Free Shadowed Magic (The Enlightened Species Novella) by Wendy S. Hales Page A

passages omitted or distorted in other versions. Would you like me to read them to you?”
    Aymee nodded lying on the couch behind him. “Is he Volaticus?”
    Eros lifted a brow. “Of course not. He's Tellus, His colony resides thousands of feet beneath
    Eastern China.”
    Tellus, of course. She should have known. Not! Her mind grew foggier by the minute. Stupid narcotics. Eros began to read, his deep voice lulled her immediately, and within moments she slept.
    ****
     
    The small smile gracing her lips while she slept captivated him. Eros watched her silently for hours. Aymee's strength of character, exotic beauty and innate sensuality combined with her sexual confidence and subtle vulnerabilities made her impossible to resist. A mysterious witch that stirred his mind … and passion. Child-like split braids and bangs atop a body meant for pleasure.
    A soft tap at the door drew him away from her side. Jacob lounged against the door jam. “It feels so weird to knock on your door, Pops. How's she doing?”
    Eros clasped his hand to Jacob’s shoulder in embrace and stepped out, closing the door behind him to join Jacob on the porch. “Her bruises are darkening … healing. She never verbally complains of pain, so I monitor her expressions for discomfort. Utterly amazing in her positive strength. I marvel at her determination and spirit.” Eros started to say more when the look on Jacob's face declared he'd already said more than he meant to.
    Jacob gave him a single nod and lifted the vase Eros had overlooked sitting on the porch. He handed it to his father. Two dozen long stemmed red roses sprouted from the thick crystal vase. A plastic rod bore a small card with Aymee's name on it. “I intercepted a man trying to deliver these a few minutes ago.”
    Eros glanced down the long drive toward the rural highway noting a Mercedes idling just beyond his property boundaries. The setting sun glinted off the blonde haired driver. Mitch. Eros's low growl made Jacob smile.
    “You like her.” Jacob stated.
    “Of course. Aymee is a wonderful woman. Everyone likes her.” Eros deflected.
    Jacob followed his gaze and looked at the Mercedes too. “So it would appear.” A small engine motorcycle zoomed past the Mercedes. “The human seemed most upset when I halted his personal delivery.” The Mercedes pulled away as they spoke.
    “Indeed. This suitor has displayed great … measures to establish contact with Aymee. I am not surprised by his continued pursuit.” Eros felt relief when the vehicle disappeared down the road. Mitch would return, Eros had no doubt about that. He also knew that it would be difficult on Aymee. If she loved Mitch, she might forgive his past indiscretion if the man could show her he'd changed. Prove that he truly loved her and come to cherish the gift of her love. A woman in love could forgive her man almost anything. If that proved to be the case, Eros would remove himself from her life. Only with a human would Aymee be able to have children … a family of her own. The thought of letting her go filled him with an overwhelming sense of loss. His attachment to her grew exponentially every moment he spent with her.
    But, she named Eros her 'boyfriend'. “Jacob.” His son turned to meet his gaze. “What is … a boyfriend, exactly?”
    Jacob started to laugh then sobered when he saw the seriousness of Eros question, he cleared his throat. “It is the male counterpart to a girlfriend and denotes a relationship of exclusivity and future.”
    That's what Eros was afraid of. If Aymee wished to evaluate Mitch's courting of her objectively, the obligation of a boyfriend might hinder that. Then Eros felt himself smile. Aymee was his girlfriend. Eros made the decision to enjoy the newfound relationship fully … for now. Part of him wanted to dispose of the roses. With a sigh, he bid Jacob goodbye and carried the perfect red blooms into the house, set them upon the casual eating bar overlooking the kitchen and