Page 83 of Galen

“Galen,” a friendly voice said from beside us. The man appeared to be around my age and had blond hair and vibrant purple eyes.

“Konnar,” Galen said, clasping the man’s forearm before pulling away. He brought me closer to his side. “This is Simon.”

“Your mate, I take it?” Konnar asked, offering me a kind smile before looking back at Galen. “Every being in here can smell you all over him.”

Galen’s mouth hitched upward. “We belong to each other, yes. Though we’re not full mates as of yet.”

Yeah, my heart fucking melted at that. I loved being claimed by Galen, but knowing that I’d claimed him too? It gave me butterflies.

Konnar’s purple eyes flashed to me. “You seem surprised.”

“Well, I…” My cheeks got hot. “Galen talked about you on the way here. He said you were one of the oldest vampires around. I guess I imagined you a little differently.”

“Like a decrepit old man?” Konnar asked with an amused tone. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, my dear.” He motioned to the right side of the room. “Please, help yourself to anything at the bar. It’s on the house tonight.”

“That’s gracious of you, but it won’t be necessary,” Galen told him.

“You will do as I say and like it,” Konnar said, a playful gleam in his eyes. “This is the first time you’ve ever brought a date to my club. Allow me to treat you. I won’t accept anything less.”

“Thank you.” Galen bowed his head.

“I like him,” I said once Konnar walked away. “He’s nice.”

“Indeed. He’s nice to those he considers friends anyway. His enemies will strongly disagree with you.” Galen peered down at me. “You seem awfully smug about something.”

“Me? Smug? Never.”

He arched a brow.

“Fine,” I said, knowing he wouldn’t let it rest until I told him the truth. “I like how I’m the first person you’ve brought here.”

Galen pulled me to his chest and kissed my forehead. He didn’t need to say anything. Sometimes actions said more than words ever could. And as he held me in the middle of the bustling nightclub, I felt all the things he kept inside.

“Drink up, bitches,” Raiden said, appearing beside us holding a tray with shot glasses filled with a bright green liquid. He then gave me a sheepish grin. “Well, not for you. This shit will knock you on your ass. Humans can’t handle it.”

“I’ll drink his,” Castor said, grabbing two shots off the tray. He clinked the glass with Raiden’s before they threw them back.

“I’ll get you a beer,” Galen said, nuzzling the top of my head before pulling away.

I smiled after him as he walked toward the bar. Raiden and Castor stayed by my side, moving a bit closer to me than what was normal. Galen looked at us over his shoulder and subtly nodded before speaking to the bartender.

Ah.He probably used telepathy to tell them to stay close to me.

My big protective marshmallow.

Castor threw his arm around my shoulders. “I gotta thank you, Simon.”

“For what?”

His gaze moved to Galen. “For making him happy. He’s been alone for so long.”

“He makes me happy too.” My belly fluttered.

“Ah, you guys.” Raiden put his arms around us both. “Are we having a moment?”

“A moment you just ruined,” Castor said, shrugging him off. He tossed back another shot. “I bet I could drink you under the table.”

The challenge sparked in Raiden’s blue-gray eyes. “You forget who you’re speaking to, Greed. I can never get enough.”