Page 14 of Shadowing Bright
“Hmm.And your thigh?”
“The bullet walked up my femoral artery.The wall is weakened, and there is some flex that shouldn’t be there.So, I have to wait for healers in doses.”
He snorted, and some fire emerged.
“Calm down, Azreen.Mr.Maximus.Sorry.”
“You are entitled to use my first name, Vaia.”
“Um, your mother hates that.”
“I don’t care.I want to hear my name on your lips.”
“Wow.That sounds so creepy.”She blinked.
He grinned.“I have been told I am rather attractive.”
“Sure.Right number of features appropriately arranged.”
He chuckled.“My voice is particularly nice, or so I have been told.”
“People tell you a lot of things.They should stop that.”
He smiled.“It seems you grew up when I wasn’t looking.”
“You, too.You seem twice the man you used to be.”
“Well, there was a reason that my family acquired familiars for our growing youth.”
“Yes, and they usually release the familiars that don’t explode when your family member is stable.Is there something I should know?”She looked at him, taking in the black hair, deep blue eyes, and impressive physique.His business coat hung to his knees, and the suit he was wearing beneath it probably cost as much as her car, and she had a nice car.
“So, what brings you here?”
“It appears my wife wants a divorce.”
“Well, I have a life to live, and I can’t look to find a partner if I am legally tied to you.”
He sighed.“This arrangement has worked so well.”
“For you.”
“What?”
“It has worked well for you.Don’t get me wrong, the dowry money I got was handy, and I have managed to get myself nice and stable with it, but I have to hunt at least once a year because I don’t have a partner to bond to.It was very apparent that I was extremely hungry this year, and though I got what I needed, it is embarrassing to have to hunt that way.”
He frowned.“I don’t understand.You are a mage.”
“I am half mage, half under-the-bed monster.I’m a registered psychic vampire.It is in the marriage contract.Well, my copy has it listed.But it doesn’t have your mix listed.”
“I am half djinn, half dragon.”
“Oh.That’s...quite the combination.”
“Isn’t it?Now, what do you mean about the dowry coming to you?There were monthly stipends sent as well.”
“Not to me.Maybe they were sent to my family.”She shrugged.
“I don’t like that you didn’t have it.How long were you in the family home after the ceremony?”
