Page 99 of Mostly Shattered

The pleasure racks through me, leaving me spent as I drop down on top of him. Our bodies still joined, I lay still, breathing heavily.

Worries try to worm their way in, but I refuse to think of them now. The future will come no matter what. After all, fate cannot be changed.

Chapter

Twenty-Four

I know it hasn’t been long, but it feels like an eternity since I’ve been in the penthouse. A big bonus to having a vampire for a boyfriend is faster transportation. Mesmerizing doesn’t scare me like it used to, and I actually find it convenient. One second, I’m standing in his bedroom, and the next, I’m in mine.

I see his eyes go to my bed almost longingly. Unfortunately sunrise is close, and it would be better if he didn’t stay. Still, I find it sweet that he insists on escorting me to my family. I don’t know what dangers he thinks might await in the confrontation, but I’m not worried. I am, however, glad for his company.

As we leave my bedroom, I’m immediately hit with the scent of flowers—roses, lilies, gardenias. Crystal vases and gilded urns are everywhere. Eachone looks as if it is trying to outdo the rest. They’re arranged in intricate, almost otherworldly displays. It’s overwhelming, and a little surreal.

“What is all this?” I ask Costin. “The last time I saw this many flowers was... never mind.”

I stop short of saying a funeral. I don’t want to think of death right now. There has been too much of it.

He moves to pull a card from a vase of flowers and looks at it.

“They’re for you,” Astrid’s voice comes from the living room as she appears on the opposite side of the flowers. “They’re gifts from the creatures who reside in the underground city. Apparently, news of you two’s little adventure has spread. Hello, Constantine.”

“Lady Astrid,” he answers.

I take a step forward, inching my way through the flower path.

“And not just flowers.” Astrid is holding a drink in one hand and points to a stack of boxes with the other. Two maids carry boxes toward a table that has been set up in the living room. Unwrapped presents are piled at one end. “We have jewelry boxes, rare stones, potions, handwritten notes—some in languages I can’t even read.”

“They’re thanking me?” I ask softly, more to myself than to them.

“For saving them.” Costin appears on the other side of the flowers before I make it across. “For saving all of us.”

“Thank you cards will have to be written. We’re making a list.” Astrid sighs. “We can’t keep half of this stuff here. We’ll have to transport it to the estate. Some of it is too dangerous.”

Costin offers his hand like a gentleman as I step nearer. I take his hand, letting him unnecessarily guide me out of the floral maze. I’m grateful for his presence. It seems to keep Astrid on her better behavior.

“Let me see you. What are you wearing?” Astrid orders with a wrinkle of her nose.

Or maybe not.

I glance down at the clothes Costin gave me to wear. I didn’t ask where he got it because, quite frankly, I didn’t want to know. The white one-piece jumpsuit looks like something that came out of the disco era. I shrug. I’m pretty sure she would prefer this to the scorched, torn, dirt-covered ensemble I had on after the labyrinth and dragon battle.

Upon full examination of me, Astrid’s attention instantly goes to the amulet around my neck. “Is that the same stone?”

I nod.

Costin gives me a questioning look, as if he expects me to say more. When I don’t, he takes itupon himself to do it for me. “Tamara completed the labyrinth and repaired her talisman.”

I glance at Costin, and he meets my gaze with pride in his eyes. Astrid makes a weak noise and waves her hand like she’s unable to discuss it.

“Constantine, will you be staying?” Astrid inquires, giving a pointed glance at the floor-to-ceiling windows. “I’m afraid our guest room is not set up for vampires.”

Through the windows, I see the sky is just beginning to lighten, casting faint shades of pink and orange over the skyline. The sun is coming, and I know what that means for him.

“Perhaps there’s a coat closet where you might feel comfortable hiding from the sunlight,” Astrid offers.

I give Costin an apologetic look. It doesn’t seem to bother him.

“Thank you for the kind offer,” he says, matching the forced politeness in her tone. “But you are right. It is almost sunrise, and I should get back to safety.”

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