Page 212 of The Bonds of Indigo

Xera has rounded on him with a closed fist and a look that clearly says what the actual fuck? Kairhyse lets out a sharp bark of laughter, doubling over and clutching his stomach.

“Little deviant?”

Kayn’s voice pulls me back. He’s stepped beside me, Amarah motionless in his arms. “Do you mind taking her for a moment?”

I nod without hesitation. I’d asked to carry her through the portal, but he insisted.

Once she’s safely in my arms, I draw her close, cradling her gently. Kayn drags his hand across my cheek before turning and crossing the lush green clearing toward Kairhyse. Xeraphine stops mid-rant, steps aside, and to my utter shock… lets him hug the man.

What?

Kayn is affectionate with me, yes, but he doesn’t hug people. Certainly not like that. And Kairhyse returns it—arms around him, holding him tight in a way that hits me so sharply my grip on Amarah increases.

Heat ignites in my chest, blooming from somewhere deep and primal.

I mean, he’s attractive. This other Vampire. Light ebony skin, tall as sin, fit, and carved in all the right ways. One side of his head is shaved, and the hair on the other falls just to his shoulders.

A sinking feeling rolls through my stomach before I can stop it.

Is Kayn… Have they?

When I flick my gaze to Xeraphine, her nose is twitching at me. “Watch how you look at him,” she whispers, and although we are a dozen feet away from one another, she knows I can hear her. “I’ll take your fucking eyes out and feed them to Mister.”

Suddenly Kayn shifts, blocking my view of the Succubus—and then he’s pulling her into his arms.

“Gods, it’s good to see you both,” he says, voice thick with relief. “Just as moody as ever.”

“I swear!” she yells straight into his chest. Her arms don’t quite reach around him, but she still pats the sides of his ribs like she’s furious and fond all at once. “You can’t stay with us. I can’t handle you and Kai again.”

Again?

Kayn leans away, holding her shoulders. When he releases a breath, it’s shaky. He’s truly relieved to see them. Like… he thought he’d never again.

“I missed you too, Xera.”

It’s only when I shift slightly to see her face that I realize she’s smiling. Our kind is beautiful, and she’s no different. The smile really does make a difference with this one, but she still better watch it.

“You too, Kayn.”

Kairhyse is stepping up behind Xera and pulling her away from him. “That’s enough. Remember my comment about sharing.” His eyes then dart over to me. “Are you going to make introductions, or?”

My brute turns his gaze to me finally, a relaxed smile on his lips. “Yeah. This is⁠—”

“Lucifer.” Xeraphine cuts him off. “I told you that would be the only reason this idiot would be going into the Beyond.”

“Right, right.” Kairhyse waves his hand. “And the girl with the bow and arrow made of light?”

Kayn hesitates, and when I drop my chin to look at Amarah, I’m reminded of their rule: her name is hers to give. She’s given me permission to say it, but regardless, it should be her that shares it if she desires to.

Kayn gives them exactly that boundary.

“She’s ours. When she heals and wakes, she can introduce herself. Her people hold their names sacred, and only share them with those they choose.”

“Her people?” Xeraphine repeats, arms crossing. “Isn’t she just a Witch? I recognized the magic, albeit far stronger than my therapist’s. Dr. Harper told me her name, and I know it was real—Sydni double-checked.”

I adjust Amarah gently in my arms. “She’s a Yldarwright.”

Xeraphine scoffs. “You made that shit up.”