“How long is a piece of string?”

  He chuckled. “As long as I need it to be.”

  She snorted. “Am I healed?”

  “You are.”

  “Is there somewhere for me to sleep?”

  He nodded and walked her away from his study, down the hall, and to his bedroom. He ushered her in with a hand on her lower back, and she sighed and looked at the bed. The sheets were clean and neat, so she felt it was safe to move her sweatshirt into a long tee and climb into bed. Being stabbed really took it out of her.

  * * * *

  Kremoryn leaned against his door and exhaled. Finally. She was finally here. Now he just had to line up a third because of the energy radiating off her. She was going to burn him out, and he couldn’t be more pleased. He thought about Reymark’s quad and considered it. One for raw attraction, one for dark impulses, and one who was steady as a rock. He believed that he could qualify for raw attraction and dark impulses, but now he needed someone for stability whom she would still be willing to fuck.

  He had calls to make.

  Chapter Five

  Amy sat on the block near Hura’s home and tried again to contact her friend. Finally, she walked to the caution tape and tried to see what was going on. Men were being handcuffed, and they were marked with burns. So, Hura had been at work.

  A booming voice called out, “Amy!”

  Emmers walked toward her, lifted the tape, and brought her inside. “Why are you here?”

  She pointed. “Uh, my friend’s house. Hura. Is she okay?”

  “She’s been taken off by the king of the shadow monsters, so either she is having a good time, or he is having a very bad one.” He smiled. “So, I have been talking to my grandmother, and she would like to meet you.”

  “Why?”

  He tapped her nose. “She can find a clan to sponsor you, outside of your area. If that is done, you can have a full giant courtship if you want. If you don’t want that, my grandmother would still like to ask you to accept my courtship.”

  Amy stared. “What?”

  “My family is super eager to meet you. Like, they made a family chat dedicated to nagging me into bringing you for a visit.”

  Amy stared at him. “I am missing two friends tonight, both high-powered and shadow-related. I can’t even think about this right now.”

  “Who is the other one?”

  “Vaia.”

  Emmers nodded and walked with her to the vehicle. He got the computer going and smiled. “Vaia is with her husband. Hura was injured, but the... oh... king of the shadow monsters came and got her, removing the sword that was in her ribs and starting the healing process.”

  “Whoa. Okay. So, the ladies are having a busy night.”

  “The king is Reymark’s uncle, so I am guessing that Hura definitely is.”

  “Even with the chest wound?”

  “That might slow him down a bit.” Emmers smiled. “The attackers have been wrapped up, and transport is taking them in for processing. Would you care to join us on break?”

  “Sure. Burning out my esophagus seems like a capper to the evening.”

  He grinned, showing a lot of teeth. “Meet you there in fifteen.”

  She nodded and headed back toward the crowd, blushing as he lifted the tape for her. Amy darted to her car and eased away from the curb, avoiding all the onlookers as she turned and headed back into the heart of the city.

  She parked in the lot and got in line at the taco truck. She didn’t even ask where they went on break. It was always the taco truck.

  She had just ordered her burritos and tacos in stiff goblin, but the counter girl grinned and took her order.

  She stood to one side with the others, and by the time the team pulled up, she had her goodies and lemonade in hand with extra sauce packets as she walked over to where the tables were filling up. Amy claimed her spot and watched Kairek laugh and shove Emmers toward her.

  She laughed and watched the lumbering agent make his way to the table. He crouched next to her, and she set the burrito down. He touched her chin and kissed her. “Hi. Thanks for joining us.”

  She looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Don’t you need to get in line?”

  “Kairek is ordering for me.”

  “Sure, trust the guy who already has fire coming out of every orifice.”

  “He won’t do anything. We share a vehicle and have a lot of time left tonight. He won’t take the chance.”

  She giggled as he sat across from her. She was halfway through her burrito before she muttered, “Perv. Sometimes a burrito is just a burrito.”

  He laughed. “It is more that you are holding it so carefully with both hands.”

