Page 38 of Magical Midlife Conclave

“Wait, no, leave Sebastian, remember?” I called. “We’re walking. We’ll call this team building. Or…a mage meeting or something.”

“Bye, bestie,” Edgar called to Sebastian.

“What did I miss?” I asked in confusion.

“The reason I need to sleep more often,” Sebastian answered miserably.

“The worst two liars are going out together,” Sue said, glancing at Austin.

“Go,” Austin told him. “It won’t make sense if I do. Not dressed like this and with visiting alphas in town.”

Sue nodded and followed me. And just like that, Aljoe’s sisters learned the hard way that a dinner invite at Ivy House never went according to plan.

8

Nessa

“Listen to me.” Tristan took hold of her arm and leaned down into her space, his eyes serious. “This is not a game between us right now. I need you to protect yourself, do you hear me? If you are in any doubt, get out of there. If you are in danger, call for me. I’ll be close. You are part of a team now. We take care of each other. Stay safe.” His gaze rooted her to the spot. “Promise me.”

Her voice was wispy and her heart glowed as brightly as his eyes. “I promise,” she said, and meant it. She felt grounded and confident, knowing this big gargoyle-monster had her back.

He yanked her closer and kissed her, hard. Butterflies exploded through her middle. She melted against him for a moment, borrowing his strength. His confidence. His brutality in battle.

He pulled away, his eyes still delving into hers deeply. “Sink into the darkness, little deathwatch angel. You own the shadows. You were inducted into them early and have structured them into your home. Other mages are in your kingdom. Use that darkness within you to protect those you love.”

Heat prickled her eyes as she remembered what he’d said in the gargoyle cairn. That she’d chosen to be a hero, to stand up when others might quail. He, too, was morally gray. Like her. Like Niamh, and Edgar, and Sebastian. And Austin. Like Jessie when she needed to be. When they loved, they loved completely, and they’d do anything to protect what was theirs.

“Okay,” she said, steeling her determination.

“Good girl,” he murmured, his whiskey voice sending a thrilling shiver up her spine. “Momar’s people have nothing on the captain. Prove it.”

A little grin curled her lips. Good Lord, this man would be fun to play with. Was fun to play with.

Maybe it was time. Maybe she’d finally beg.

Maybe she’d make him work for it first…

“Okay,” she said again, her body on fire, adrenaline starting to pool in her gut.

She owned the shadows. She’d chosen to be here all those years ago when she’d protected Sabby and Jala. She’d returned again and again, a life carved out of necessity. Skills forged in blood.

And now she’d use them for good. He’d erased her guilt and set her free to be the monster she’d been forced to become…and now chose to be. She felt like laughing. Like dancing on the bones of her enemies. She was uniquely suited for this type of espionage, harnessing the energy around her, desensitized by her past.

Well…actually…not uniquely suited.

She looked to the side, into the deep shadows at the corner of the alleyway in which Tristan had first touched down. Edgar waited there with a little smile, wearing purple sweats with a little stain down the front. She hadn’t heard him creep up. Tristan probably still didn’t know he was there. The vampire was like an eclipse, and somehow, she was still his shadow.

“Okay,” she repeated with a smile. She looked back at Tristan with gratitude. “I hope you have an oil warmer. I like when my gargoyle’s muscles glisten in the candlelight.”

His whole body tensed in surprise. Lust immediately danced in his eyes. She giggled softly before turning away.

Edgar came forward immediately, and the currents of power settled around them.

“Shall I lead this time?” she asked Edgar. “Or do you have an idea where you want to go?”

“Hmm.” He skulked off to the north, melting into the shadows before turning into a cloud of insects. Apparently, he had an idea.

She took out a mirror and sauntered after him, adding a little wobble as though she’d drunk too much. She was just a woman out for a stroll.