Page 20 of Shadowing Bright
The male in question turned to take up the doorway.“I have been here to watch over you for your father, Princess.Your mage family was doing a horrible job.”
“A little fucking late to the party,” Vaia muttered.
He shrugged.“There have been six more attempts on your life in the last two days.They are tenacious.”
Azreen frowned.“What?”
“Someone from your side of the family is sending killers after her.Determined, too.There is going to be a shortage of mercenaries after tonight.”The man of shadows and burning red eyes grinned.“Hello, little cousin.”
“What?No.Wait.So...my father was—”
“Is.He is very much alive.Your arrival was unproven until you started to dance at the faire.The ripple of rumour of a psychic vampire got his attention.The fact that you were licensed for a once-a-year draw was what really impressed him.”
“I could have done it more often, but it was just easier to remember the date that way.”
He grinned, and the sharp row of sharklike teeth made her blink.
Azreen frowned.“Who is hunting her?”
“Your family or perhaps her family.All we know is it began when you received notice of the divorce filing.”He checked his phone.“Ah, when you are ready, call this number, and your father will arrive for his introduction.”
Her phone gave a text alert, and she stared at it.“How did you get my number?”
“Never mind.You are a sound sleeper, cousin.”
She blinked.“Does anyone know how badly my house was hit?”
He looked at her.“Get a hotel, cuz.They turned the frontage into lace.You were lucky to get away with two hits.”
“Oh.Damn.My other properties are rented out.”
“Ah, yes.I have heard you are quite the land baron.Well done, cuz.”
“Why...who...how are we related?”
The monster grinned.“Our fathers are brothers.Oh, and I have a mate all my own.My name is Reymark, and I am in the XIA.”
“Oh.Hell.You are Jennel’s.”
“Correct.How did you know that?”
“I made her dress because wearing you for the wedding to Jennor would have been tacky.”
“You are the dressmaker?Can you give me some ideas for designs?She’s happier when she has options.”
Vaia laughed.“Of course.That does explain your little gathering.”
He chuckled.“Well, I was on leave after the wedding, so when my uncle summoned me, I decided to play guard.”
“Fine.You obviously have my number.Bring me some images of what your lady is already wearing.I can offer some suggestions based on what she likes wearing already.”
“She likes sundresses and frilly stuff.She writes romances and likes to get into a particular mood.”He grinned.
“Right.I need discharge papers and have to organize some kind of repair to the house.”
Azreen cleared his throat.“I wanted to have a home here in Redbird, so I was given a real estate agent’s number.”
Reymark grinned.“Hannah?”
