Page 6 of Shifters' Fated Summer
Shockingly bright light poured in. I was indoors, but it was enough that I expected to be outside. It poured in through a window, tempered by the tint of the glass, thankfully.
The massive window confirmed one fact. I was not with the vampires any longer. No vampire would risk exposure to light in their home. They built compounds without windows, typically underground like Evrin’s nest.
Evrin.
He would be looking for me. I needed to get back to him. He would be angry if I didn’t return soon and he had to drink from another.
Besides, we had to prepare for my birthday and the blood moon. It was the most important event of my life when he would turn me into his immortal mate.
An ache rolled through my forehead and down my neck, forcing my eyes closed once more.
“I saw you,” a smooth voice said. His clothing swished as he stepped nearer. “Why did you close your eyes again?”
My pulse raced at his possible proximity. I couldn’t tell how near he was to the bed.
“It’s too bright,” I mumbled.
“Oh,” he said simply. A few seconds later, the light dimmed to a manageable level. “How’s that?”
Sucking in a breath, I steadied myself and lifted my eyelids. Green curtains covered the windows, and diluted light filtered through the fabric, brightening the room in a comfortable glow.
“Yes, thank you,” I whispered.
“Summer,” he said.
My throat worked. Slowly, cautiously, I dragged my gaze from the curtains to the man at the foot of the bed.
Messy, black hair fell in waves and curls around a tanned face. Thick eyebrows arched over icy blue eyes.
Not a vampire.
His full lips parted, and a lip ring glinted, but there was no hint of vampire needle-like fangs, just straight, white teeth. Strange.
Detailed black tattoos covered his neck and edged his sharp jaw. My attention caught on the artwork covering his throat.
Evrin didn’t have tattoos. In fact, I’d never seen such intricate tattoos like these on anyone.
He tilted his head, and a glossy curl fell over his forehead. He was so pretty, it hurt, which was unfortunate.
It was logical to conclude this man had taken me from Evrin’s nest. He was my kidnapper and my enemy. But he was stunningly beautiful, and I couldn’t seem to muster up any animosity for him, just an odd, stomach clenching curiosity. I was more frightened of the sunlight and the comfortable bed than this stranger.
“Hey. I’m Luca.”
He smiled, and I stared at a single set of lengthened canines, too bluntto be a vampire’s. No second set of needle teeth. No venom.
“I’m sure this is overwhelming,” he said softly. “But you’ve been rescued from the vampires, and you’re safe now.”
“No,” I said, struggling with ordering my words. “I’m supposed to be there. You shouldn’t have. You didn’t have permission to take me. Evrin needs me.”
Eyes like my memories of the sky watched me curiously.
“Who is Evrin to you?”
“Mypatron. He’s the queen’s son,” I explained, hoping he would understand. Maybe he would escort me back now that he knew I was meant to be with the vampires.
His brow arched, and he lowered to sit near my toes.
I flinched and drew my legs up, scooting backwards until I leaned against the headboard.
