Page 30 of Toward Immortal Ruin

Eden took the opportunity to sit down. Her temples pulsed, the consistent ache more annoying than it was painful. After long flights, her condition had a tendency to flare.

“Found it!”

When she glanced up, Eden’s heart flipped. She leapt up from the chair, holding out her hands as if she was receiving the Holy Grail.

Chapter Nine

Nero felt the swellof disbelief, awe, and pure joy rise in Eden alongside his own. The original print ofDraculaby Bram Stoker was in decent shape, though a little worn with time, but Eden held it with reverence and respect.

“Nero, this should be in a museum. Why is it stuffed in yourdesk drawer?”

Perhaps this hadn’t been his best idea. “It was a gift from a friend a couple of years ago. I have to admit, it wasn’t an easy read, but I feel like I’d have a better appreciation for it the second time around.”

“I’ll say.” She made a sound of utter appreciation. “This is spectacular. Unbelievable. And it’s in such good condition—” she glared at him, “—for being in a desk drawer.”

He had the good sense to cringe. “I’ll put it behind glass.”

“Yes, shame on you, Nero. I may have to torture you.”

“Please, anything but the Spanish donkey.”

Cackling, Eden gently set this down on his desk as though she were setting down a sleeping baby. “What other Gothic fiction goodies do you have stowed away around your office? ShouldI be expecting a lingchi knife hidden somewhere in your pencil drawer or listening for a heartbeat under your floorboards?”

Just an all-powerful immortal hiding in plain sight, he thought. Before he could remark on her question, a familiar face popped through his door.

“Hey sov—stranger,” Zia corrected when she saw he had company. “Just wanted to check in and see how you were.”

“Zia,” he greeted. “Come in. This is Eden Hawthorne. We met in Chicago.”

Her eyes widened as she looked back and forth between us, only then fully realizing who Eden was—and why she was here. His lieutenant gaped for a moment before shaking herself out of the stupor.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Eden,” Zia managed, her voice sounding like she was close to tears.

Zia, pull it together,he telepathically warned her.Eden knows nothing of us, nor what she is to me.

“Are you okay?”

Clearing her throat, Zia covered up her faux pas by saying, “I’ve never met an author in real life before! Key has told me so much about your book and honestly, I’m just so excited to meet you.”

“Wow, that’s two in one day,” Eden beamed. “Seems like Key might run things around here.”

When Nero went to dispute the claim, he grunted, “That’s … actually incredibly accurate.”

“Well, it’s lovely to meet you, Zia. I love talking about my book—and Gothic literature in general—so please feel free to chat my ear off at any point.”

“Yes! I have a feeling we’re going to be the best of friends.”

While Nero glared at his second, Eden grinned. “Absolutely. You and Key are currently tied for ‘best friend’ status since you’ve both read my book.”

“I’ve read it too—partially,” Nero sputtered. “Does that count?”

“You get partial credit.”

Behind Zia, Jeremiah walked in, glaring down at his laptop with a look of consternation. “Nero, Remmus said theCitizensare plotting another release.”

“We have company.” With a well-aimed elbow, Zia forced her mate to look up.

He took it all in stride. Balancing his laptop on one hand, he offered the other in greeting. “I’m Jeremiah.”

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