  She paused. She looked at him. Shrugged. Kept eating.

  He grinned and presented a milkshake. “You didn’t ask.”

  “Nope. Is there a shop in the northern reaches somewhere where clients are constantly having their milkshakes disappear?”

  He grinned. “Nothing like that. It is one of the few direct magics I could do, and I started doing it when I was a hungry teen. So, milkshakes.” He shrugged. “A lot of calories, cream, and sugar. What’s not to like?”

  She smiled. “It is really good.”

  He beamed.

  She continued her meal and was on to the tacos when the other two arrived with their meals and his.

  Emmers smiled, and she had to ask. “I never asked, why did you leave home?”

  He chuckled. “There was a bit of a fight, and Grandma told me to go and cool off, so she sent me to Redbird, and here I have been. She’s offered to have me back, but I like it here.” He finished dousing a taco in hot sauce. “I like it here a lot more recently.”

  She snorted, and Kairek grinned. “And you are a new dad to a ten-year-old. How are you dealing with that?”

  He was glowing with happiness. “I am getting used to the idea. Our family is coming into town at the end of the month. They are very eager to meet Jerrik and Iris.”

  “Has he tried to drag you into his school for show and tell?” She chuckled.

  “Yes. He said you went in grade two.”

  “Oh, yes. I made snow cones for everyone. You are going to have to follow that.”

  “I can take my head off.”

  “So can Jerrik. You may want to do fire drills outdoors. Use your energy blast to take down targets.”

  He paused. “That gives me a few ideas. Thanks.”

  “Also, his birthday is the fifth of next month. He wants a new bicycle, but in light of his new developments, what can he do and keep his head on if he hits the ground at speed?”

  Kairek paused. “I will do drills with him to recall his head. Normally, it is a more advanced skill, but he’s coming along really well.”

  Neekil said, “Perhaps you could show some small magics that your energy class can do.”

  Kairek grinned. “Maybe we should all go. It would certainly make an impression.”

  Amy heard another car arrive, and a very excited Hannah approached them. She slid into place across from Neekil. “There has been an offer on the Grunwald mansion.”

  Amy blinked. “Hi, Hannah.”

  Hannah winced. “Sorry. Hi, Amy. But this is huge. Matthias has authorized the sale now that your people are hanging out in the silver mine.”

  “Well, we can relocate Sable.”

  “They have offered to keep her if she wants to remain. It will mean they have a live-in dark elf, but they don’t seem to mind.”

  Neekil frowned. “The purchaser knows what happened there?”

  “Absolutely. They aren’t fazed. Apparently, there is a dragonborn who wants to set up house in Redbird and start his family.”

  Amy clamped a hand over her mouth as she snickered. She straightened her features. “Well, at least she’s going to stay in town.”

  Neekil frowned. “Who?”

  “Vaia. She’s the dragonborn’s wife, but he hasn’t been seen in over a decade.” Amy sighed. “She’s also the friend I went to the Night Faire with. She was attacked when she left me for the night.”

  Emmers frowned. “They didn’t come after you?”

  “Nope. Just the shadow born. Vaia and her assistant’s roommate, Hura.”

  Neekil blinked. “Oh. So, there is the link.”

  Amy looked to Hannah. “If they don’t pop for that one, do you have a backup manor?”

  Hannah grinned. “Of course. I may need help getting any spectral occupants out, but Imara and Jennel are always willing to help me smash gremlins and explode poltergeists. Neekil, too, if he’s off shift. He likes the cleanup. He’s thorough.” Hannah’s eyes were glittering.

  Neekil took her hand and kissed the engagement ring that gleamed on her hand.

  Hannah looked flustered and then rallied. “Right. We need to do wedding planning as well.”

  He grinned. “Is your family excited?”

  “Absolutely. They never thought you would get down on your knees, and I never had the nerve to tell them it’s your favourite place to be.”

  He laughed and guided her up and around the table, settling her on his lap. Their kiss was sweet, and then it got hot. Amy blushed and looked away.

