The Wicked Kiss (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #2)(45)

A pained expression crossed Arys’ face. Shaz stood motionless, patient but irritated.

The dark vampire eyed me, a questioning stare on his handsome face.

“Did he bite you?”

“No. He left because he was afraid he would go too far.” I swallowed hard and watched the pain flicker through Arys. “He doesn’t want to do that … yet. He clearly has other plans for me. But, his biggest concern was you. He doesn’t want to share.”

The rage that filled Arys then oozed throughout the room as his energy burned hot with anger. “That infuriating mother f**ker,” he swore, pacing the length of the kitchen.

“How dare he think that I belong to him after all of these years?” A sound not so far off from a growl rumbled in his throat, and my eyes widened.

The look on Shaz’ face said everything that he was thinking. When Arys’ back was turned to him, he made a dramatic show of rolling his eyes. I frowned and shook my head once.

“Look, I won’t be letting him catch me alone like that again. Let’s all just relax and think this through coherently.” I went to Arys, grasping his forearm, forcing him to look at me. I went stone cold when he shrugged me off. I took a step back, slightly hurt but incredibly confused.

Shaz cleared his throat from behind me. His tone was firm when he spoke. “You clearly have issues of your own with Harley, and I think that needs to be addressed.” He didn’t flinch when Arys turned his icy stare on him. “I’m just saying that this isn’t personal, this is about doing what it takes to keep Lex safe. And, if that means never leaving her side, I will do it. You have to do your part.”

The two of them faced off, and my heart began to race. Arys’ energy steadily increased until it began to hurt. I had no way of shielding against it. It was literally inside me as much as it was around me. Shaz appeared uncomfortable but otherwise could not feel it. Not the way I could.

“Watch yourself, wolf. I won’t be cowed by you. Not now, not ever. I can deal with Harley … and I will.”

“I didn’t come here to go for a second round with you, Arys.” Shaz’ voice rose as his usual cool self began to grow hot-tempered. “Just cool it. Is it really so impossible for us to be civil? If anyone should be acting like the jealous boyfriend, it’s me.”

My guts twisted at Shaz’ words, and I had to fight the grimace from my face. I tensed, waiting for the snarky response from Arys that I knew was coming. He surprised me.

“You’re right in that regard,” he relented. “But, both of you need to realize how great a danger Harley is. And, I won’t be bullied into handling it any way other than my own.”

He raised an eyebrow, giving Shaz the opportunity to dispute him.

I knew how dangerous Harley was, and I did not intend to let him get that close to me again. Shaz seemed to contemplate Arys, the two of them staring at each other as if I wasn’t there. If they did fight, I was walking out and leaving them to it.

“Fine.” Shaz tilted his white-blonde head in a slight nod. “Do whatever you need to do. In the meantime, I will do what I need to do.”

Neither of them said another word. From the way Arys’ jaw was clenching, I knew he wasn’t happy. Clearing my throat, I made them both look from each other to me.

“And, if you both choose to pretend that I am not at the center of all this, I will be smacking your heads together.” I put my hands on my hips and mustered my best “take no shit” expression.

Shaz held his hands up in a sign of surrender and flashed me his spine-melting grin.

Arys made a noise of disgust and muttered, “Dramatic.” I beamed a smile at him, hoping to enrage him just a little.

“I’m going to take off to work. Will you come by later?” Shaz came forward to slip his arms around my waist, kissing me quickly. “If you don’t, I’m coming to your place right after.”

I couldn’t help but sneak a glance at the vampire who glared at the floor. His energy was beginning to simmer down, but it didn’t cool completely. I returned Shaz’ embrace, following when he made his way back to the door.

“I might come by tonight. If Kylarai is out, I’m not sure I will be up for staying home alone.” I shrugged, embarrassed at the admittance of fear. It felt so unnatural to feel it on this level. Harley had awakened a side of me that had long been dormant, and it pissed me off.

He hugged me to him once more; my scent lingered on him, mixing with his to make a delectable wolf scent. He pressed a warm kiss to my temple before turning to go. “I love you, babe.”

I gave him a small smile, keenly aware of the weight of Arys’ eyes on my back. “I love you, too. Don’t worry about me, ok?”

“Impossible.” Shaz pushed the door open, never once looking back at the vampire.

“I’ll see you later.”

When his blue Cobalt pulled away from where he’d parked near my car, I closed the door and turned back to face Arys. He didn’t look any happier.

“Thank you,” I said, approaching him slowly. “You know, for not getting into it with Shaz.”

He sighed and pulled me into his arms. “Only for you.” He sniffed lightly and wrinkled his nose in distaste. “You reek like him.”

I frowned but let it slide. I couldn’t be drawn into the testosterone war between the two of them. Whether Arys liked it or not, he had been the one that pushed me into Shaz’