Page 16 of Make Me (Immortal Vices and Virtues: All Hallows’ Eve #1)

TALON

I t’s been two weeks since the All Hallows Eve ball and the night that everything changed, all for the better. And yet, I still wake each morning half-expecting the dream to end. That this—Kasha and us—is some fragile illusion I’m not meant to hold.

But each time I open my eyes, she’s there. In my arms or by my side.

Today, she’s curled up on the couch, blanket twisted around her legs, an old book propped open on her lap.

Her copper hair tumbles down one shoulder in relaxed waves, the morning light catching the gold in it like trapped flames.

She’s mouthing the words as she reads, and every now and then, I sense her wolf stirring beneath the surface: content, aware, and settled.

She’s home . Not just in Crossroads but in herself.

Gods, I could live a thousand more years and never grow tired of looking at my mate like this.

Kasha glances up, one brow lifting in that mischievous way that tells me she’s already guessed exactly where my thoughts are. “You planning to stare at me all day, or do you need something?”

I close the space between us in three strides, press a kiss to the top of her head, and wrap my arm around her as I pull her closer like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Because it is now.

“I do,” I murmur against her hair. “I need you.”

Her eyes soften, and that smile—slightly guarded, always a little wild—breaks across her face. I’ll never forget the first time I saw it. And now I get to see it every damn day.

The bond hums between us, low and constant. Not a tug or a flare, but a pulse, like breath and instinct wrapped into one. Our wolves’ spirits reach for each other just as we do, brushing across that unseen space with ease, as if they’ve been doing this forever.

Kasha throws the blanket off, setting her book down as her chest rumbles. “We’re never going to leave this house if you keep looking at me like that.”

“I told you,” I say, tightening my grip on her waist as I tug her into my lap, “I’m good with that.”

Just as I get her shirt halfway off, the front door slams open with the force of a small storm. “I’ve waited long enough! Where is he?”

A woman barrels into the living room like a war goddess on a mission.

Her white-blonde hair is twisted up in a messy bun, her blue eyes blazing with equal parts fury and curiosity.

She doesn’t hesitate or bother to knock.

Hell, I’m not even sure she’s breathing.

She just barges in and glares around the room until she sees us.

“Seriously?” she snaps, planting her hands on her hips as her gaze flicks between me and Kasha. “You’re still going at it?”

From outside, a calm voice calls, “I told you to leave them be.”

She whirls around and glares over her shoulder. “And I said no.”

Kasha groans softly, tugging her shirt back down as she stands, smoothing her tousled hair as if this is normal behavior. “Spencer,” she says, her tone laced with exasperation and affection.

Of course. The infamous best friend.

Kasha moves to her like gravity, brushing a hand over Spencer’s slight baby bump with care. “I was going to call you tonight.”

“That’s what you said in your text. Two days ago,” Spencer replies with a huff, though she doesn’t pull away from Kasha’s touch. “But apparently you’re too busy getting naked to remember I exist.”

“And you’re hyped up on pregnancy hormones,” the one I assume to be Drake mutters, still remaining outside where we can’t see him.

His words seem to be a reminder for Kasha and have her face softening. “You know I love you, Spence.”

Spencer’s gaze sharpens as it slides to me, and she folds her arms tighter across her chest. “I’m not sure I do.” Then, bluntly she addresses me, “You must be him .”

I rise slowly, careful not to bristle. This isn’t Natalia. This is Spencer. And if I want to keep my mate’s heart, I need to respect the people inside it.

“Talon,” I say, offering a nod. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Kasha’s told me a lot about you.”

Her eyes narrow. “Good for you. She hasn’t told me shit about you.”

There’s no venom in it though—just protectiveness. And maybe a bit of jealousy.

“Is everyone dressed?” Drake calls warily from the door.

“Come in,” Kasha says, then winks at him as he enters. “Sorry for the extra torture.”

Spencer snarls. “You’re apologizing to him ?”

Kasha hugs her best friend tightly despite the protests. “Did you really come here to be angry or did you want to meet Talon?”

Spencer grumbles but doesn’t pull away. When Kasha releases her, she steps toward me like a soldier preparing to give orders.

“You know,” she says, arms folded again, “if you break her heart, I will gut you.”

I meet her stare evenly. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

She gives me another once-over. “Would you die for her?”

“Without hesitation.”

“Would you kill for her?” Her brow rises this time as her foot taps the ground.

“I’d destroy the world if it meant keeping her safe.”

There’s a beat of silence. Then Spencer’s shoulders slump and she sighs, glancing sideways at Kasha like she’s fighting off tears and losing the battle.

“I really wanted to hate him for keeping you from me,” she grumbles.

Kasha steps forward again and slips her arm around Spencer’s waist. “He didn’t keep me from you. He helped me find myself so I could come back stronger. You should thank him.”

Spencer groans and waves a hand. “Don’t push it.”

Drake steps forward and offers his hand. I take it firmly, grateful for the measured calm in his charcoal eyes. “Sorry about this, man. You’ll get used to the two of them together eventually. Just takes time. And maybe alcohol.”

I chuckle. “It’s quite all right. Kasha’s family is my family now. I’ll try not to keep her all to myself too long.”

Kasha snorts. “The hell you will.” She blows a kiss toward Spencer and adds in a wink. “I love you, but you’ve got to go so I can get laid again.” Then she bends forward and places a hand on her friend’s stomach. “Auntie will come visit you tonight for dinner.”

“I never invited you over,” Spencer objects, but it’s weak at best.

The pout makes Kasha laugh. “You gave me an open invite, one that now extends to Talon. We’ll be there in a few hours, okay? Right after we drop off my overdue payment to Natalia.”

“About time. She’s even bugged me about those damn fairies.” Spencer then narrows her eyes at both of us. “But if you’re really coming over, keep your hyped sex drive in check. You’re not allowed to even think about christening any part of my house, or we’re breaking up.”

Drake groans and tugs her toward the door. “They probably weren’t thinking about it before, but they are now.”

Spencer’s lips curve wickedly as she glances at him. “ Then maybe we should beat them to any spots we’ve missed.”

Kasha launches a pillow after them, but the front door shuts with a soft thud before it makes contact.

Silence settles in the space they leave behind, and Kasha turns back to me, a flush on her cheeks that she doesn’t bother to hide. “So, that’s my best friend,” she says, exhaling on a laugh.

“I’m glad I got to meet her.” I step forward and scoop her up into my arms before she can respond, slinging her over my shoulder with zero warning.

She yelps and smacks my back. “Talon!”

“Now,” I say, grinning as I carry her toward the bedroom, “where were we?”

I’ve had her more times than I can count now—under moonlight, tangled in laughter, wrapped in promises whispered against heated skin—but it’ll never be enough.

Not today.

Not tomorrow.

Not in a thousand years.

Because now that I’ve found her, I’ll never stop chasing her. And gods help anyone who tries to stand in my way.

Kasha is mine.

And I’m hers.

Now and forever.

Thank you for reading Make Me! I hope you enjoyed Kasha and Talon’s story as much as I did writing it.

If you haven’t yet read Cage Me or Ignite Me—my previous two standalone books in the Immortal Vices and Virtues world—keep flipping the pages for a preview from each book!