Page 8 of House of Malice
“That says a lot,” Alecto said, lifting a glass with a pink liquid inside. “This guy drinks whiskey instead of water.”
“I would,” Blaze said, once he was able to speak again. His voice sounded like gravel, as if his throat were burned. “But Coach doesn’t let me drink alcohol while on the field, so I do still drink water.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that,” Alecto said. “It must be such a difficult thing for you.”
Blaze pulled her into him by her waist, and she yelped. He said, “Keep being sassy and see what happens.”
Alecto looked up at him through her lashes. “Challenge accepted.”
“You two are cute,” Jolene said, resting her head on Leigh’s shoulder.
Alecto pulled away from Blaze and downed the pink shot. She slammed the empty glass upside down on the kitchen counter and said, “You’re cute.”
Giggling, Jolene looked at her pocket watch. She jerked her chin at the kitchen door that had just opened, and a group of witches streamed inside. “Let’s go. The show is about to start.”
Blaze took Alecto’s hand and led the way to the corridor. Jolene and Leigh followed them. They made their way through a sea of people towards the front door.
Alecto didn’t see Val reveal the new member, but she did hear the gasps and the whispers that followed. She lifted her head, and her blue eyes met two familiar amber ones.
Val had her hand looped through Rogue’s, and she looked smug while she soaked in the attention from those around them.
Rogue’s gaze slid down Alecto’s body, and when their eyes met once more, he winked. Her heart raced, but not because of Rogue’s attention.
She knew that after this moment, there wouldn’t be a way back.
Ignoring the audible shock from their party guests, Val and Rogue walked into the living room, where another wave of gasps and whispers welcomed them.
Blaze led them to the windowsill, then sat Alecto down between his legs. She leaned her back against him, and he possessively wrapped his arm around her waist.
Val and Rogue were chatting with a group of witches, all of them clearly curious to hear the gossip about Rogue’s mysterious disappearance and equally mysterious appearance months later.
Alecto noticed Galia appear at the entrance to the living room. Her face was hard to read as she crossed her arms and leaned one shoulder against the doorway.
“Well, if Dean is the bad guy, then he will definitely act after this,” Blaze murmured into Alecto’s ear, and that sent shivers down her back.
She nodded.
“Did you see the Tigers?” Blaze asked, nudging his nose into Alecto’s neck.
Alecto scanned the room until she saw Damon Soress with a pack of his lackeys in the corner of the living room. His eyes were shooting daggers at Val and Rogue.
“He’s furious,” Alecto said. “Do you think he’s going to do something?”
Blaze’s lips grazed the sensitive skin of her neck. “Doubt it. What is there for them to do after all the losses their House has endured?”
Alecto hoped Blaze was right.
Blaze gently bit her neck, and she batted his head away. “Don’t start something you can’t finish.”
Blaze hummed, looking down at her with dark eyes. “But I already started. And I intend to finish…and I bet you’ll finish. Multiple times.”
Alecto was lured by the promise and let Blaze’s mouth claim hers.
5
Alecto couldn’t understand why Val insisted on meeting Leigh at the Old Church. But here they all were, waiting for Jolene’s girlfriend to show up.
Andro and Val were by the altar of the Gods, arguing quietly about something. Alecto couldn’t even fathom what the problem was now.
