Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 40972 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40972 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
A prickle of dark magic brushed over his skin. He quickly jumped out of bed and ran into the hall only to find Julien there, wearing a pair of black silk pajama pants.
“It’s here, isn’t it?” Julien whispered. “I heard something knocked over in the kitchen, and I knew you were in bed, so I was coming to get you.”
“It is. Stay with me.” Emory crept down the hallway and into the living room.
A low chuckle came out of the darkness.
Out of the corner of his eye, Emory saw a quick-as-lightning streak of black move from one side of the room to the other. He squinted and looked straight ahead, knowing it was easier to spot a penumbra with peripheral vision, and sure enough, it dashed closer to them.
Emory reached behind him, pulled Julien close to him, then stepped back to press Julien into the wall.
“What do you want with this man?” Emory called out.
It merely laughed again. This time, he spotted the black streak as it moved closer, but he was ready for it. He aimed a hard cut to the side and heard a low grunt of pain when he connected with something solid. It darted away, its low laughter trickling into the room.
“Smart angel,” it whispered.
“This smart angel would like to know who hired you. Or do you have a personal beef with him yourself? Wonky cloud storage issue, maybe?”
He heard a snort from Julien behind him.
“Beef?” was all the penumbra asked.
“An issue, something that’s pissed you off.”
Instead of answering, it darted toward him again. He would have ducked, but then he’d be leaving Julien open behind him. This penumbra wasn’t out to kill Julien, though. Not yet. It needed a lot more fear to get its fill.
A punch slammed into his midsection, causing him to let out a huff of pain. But he sucked in another breath of air and swiped his arm out, catching another part of its nearly invisible body. There was a thump as it hit the wall, but again it moved too fast for the eye.
This time, the low, hissy voice came from across the room. “Someone doesn’t like this human.”
“Not good enough,” Emory growled out, still plastered to Julien, so Julien had a face full of his wings—he felt Julien’s breaths ruffling the feathers. He wasn’t feeling a real threat from this penumbra—not yet. Normally, their attacks escalated, driving up the fear they fed on, but this one was obviously thrown off by Emory’s presence.
The front door slammed open, and the prickle of magic disappeared.
“Did it leave?” Julien asked, his breath rustling Emory’s feathers again.
“You weren’t exhibiting any fear, so it must have given up this time.” He reluctantly stepped away from Julien, and when he turned to face him, it was to find a fierce frown on Julien’s face.
“There was no need to hide me behind you.”
Emory quirked an eyebrow. “You hired me to protect you.”
“Yes, that’s true.” His frown deepened. “I’m just not normally one to stay back when something is happening.”
“You prefer to be in control,” Emory stated.
“In all things.” Julien looked away from him. “It’s the only way I can exist.”
Surprised by yet another admission, Emory eyed the man closer. The tight set of his shoulders and his disgruntled expression certainly conveyed his discomfort. But with the way a penumbra attacked, right behind Emory was the best place for Julien to be. “I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable with the way I handled that, but I do think it was best.”
“This whole situation is annoying as hell. All it would say is that someone doesn’t like me.”
“Can you think of anyone that could be?”
“Most people don’t like me, so it could be anyone.” Julien sighed and stepped away from the wall. “I won’t be going back to sleep at this point. Would you like to have tea?”
“Sure.” He followed Julien into the kitchen, unable to keep himself from looking at his body clad in only those black silk pajama bottoms. All that time in the gym certainly showed, especially in the sleek muscles of his back and his tight, round ass.
He barely liked the man, so this crazy attraction made little sense. But it was there nonetheless, burning constantly. A low hum of heat and curiosity and that pervasive need to ruffle him up a bit.
Julien’s movements were very precise as he got down mugs and filled his kettle. “Think I’ll join you in the black tea and honey.” He turned and leaned his hip against the counter. “So obviously you were right and someone hired this thing. I am trying to think of who that could be, and honestly, the list is long. I’ve fired employees, and there are even a few members of my board who don’t hold me in high favor.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I will always run my company as I see fit. The shareholders are welcome to air their concerns, but it boils down to my decisions.”