Page 124 of Claimed By Fangs and Darkness

Beneath the heat of her rage, it was grief that marred Vesper’s soul.

“We may have similar stories to share. I’d love to tell you mine, when you’re ready,” I said, the first to speak. “I’m sure it was a long journey.”

Idris and Kylo exchanged a shocked look that irritated me. As if they were aghast by my volunteering to socialize. Yes, I was stranger-averse. But it was different when I knew someone might understand me on a fundamental level.

I was still learning how to be close to others, but deep connection was the reason I’d chosen life over the gentle release of death.

And in studying Vesper’s complex, vivid aura barely visible from her physical form—I could tell she’d made a similar choice, once.

“I’d love that, Evie,” Vesper said. “How about we all reconvene tomorrow evening, somewhere above ground?” She glanced up at the bright, decorative ceiling and the warm lights that mimicked an early afternoon sun. “As lovely as you’ve made this space, I must admit I’m hungry for a dazzling view of the city. If you would be so kind as to indulge me.”

Vesper transformed again, a seductive air about her that lit up the room with electricity.

“Done,” Blade said. He appeared spellbound, trying to absorb as much of Vesper as possible with his unflinching gaze. All of his imposing body was angled toward her, his chest open and muscles flexed.

Now Harmony and I exchanged a look. We both quickly glanced away, but it was too late. We both burst into giggles, covered up by throat clearing noises.

A grin spread across Clarke’s face. Kylo shot us a glare as if to sayknock it off,but his eyes couldn’t help but melt when they met mine.

“Please excuse them,” Kylo said. “We’ll escort you back to your rooms and let you rest. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to alert your assigned attendants or message us directly.”

“Much appreciated, friend,” Clarke said. “It’s a pleasure to finally put such elegant, moving letters to a face.”

“Likewise,” Kylo said, his adorable dimple peeking through.

Kylo’s charm was completely dialed up, and it turned me on to see him this way—a respected leader, even to those he’d never met before.

Kylo caught my hooded stare, his eyes flashing equal intensity, before he turned back to our guests. “We can talk shop soon, but rest assured, nothing would bring me greater pleasure than allowing you to dispose of Conrad as you see fit, Vesper.”

Vesper nodded, something in her features relaxing. She gave a gracious nod, though it was clear she wouldn’t have taken any other answer.

As they left, the reality of her admission sank in.

My leg bounced with nervousness and excitement. There was this undeniable energy Vesper and Clarke left in their wake. It felt like The Tower, in the best way possible.

An inevitable change. A crumbling of the old to make way for the new.

There were two—nearly three—victims of born-mortal marriages on the board, and two of them had clearly fought for their own freedom and the protection of their fellow mortals.

While Juliette had chosen the exact opposite.

39

EVIE

We gathered on a rooftop in a turned-dominated part of the city. The building was on the flashier side, complementing the stylish energy of Clarke and Vesper. Kylo certainly knew how to dazzle. Lights were strung above us, and a few attendants meandered about. Food and drinks were on several tall circular tables.

Kylo had dressed me in another sexy gown, a beautiful shade of dark plum. We were all dressed up tonight. I had to make a concerted effort to stop staring at Kylo’s sleek, devastatingly dark and powerful outfit. The dress pants, black jacket, and deep green button-down, the powerful leather shoes that he’d made me kiss before we left the house. I imagined those shoes pinning me to the ground…

I gave my head a little shake to reboot my sinful thoughts.

While Kylo, Idris, Blade, and Harmony stopped to chat with Clarke, I joined Vesper to look out over the city.

She was in a striking black dress with a slit up to her hips on either side. Her arms were folded over the railing. In the distance, we could make out a group of born in burgundywalking in a military formation down one of Etherdale’s main streets.

She glanced at me. “Your clan is doing the right thing by waiting for the right time to strike. But I know it must be difficult to watch.”

“Incredibly. My heart breaks for our city.”