by Roux, Lilou
It had been the kiss of all kisses and then she had whispered those three words into his ear. Words he had heard before but had never returned. Words that had hit him like a freight train, as had the need to say them as well.
He had wanted nothing more than to run after her, but Vago had stopped him, physically stopped him of doing so.
While Vago had talked him down, Nero’s mind had been busy coming up with all sorts of ideas of how he would make her pay for doing that to him. His mind had imagined hours of pleasurable torture in bed…their bed…for he knew that he would never want anyone else there.
But then reality had come crushing back. Seeing her fight and not being able to help her had been the hardest and proudest moment of his life. She had nailed those suckers – the demons and the Council. Never once had she backed down, never once had she wavered. She had been the fighter, he had glimpsed inside of her four weeks ago. His fighter. He didn’t care if his smug smile was as radiant as the sun.
Stunned, Ash announced, “It’s true. She’s of Alba’s blood.”
Murmurs from the balcony above them, and Nero was glad when the King interrupted them. “I don’t know the hows or whys surrounding Stella’s heritage, but one thing is for sure, it cannot be ignored. Neither can the fact that she passed your test. Quite impressively as you have said so yourself. So how about we let her go so she can take care of the wounds she has sustained?”
“Of course.” Ash turned to Stella, murmuring something Nero couldn’t hear. But he did see the flicker of respect in the man’s eyes.
Stella nodded her thanks and headed out of the arena.
Before anyone had even started to rise from his seat, Nero was walking shadows and caught her in his arms in the next instant.
Her arms came around him and they simply stood there in the lone corridor where only a mere twenty minutes ago she had told him that she loved him.
“I love you. I’m proud of you. And I’m going to spank you for what you did to me the minute your cuts and bruises are healed.”
FIFTEEN
Four weeks and three days had passed since she had met Nero in a dark street and he had taken her into a world of shadows. A world she was now part of.
Her heart pounded in her chest as Grey led her to the elevators. The King had summoned her.
The elevator stopped inbetween floors and a small smile played at his lips when she frowned at him. A corridor stretched out in front of them and he tugged her along. It was like a maze and then another elevator brought them downstairs. At least that’s what it felt like.
When the doors opened and Grey finally announced, “Here we are,” Stella had no idea where here was. However, she felt immediately at ease in the room she stepped into. Cream colors and honey wood and golden evening light welcomed them.
And King Vago.
“Thank you, for coming.” He got up from behind his desk and walked over to greet her, sweeping his arm in invitation. Startled as she was her feet needed a repeat-order.
“What happened to the throne room?”
Chuckling he replied, “Oh, I think it’s still there, but to be honest I prefer my private rooms. They’re much-”
“Less fear-inspiring?”
“Much more comfortable was what I’d have gone for.”
Huh. “That too.”
Although Nero had told her about their family ties the morning after he had drank from her that first time and although she was thrilled to know more about her mother, she couldn’t bring herself to think of, much less call, Vago her Uncle. And was sure she never would. He was only ten years older than her and to be honest he would probably always be the King to her. First impressions often stuck.
After she had sat down on the creamy couch, he walked over to a minibar. “Would you like something to drink?”
A King asking her whether she wanted a drink. Yes, he certainly had turned out to be a nice guy, even if only in rare, private moments like this one. The man in front of her now, with the kind eyes and smile on his lips was nothing like the King she had met when she first came here. Maybe she would have to rethink that first impression thing. “Whiskey.”
He poured two drinks and came over to sit down as well. His eyes seemed to churn…with memories, Stella realized as he said, “Seeing as you’re now one of us, I was hoping that maybe from time to time we could talk. To get to know each other, and I could tell you about your mother, if you want me to.”
Emotions choking her, she could only nod at first. “I would love that.”
“Okay.” When he was about to speak again, his phone interrupted them. “I’m sorry, but I have to get this.”
“No problem.” He was the King after all.
It was bad news. She could tell right away from the way his jaw clenched and his brow furrowed. After he hung up, he looked at her and the apology was clear in his eyes.
“Really, it’s alright.” And it was. Just the prospect of finding out more about her mother was heady enough. That he would think of it, that he would try to find the time for it…it was already more than she had hoped for. “Anything I can help you with?”
“Actually, yes. Two roamers have not come back this morning after patrolling the east corner of the city. I know it’s your night off but I want Nero’s team to have a look at it. Which includes you.”
Stella rose. “Whose team was it?”
“Arcane’s. Tal with them to get the details and tell Nero to debrief me the moment you get back. And Stella?”
She was already halfway to the elevator and turned around, “Yes?”
“Welcome among the shadows.”
About the Author
Lilou Roux is the nom de plume of an aspiring indie author with a penchant for romance and erotica. She lives in France, where she enjoys working on the next installment in her sexy paranormal series Shadow Roamer.
For more information and news visit:
lilouroux.blogspot.com.
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