying not to laugh herself, and I couldn’t see Shadow’s expression, but he did snake his arm out and pull me away from his friend, positioning me behind him almost… protectively.

“Heed her words,” was all he said to Lucien, and I had a brief heart-stopping moment where I wondered why he didn’t correct the “your woman” comment.

Lucien clenched his fist and dropped it on his chest. “I will protect Simone of the shifters with all I have. If I’m alive, she will be alive. That’s a promise I make, as a Master Vampire of Valdor.”

Simone looked a little like she was going to hyperventilate. Her interest in Lucien was concerning, since she had been known to get herself in over her head fast, and I wouldn’t be here to reel her back. I just had to hope we wouldn’t be gone too long, and in that time, Lucien would keep his promise.

And his dick to himself.

Midnight wrapped around me, comforting me near instantly just from its touch. I finally understood why Inky often drifted around Shadow. The bond between mist and person was one that offered much.

“Thank you,” I told Midnight out loud, still not comfortable with a mental connection. I wondered if it could read my thoughts anyway, but so far, I had no indication it could.

“Will you stay here and protect Simone?” I asked my mist.

Midnight reared up, and I knew I’d actually taken it by surprise. I was somewhat surprised myself, having said that without really thinking it through. The desire to keep my friend safe was the strongest I had.

I need to be in Shadow Realm with you.

I shook my head. “I’ll have Shadow, Angel, and Inky. Simone needs you.”

Midnight’s reluctance was strong, burning through our bond.

“Who is she talking to?” Simone whispered, no doubt concerned for my mental health.

Lucien answered her. “The black smoke entity is bonded to her.”

Simone just nodded. “Sure, I mean, makes sense.”

Midnight settled in somewhere near my shoulder, and I could feel a sense of resignation filter through our bond.

I’ll sense if you’re in trouble, it reminded me, and my palm tingled. So I will stay, for now, but if anything happens, I’ll come for you.

That was the best I’d get. “Thank you.”

Midnight swelled again, getting a little too close to Shadow. Inky zoomed in, putting itself between Shadow and me. It didn’t want its master to touch Midnight.

Shadow waved Inky away. “Unnecessary, old friend,” he said.

Before the battle of the smoke blobs could commence, Angel strode into view, and she was in warrior mode. In all honesty, this mode was my favorite, with her gold and bronze molded armor, multiple weapons, and don’t-fuck-with-me expression. Her wings were widespread, and anybody or thing standing nearby got the fuck out of her way in an instant.

“Holy damn hotness,” Simone whispered. “I choose her.”

It was no secret that my bestie liked to play both fields—she often said she didn’t love parts she loved hearts. In my experience, she was a sucker for super-hot beings in any form, and she was definitely going to have fun in this library, with the multitude of unique, beautiful, and powerful beings who visited.

“This is Angel,” I said when she reached us, her energy doing its typical thing of slamming everyone in the face. It didn’t burn like Shadow’s; instead, it felt like a warm summer breeze, powerful and enticing.

“This is your friend?” Simone gasped. “Are you only allowed to have hot friends here? Is that, like, a requirement?”

Lucien grinned broadly before he hastily hid the smile when I narrowed my eyes on him.

“Yeah, they’re definitely blessed in the genetics department. Especially Angel.” I stated the obvious. “And it’s not just her beautiful face, but she’s beyond powerful and badass, and I want to be her when I grow up.”