  Emmers was looking at her with heat in his eyes.

  “Dude, you are still firmly in the friendzone.”

  He sighed.

  “What? I am not going to get involved with you if you are forced to dump me because of family.”

  He growled and leaned back.

  “Don’t pout. It isn’t attractive in anyone over four.” Amy finished her food and sipped at her milkshake. “Eat your dinner. You have bad guys to catch. We don’t want you feeling delicate.”

  He glared but bit into his meal, his fangs extended.

  She looked at Kairek. “He looks perturbed.”

  “Oh, he is. He’s waiting until you meet his grandmother. She has the right to approve you, and once that happens, buckle up. There won’t be much that can stop him.”

  “Uh, why would that be?”

  “Because you have told him that the only thing standing between you two being together is your banning from your society. So, he is single-minded, and he’s working to get you that acceptance. It won’t take much. He’s shown me the emails from his grandmother. She’s exceptionally keen to meet you.”

  “How can you know that?”

  Kairek grinned. “She sent me a text, and then we video chatted.”

  “Oh. Wow.”

  “Yeah. She’s really focused on finding Emmers a nice girl to settle down with, and barring that, a slightly less nice girl will do. She said if he keeps holding out, she will take anyone who can just get pregnant and prove it was him. That will be close enough.”

  “Funny how that could happen.” She smirked.

  “Yeah, hilarious. I regret nothing other than not making an effort to contact Iris right away. I guess I never thought a woman like her would fall for a headless asshole like me.”

  “Many a woman has engaged in many a stupider choice.” She smiled.

  He shrugged and smiled. “So, what do your people do for courtship?”

  “Well, for starters, the young ladies stand up at her coming-of-age ceremony, and they let out their mating call. Any interested young men come forward.”

  Kairek grinned. “How many lined up for you?”

  “Oh, not one. I stood there, and everyone just stared. I was still only human at the time, and no one wanted to get near me. My mother told me to leave that afternoon.”

  “Oh. Shit.”

  “Yeah, no young woman in our community had ever called with no response. I set a record.” She sipped at the last of the milkshake. “So, that followed with years of blissful solitude until I offered to help Hannah out, and I met the fuzz for balls over there.”

  Hannah’s voice was husky. “It was very much appreciated.”

  Emmers finished his food and wiped his mouth. “You know very little about my anatomy.”

  “I was just guessing. So, more tennis-ball variety?”

  He glared at her. “One day, I am going to give you a detailed anatomy lesson.”

  “Sure, buddy. You keep thinking that.” She got up and winked. “Thanks for the milkshake.” She walked around and kissed him on the cheek, licking at some of the hot sauce before he could grab her, and then she slipped away with her fox ears up and her tail swishing. Vaia was really good at making clothing that could shift with her.

  She got into her car and glanced over to see Kairek holding Emmers by the arm. She gave a bright wave and drove off. She had to get up early to hit her desk and start preparing a contingency plan in case she actually hit it off with Emmers’ grandma. It was a slim chance, but she hated being unprepared.

  She hoped Vaia was doing well. It had turned into a very strange evening.

  * * * *

  Vaia looked over Azreen’s shoulder. “What are you doing?”

  “Making an offer on the Grunwald mansion.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Because it is the largest in the city, barring the mayor’s mansion. If I shift, I need space. If my father shows up, we need space. If my mother shows up, I want to be able to put her in a distant wing.”

  Vaia smiled slightly. “If Kremoryn wants to visit and defile some sheets, I want that as far away from me as possible.”

  Azreen chuckled. “So, shall we take a nap and then go see the property?”

  “We can wait until tomorrow evening. I am just wanting to spend some time asleep without anyone checking my pulse or giving me drugs.”

  Azreen looked at the website and nodded. “If that one isn’t available, we can go on to the next one.”

  Vaia was on the way to the bedroom. “You are serious about settling here?”

