Page 42 of Night Fae

Whatwouldbe left to protect a week from now?

Zev studied Malik's empty face. It wasn't just a heartbreaking sight, it was a flaw in his plan. Without emotion, there was nothing for him to feed on—no fear to harvest, no nightmares to consume.

He moved closer to Malik. "Listen to me. The shadow paths numbed your emotions, but maybe…" he hesitated, "maybe a strong enough shock can reverse the process." He touched his hand to Malik's face. "If this doesn't make you feel anything," he said, "I don't know what will."

Malik didn't respond, didn't move away, didn't lean in. He simply watched with a blank look as Zev closed the distance between them.

Their lips met, and Zev intended to keep the kiss controlled, impersonal. Just a touch to rattle Malik. For some reason Zev couldn't understand Malik had decided helikedZev, and if that could bring him back…

"Come on," Zev whispered against Malik's lips. His thumbs traced Malik's cheekbones, and finally,finally, the human responded.

His tongue touched Zev's lips and then they were kissing for real and Zev told himself he was only doing what was necessary. That the racing of his heart meant nothing. That the heat spreading through his body was merely because his plan was working.

Confusion swam in the depth of Malik's eyes when he pulled back. Pain flickered across his features. And something else—something warm and wanting.

"I—" Malik's voice cracked. His hand rose to his lips. "I felt that."

The wonder in his voice, the break in his flat affect, sent a surge of relief through Zev.

Gods.

This human really was adorable.

Malik's fingers trembled as he touched his own lips. Color rushed back into his face. Zev couldn't begin to guess what he was thinking, but at least he was having thoughts. That much was clear.

"We need to talk," Zev said, lowering his voice. "I want to feed on your nightmares."

Malik blinked as if he wasn't sure he'd heard that correctly. "You do?"

"I do."

"But you said?—"

Zev shook his head to keep him from saying any more. He wished he could explain his plan in detail, but that was too risky. "Will you let me do it?"

Malik looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers. "I'll give you whatever you need," he said softly.

And how did Zev deservethat?

He didn't know.

But this was not the time to question his good luck. Or the human's sanity.

This was the time to take action and get out of here.

Zev exhaled slowly. "This won't be pleasant for you."

"I understand," Malik said. "I've read the web novel. I know you make a nightmare more intense by drawing on it."

And yet Malik had offered himself many times.

Why?

At some point, Zev really needed to find out. Right now, though, they had more important matters to take care of. If one of the guards outside had alerted Lord Darius about Zev's night time stroll, they might be watched already.

Ironically, Lord Darius would love to see Zev feeding on Malik. He'd assume it meant he was winning, that Zev was giving in to his basest nature, returning to the son he'd raised.

What Lord Darius didn't know, and what Zev had realized, what he washopingwas true, was that feeding on Malik might give him enough power to turn against his family.