Page 74 of Claimed By Fangs and Darkness
“We can talk about it all eventually,” he said, moving his gaze from the floor to my eyes after a steadying breath. “But first I want to know how thefuckyou went from hating theclan to becoming one of its most valuable members. I was fully convinced for a paranoid forty-eight hours that it was all mind control.”
“Oh how I wish I had that ability,” Kylo mused.
I shot him a feral look that didn’t remotely frighten him. His arms were crossed, his blue eyes intense as always.
Idris was watching me carefully when I turned back to him, in his usual thoughtful, intuitive way.
“I love you so much, Idris,” I said.
“That’s been made very clear.”
Every time he opened his mouth, my stomach twisted at the sight of his fangs.
“I love you so much too, Evie,” he said. “I’m glad I’m not dead.”
Stupid laughter spilled from my lips before I launched into a broad overview of the past few months, with a few obvious edits to make the story safe for a family member’s ears.
I told him about my healing—my growth with Princeton and Hekate, and within myself. I also filled him in about Mena’s decision, and how I couldn’t help but worry for her now more than ever.
“Wow,” Idris said. “And I thoughtI’dhad a rough couple weeks.” Disbelief marred his soft brown eyes as he regarded Kylo. “I can’t believe you killed Jacob.”
I crossed my arms with a huff. “Yeah, you aren’t the only one.”
To my surprise, he only laughed. Though perhaps it shouldn’t have been much of a surprise, considering Idris had never been a fan of Jacob’s.
When he regained composure, he continued, glancing back to me. “And you stabbed the leader of the Masked Order with a poisoned needle?”
Idris’s laughter was contagious, and I couldn’t help but glance back at Kylo, who was trying hard not to smile.
“Mistakes were made on all sides,” Kylo said with a nod.
“That wasnota mistake,” I snapped. “You fucked up, and I merely retaliated in a way that seemed extremely reasonable at the time.”
“You can come sit down,” Idris offered to Kylo with a smirk. “You’re already a part of the conversation.”
Kylo nodded, an adorable hesitancy in his features before taking a seat in the plush chair next to me.
“Mena’s decision doesn’t surprise me,” Idris sighed. “I’m glad she has protection, but I can’t help but worry the born will use her to get to us if they know who you are.”
“I know,” I said. “I said that to Mena too, but she still won’t budge, and I don’t blame her. That’s her home. She knows the risk, and she told me that we could never sacrifice ourselves for her either, as impossible of an ask as that is.”
Idris nodded. “I’m glad she has a choice. She deserves to live exactly how she wishes.”
“Do you feel like I robbed you of that?” I asked softly.
Idris shook a finger. “Don’t go searching for more self-punishment ammunition. It hasn’t been easy, but I’mhere. Because ofyou.” His gaze was fierce, and I could see the distinct difference vampirism made in his mannerisms—the lethality, the power.
I smiled bashfully. “Old habits.” One of his tattoos peeked out from under his green shirtsleeve. “How has it been to wield your shadows? Any new magick discoveries?”
At this, Idris grinned broadly. “It’s been fucking awesome. Not all of my magick has come in yet, but I don’t even care. The speed and strength alone are thebest. Most of the progress I’ve made with my bloodlust has been because I want to be able tofight, literally all the time.” He paused. “And because I wanted to see you, Evie, obviously…”
Kylo laughed, and I bit down on a smile. The room suddenly had far too much masculine energy.
Kylo lifted a brow as he took in my expression of judgment. “Are you really not going to tell him about the decapitation?”
One of my shadows shot out to serve as an elbow to his side, but his own shadow was quick to deflect and subdue.
Idris’s eyes widened, and he was slow to peel his gaze from my shadow. “Thewhat?”