  “Of course. This is where my wife lives. I may have to travel occasionally, but that will be few and far between. You will be invited to join me whenever possible.”

  She pushed the door open and looked over her shoulder at him. “So, after forgetting about me for years, you suddenly remember me... oh lord.”

  She looked at the bed that was wide enough for six, and Azreen laughed as he took in her expression. “It seems that he enjoys company.”

  Vaia inhaled slowly and said, “All new sheets, all new sheets.” She looked at him. “Which side do you sleep on?”

  “Closest to the door.”

  “Okay. I will be in the north quad then.” She walked over to the edge of the bed nearest the window and started to undress. She kicked off her shoes and released the small loop on top of the zipper. It took some fidgeting to get it, and she was tired enough that her fingers slipped. Azreen came over and unzipped her dress, kissing her shoulder.

  “Thanks.”

  “My pleasure.” He ran his hands down her arms and sighed softly before he turned and went to the other side of the bed.

  She got naked and slipped between the sheets. She settled and laughed silently.

  Azreen was reaching to turn off the light. “What?”

  “It really is a comfortable bed.”

  He laughed and turned to her, his eyes glowing softly. “Good night, Vaia.”

  “Good night, Azreen.”

  She curled into the bedding and closed her eyes. It was such a comfortable bed.

  Vaia woke up extremely warm, and her pulse was not centred in her body; it was far lower. Arms held her, and there was a soft sigh as he pulled her close. She breathed in sharply as she figured out that she was on his side of the bed, and he had caught her before she had just crawled over him. She tried to ease away, and he held her tight.

  “Stay. Please.” His voice moved over, around, and through her.

  “I am sorry. I... at home, I have my bed against a wall and a pile of stuffed animals.”

  He laughed softly and slowly caressed her spine. “I will accept anything you want to press against me with a joyous heart.”

  She chuckled and shifted her legs. His thigh was between her knees. “You can sleep like this?”

  He laughed. “I don’t need much sleep. You were wounded and can use all the rest you can get. Tomorrow, can you show me your shop?”

  “Sure. Don’t let me climb out of bed, please.”

  “I will keep you with me. I promise. You are going to be safe from here on out.”

  Vaia sighed, pressed her forehead to his chest, and returned to sleep.

  * * * *

  Hura jolted awake and found red eyes far too close. She shoved at him. “Don’t be creepy.”

  Kremoryn laughed. “Sorry, it’s in my DNA.”

  He pinned her down with her hands above her head and kissed her. His weight came down on her, and it felt... So. Damned. Good.

  She whined and arched up toward him as the kiss deepened, and he sent his energy into her mouth. She felt the tendrils moving around her thighs and under her sleep shirt.

  Shadows moved between her thighs and entered her, causing her to gasp as they stroked and tickled their way into her. Kremoryn moved fast for a guy who had all the time in the world.

  She moaned, and her hands formed claws, but he had her hands bound away from him as her hips twisted and undulated against him. He had a weird purr that started as she bucked and rocked under him. Clenching on the shadows was deeply unsatisfying, but as she sought more, the shadows got thicker. Soft touches on her clit lit a fire in her, and she let out quiet, panicked cries as her orgasm hit her. She gasped as her body was caught up in release and went on and on until he finally let her relax. The weird rattling purr turned into a chuckle. “Morning, Hura.”

  She croaked. “Kremoryn. That is an interesting way to greet the day.”

  He grinned and kissed her, keeping the kiss to his tongue instead of filling her with shadows. His shadowed tentacle was still moving slowly inside her, thick and persistent. She bent her right leg and rubbed it along his hip.

  He smiled. “No objections?”

  “Did you leave me hanging?”

  “No.”

  “Good. The day you do, I use my shadows on you and dangle you over a volcano.”

  He chuckled. “Understood. So, you have no objection to a union with me?”

  “I knew you the moment I saw you. Why would I object?”

  Kremoryn sighed. “I don’t think I have ever had a woman who didn’t have some kind of regret in my bed.”

 

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