Free Hot Blooded by Donna Grant

vulnerability was a heady mix indeed.
    In all his millions of years of living, Laith had met all kinds of humans, but there had never been anyone like Iona. She was a beacon, a light that led him straight to her. As much as Laith might want her, he knew better than to get entangled deeply with her. It wasn’t in his nature.
    He dropped his arm and took a step toward Iona when Sammi’s eyes suddenly went wide. She was looking at the door of the pub, not Iona. Laith followed her gaze. As soon as he caught sight of Rhi, he wasn’t sure whether to shout with joy or call Phelan and let the Warrior know Rhi was all right.
    Rhi’s gaze slowly moved around the pub until she spotted him. She didn’t smile, or even acknowledge him. Instead, her eyes kept roving until she noticed Sammi. The heels of Rhi’s black heels were loud in a pub that had suddenly gone silent at her arrival.
    For men who had never seen her before, they were struck dumb by her ethereal beauty, not realizing they were gazing upon a Fae.
    For the women, there was a blend of envy and desire.
    Rhi came to a stop beside Sammi and Iona’s table and offered a small smile to Sammi. Sammi jumped up and threw her arms around Rhi. Laith watched as Rhi stood as still as a stone for two heartbeats before she hesitantly returned the embrace.
    That’s all Laith needed to see to know that Rhi was still somewhat herself. It was a relief, even if he knew the Rhi that had always been might not be the Rhi standing in his pub now.
    Laith walked to them just as Sammi was stepping back and wiping the tears from her face.
    â€œDamn you, Rhi,” Sammi said with a sniff. “You know I don’t cry.”
    Rhi’s smile was wider as she glanced at Laith and focused on Sammi. “It’s good to see you as well.”
    â€œWe were worried. I’m glad you dropped by,” Laith said.
    Rhi looked to the ground before she swiveled her silver eyes to him. “Not everyone was worried, I’m sure.”
    â€œThe ones who count,” Sammi hastened to say.
    Rhi smirked and tossed her long black hair over her shoulder. Laith noticed the tips of Rhi’s nails were painted black.
    The black shirt wasn’t what caused Laith’s concern because it wasn’t the first time Rhi wore black. It was her nails. Rhi loved her polish. Everyone knew that, and for the most part, you could discern her mood by the colors she chose.
    The black was significant. Mainly because she often used it as an accent, but she had never painted her nails that color.
    When he looked up from her denim-clad legs, her brows were raised as she watched him. Laith lifted one shoulder in a shrug. She took a deep breath, and when she released it, her shoulders sagged a little, as if she had decided something.
    â€œI’m not the same,” she said softly.
    Laith couldn’t even imagine what she had gone through while in the Dark’s dungeon with Balladyn, her once closest friend, torturing her. Phelan had described what Rhi looked like when he saw her chained, as had Kiril and Shara, but none of them could really know what she endured.
    Without a word, Laith wrapped an arm about her shoulders and gave her as much of a hug as he knew he could get away with. Rhi was leery of the Dragon Kings, after she and her King lover had ended their affair.
    Rhi patted his hand on her shoulder.
    He leaned close and whispered, “If you need anything, let me know.”
    â€œWho is this?” Rhi asked as she looked at Iona.
    Laith shifted his gaze to Iona to find her staring. He cleared his throat and tried to drop his arm, but Rhi kept ahold of his hand. “This is Iona Campbell. Iona, let me introduce you to a good friend, Rhi.”
    â€œRhi,” Iona said, glancing at Rhi’s hand atop Laith’s.
    Rhi grinned slyly. “Iona.”
    Sammi looked between the two women. Then she asked Rhi, “Have you seen Tristan yet?”
    â€œNo,”