He was already shaking his head before I’d finished. “No. Don’t say that just to make me feel better. I’m far too controlling and territorial for my own good. I f**ked up.”
I was thoughtful, fully in agreement with his statement. However, I didn’t want to seem overly eager to voice that agreement. With a nod I said, “Would it make you feel any better if I told you that he actually taught me something valid? Maybe he was hoping to gain from me if he gave, but not only did I kill him with what he taught me, I put Zoey back into her human body.”
“Really? Well, you certainly are a f**king powerhouse, aren’t you?” This he said with a grin, and I relaxed in my chair.
“I missed you.”
“Not nearly as much as I missed you, my wolf.”
I couldn’t hold back any longer. I all but threw myself from my chair into his arms.
Breathing deeply of his familiar scent, I closed my eyes and savored the moment. He shifted so that he could pull me onto his lap. His leather jacket was cold against my scantily clad skin, but I didn’t care. I snuggled in against him, thrilled when he kissed me hungrily.
The sound of Shaz channel surfing in the living room reached us. When Arys pulled back, he glanced around uncertainly. “I’m interrupting, aren’t I? I didn’t mean to. I just had to see you. I wanted you to know.”
“It’s alright.” I stroked a hand through his ebony hair. I let my hand slowly slide down the side of his face, holding him close as I pressed my lips to his. I was aching for him, but my kiss was soft and tender. I wasn’t in the mood to rush.
I looked up suddenly at the sound of Shaz entering the room. He and Arys shared a look, and I didn’t detect the slightest trace of animosity between them. Their relationship had undergone many changes over the past several months. It wasn’t always this easy going. I could get used to this. Although I doubted they’d ever truly be friends, stranger things have happened.
Shaz nodded to Arys in a masculine gesture of acknowledgement and held out a hand, which Arys accepted. Their casual handshake spoke loud, and I hid a grin.
Turning away to the fridge where he grabbed the champagne bottle, Shaz tossed back over his shoulder, “Don’t feel like you have to rush out. It’s cool if you stay.” He took a swig out of the open bottle, and I laughed when he almost lost his towel.
“Maybe we should get dressed.” I stood up, tugging my robe down to cover my legs.
“Well,” Shaz took another large, unclassy swallow of champagne and eyed Arys.
“We don’t have to.”
My eyes grew wide, and I blushed. What was it with these two? They were either ready to kill each other or so oddly in step with one another that it was eerie.
Arys didn’t miss a beat, adding, “I suddenly feel incredibly over dressed.”
When Shaz opened a fresh bottle of champagne and handed me a glass, I tossed it back with unladylike swiftness, anything to calm the sudden nerves that twisted my stomach into knots. I adored both of these men more than I could put into words. Yet, I still wasn’t used to being with them at the same time. It was still new and mind blowing.
It set free a swarm of butterflies inside me and had me blushing like a virgin.
Shaz flashed Arys an apologetic smile. “Sorry we can’t offer you anything. I can’t imagine having a one course diet.”
The wicked smile that spread across the vampire’s face left me tingling even though it was directed at Shaz, not me. “Oh, you can offer me something, wolf. I promise I’ll accept.”
I looked back and forth between them, unable to keep the shock off my face. Arys was bold, and I expected that from him, but to proposition Shaz like that was something he did not do. As if to make his meaning unmistakably clear, Arys let his eyes wander to the pulse that throbbed in Shaz’ neck. I held my breath, fearing an angry retort from my white wolf.
Surprising me further, Shaz laughed it off. “Well, let’s just see how much champagne I have and how impressionable I become.”
“By all means,” Arys replied. “Drink up.”
It wasn’t lost on me that I was the only one in the room feeling uncomfortable. I shouldn’t have been because they were clearly at ease. It was just so unexpected. I was pretty sure they communicated without me more than I was aware though I didn’t get the feeling they’d call themselves friends.
“So uh, shall we move this little party to the living room?” Shaz asked with a playful smile.
I swallowed hard and nodded. Excitement thrilled through me, anticipation guiding me as I followed Shaz down the stairs into the living room. Arys was right behind me, so close a shiver raced down my spine.