The Wicked Kiss (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #2)(87)

I lay between them, listening to Shaz’ even breathing, as sleep claimed me. Even with the uncertainty and danger that had become a regular part of my life, there was nothing better than being a werewolf in love.

Chapter Twenty

“I think you were right to do it. It’s obvious that you had to do what's necessary in order to protect yourself and those you love.” Jez absently stirred her gourmet coffee with a stir stick, but her serious, green eyes were fixed on me.

Kylarai sat across from me, her eyes downcast as she picked at the apple pie on her plate. She didn’t agree with Jez or Shaz as far as the blood bond issue was concerned.

She thought it was a huge mistake.

It had been four days since I'd entered into the blood bond with Arys. Honestly, I had felt incredibly out of sorts since then. I'd learned quickly that I couldn't handle the mid-afternoon sun any longer. It burned both my skin and my eyes. The bloodlust had been my constant companion every night since. Without Arys to ease me through, I never would have succeeded without going on a murderous rampage.

He promised that the worst of it would wane and I would gain control of the many vampire tendencies that now ruled me. If I thought experiencing Arys' weaknesses before was bad, this was a whole new ball game. They were my very own vices now.

I had asked my two best friends out for dinner, wanting to share with them the decision I had made. I wanted their opinion, knowing they would each be completely honest with me about what they thought. I valued what they had to say.

“I just don’t think you should have rushed into anything, Lex,” Ky’s voice was soft, and she beamed a shy smile at me. “You altered your own death.”

Things had been better between us since I’d starting spending more time at Raoul’s.

It gave her and Julian time together without taking chances on having Shaz in the house as well. That would just get incredibly ugly.

I had barely touched the Alfredo pasta dish I’d ordered. It was the best in town, yet it wasn’t encouraging my weak appetite. “I know that. I was confused and scared. But, I can’t help but feel that it’s what I needed to do. Especially after what happened with Harley.”

“That’s just the thing,” Jez piped up again. “He won’t stop until he has you. And, it’s only a matter of time until other power hungry vamps seek you out.” She gave me a pointed look, one that Kylarai missed. I knew what she meant. Kale had already developed an attraction to my power. How many others would?

Would Harley give up once he discovered Arys had bonded me after all? Lord, how I hoped so. I felt like a weapon that I didn't know how to use, that could go off at any moment.

Kylarai reached over to pat my arm affectionately. “You know I love you no matter what you do. That’s just my opinion. I don't want to see you regretting this decision.

Regret is a hard thing to live with.”

I felt like I would have some kind of regret either way. Choosing to bond myself to Arys through blood had completed the bond we’d begun when we joined our power. My life and death would never be the same again. Yet on the flip side, it was already so beyond any semblance of normal. I couldn’t help but feel empowered in a way, knowing that Harley wanted me as badly as he did. I didn’t even really know why.

“I appreciate you both coming out tonight.” I swirled the ice in my tea and took a sip of the too sweet juice. “It feels good just to hang with the girls sometimes. I need more of this.”

“I’d say you do. I miss killing things with you. It’s not as fun with Kale.” Jez’ voice was loud enough to carry, and I blushed and hid my face when a lady at the next table stared open-mouthed at her.

“I hate having to cut and run, but I’m meeting a source that’s helping me out with a case.” Kylarai reached for her wallet, and I stopped her with a gesture.

“Forget about it. I invited you out. I’ll pick up the tab.”

“Fine, I’ll get the tip then.” She tossed down a few bills and pushed her chair back.

“Will I see you at home later or are you going to Raoul’s?”

I had to think about that. I’d been pretty much living there over the past week. “I’m not sure. I may have to come by the house to grab some more of my things. Feel free to have Julian over.”

“How’s he doing anyway?” Jez asked with interest.

Kylarai shrugged and forced a smile. “Let’s just say that his ego took the worst of it.” She rolled her eyes and to me said, “I think it’s great that you’re staying there. You need to face that part of you and find peace with it all. Let me know if you want any help redecorating.”

“Actually, now that you mention it, I do.” I grinned when her face lit up in excitement.

“Sounds great! I’ll give you a call later, and we’ll talk about it.” She stood and slung her purse over her shoulder. “It was nice seeing you again, Jez. Have a good night, you two.”

After she’d disappeared out the door, I turned to the leopard, finding her staring at me with an expectant expression. “What?”

“I have something to tell you.” She raised a brow and her ruby lips curved into a smile.

“Please don’t. I’m sure I don’t want to know.”

“Kale’s been dreaming about you. He told me. I just thought you should know.