Page 39 of Magic and Muffins

And suddenly, I understood her driving obsession with Shepard.

“Who was the representative?” I asked.

Her gaze shifted to meet mine briefly.

“You’ve already guessed, haven’t you? Adriel.

“Vampires are capricious by nature. Blood dominates their thoughts, and they will betray their own to get it. Adriel was different. Twisted, yes, but he had a measure of loyalty that overrode his bloodlust.

“His loyalty and his desire for his pet endeared him to my mother. She gifted him with his second form. After she left this world, Adriel continued to assist my people until a few weeks ago.

“I’ve known him most of my life. Played with him a few times. He was entertaining and had unique tastes. But of one thing, I am certain—he hated Orphia. He never spoke of it in detail, but I believe it was because she was the one who converted his pet. He hated the control she had over him.

“When he came to me after Orphia threatened us all at the meeting and asked for a protection necklace, I gave it since I knew he wanted it to protect his lover, not her.

“Other than the necklace, I have not helped Adriel or Vivian.”

“And Orphia?” I asked. “Have you helped her?”

“Absolutely not. That woman is a bane to the existence of all Otherworlders.”

“How?”

Her gaze flicked between me and Shepard.

“Speak your mind, Effora,” he said. “I haven’t hidden anything from Everly and see no reason to start.”

“I don’tknowanything, but her obsession with obtaining the rings leads me to believe she means to open the portals to my realm. Since her people are why we closed them, her purpose cannot benefit us all.”

“In that, we agree,” Shepard said, “which is why we need to find her and stop her before she obtains your ring and Cross’. Where is she?”

“Judging from what Adriel said, Vivian is called away often but never for long, which means she’s in the States. Nearby. Within a night’s drive since Vivian had to see her in person and always managed to return to Adriel the same night.”

“She’s in the States and nearby?” I questioned. “That’s not a location. That’s an area.”

“I gave more information than just a location. On that, we can agree. I fulfilled my end of the bargain. You will fulfill yours, Shepard.”

“Gladly,” he said, turning slightly to wrap his arms around me and nuzzle my neck. The desire I had been holding back pushed through my defenses as I threaded my fingers through his hair.

“This was not the deal,” Effora protested. She stood and stepped toward us.

“The deal was that you could feed,” Shepard said, lifting his head. “I didn’t say you could have sex with me.”

“You tricked me!” Anger flashed in her eyes.

“Still want to feed, or shall we leave?” he asked, starting to stand with me.

“No. Sit. Just… I need this. At least, take off the necklace.”

“She will keep it on,” Shepard said. “It’s her protection.”

“I don’t need your fae allure to kiss Shepard. I would do it gladly.”

Effora huffed. “I’ll take what is offered. But I swear there will be consequences if you trick me again.”

Effora breathed deeply, and I felt the wave of desire hit me. I gasped and ran my hands up Shepard’s chest.

Beside us, Effora gently pulled on her nipple chain and moaned.

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