Free Kindling Flames: Burning Nights (The Ancient Fire Series Book 6) by Julie Wetzel

something was watching him. Pushing his awareness out, he searched for the observer. The presence of so many magical creatures close by flooded the area, making it impossible for Darien to find anything. Shaking the feeling away, he opened his door and got in. Someone had probably noticed as they slipped out, which meant they needed to get moving before that person told anyone else they were escaping.
    Reaching out, Vicky laid her hand on Darien’s arm as he settled into the car. “I’m sorry.” She drew in a calming breath before continuing. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’ve just been testy lately.”
    Darien took up her hand and smiled at her. “I know.” He kissed the back of it lightly. “And here I thought it was just nerves from the wedding.” He released her hand and turned his attention back to the car. “Babies,” he said, almost giddy.
    Dropping her hand down to her middle, Vicky laughed as Darien backed the car out and left before anyone could come out to investigate the sound. They had only let a few people know they were slipping out. It was a well-known fact the fay loved to toy with a newly married couple, and they had already been subject to several of the winged ones’ harmless shenanigans. One of their favorite pranks was to steal the bride away and make the groom hunt and beg for her return. When Elliot had caught wind that this trick was in the works, he had warned Darien and sent the happy couple on their way with a promise to create a distraction while they escaped. Vicky leaned her head over on the back of the seat and studied Darien’s profile as he drove. “I love you,” she said softly.
    Darien glanced at her and smiled. “I love you, too.” Taking up her hand again, he kissed it before turning his attention back to the road. His thumb caressed the back of her knuckles as he lowered her hand to rest in his lap.
    “Do you think it’s okay for us to leave Zak like that?” Vicky asked. They didn’t have a chance to say farewell to the hellhound as they slipped out of the building.
    Laughing, Darien squeezed her hand. “I don’t think Zak will miss us for a while.” He rubbed her hand reassuringly. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to be rather occupied this evening.”
    “Occupied?”
    Darien glanced at Vicky and grinned. “I last saw him in the company of a few of the braver fay.”
    Confusion crossed Vicky’s face.
    “Zak is a novelty for them,” Darien explained. “Hellhounds are greatly respected and feared, even among the fay. They can be unpredictable, even at the best of times. Zak is probably the most sociable of them all. The idea of a hellhound in human form is a draw that several of them are not able to pass up.”
    Vicky sat up straighter as she thought about his words. “You mean…”
    “I would be surprised if Josh’s tux made it through the night.” An impish grin curled the corners of Darien’s mouth. “If they are lucky, he won’t revert back to his normal state until they are done. Of course, some of the fay may enjoy that too.”
    “Ewww!” Vicky wiggled in her seat trying to get the mental image out of her brain. “You know he sleeps in my bed!”
    Darien laughed out loud. “He sleeps in my bed, too.” Blowing out a breath to clear away his mirth, he glanced at Vicky again. “You did say the queen’s glamour will only last the night?”
    Vicky nodded.
    “Good, I’m not sure I could deal with having to share you with him if he stayed like that.”
    This time Vicky laughed. “You have nothing to fear.” Using her free hand, she petted Darien’s arm reassuringly. “I love you both, but you are the only one I want.”
    Darien growled deep in his chest. “Damn good to know.” He lifted her hand up and kissed it again. “I’m not sure which of us would have made it out of that fight.”
    “Are you admitting that you would have lost?” she teased.
    “Against Zak?” Darien shot her a serious look before turning his attention