Page 39 of Shattered Magic

Vega sat back. “Yes, I got an early start to my career.”

Zerul frowned. “You make money?”

Hari kicked him under the table. “Hush.”

He raised his brows in surprise. “What?”

Vega chuckled. “I don’t mind. Yes, I make money. That is the one skill that I have under my control at all times.”

Hari blinked. “I hadn’t thought about it like it was an extranatural skill.”

“I know. Most don’t, but I can also shape metal with my fingertips if that makes you feel better.” Vega smiled.

Arkus smiled, and Hari looked at the two. They looked right together, but there was a bit of distance. Vega was keeping herself away from the creature who used to occupy her body.

Zerul asked, “Arkus, how have you been enjoying time in the modern world?”

Arkus smiled slightly. “I very much miss being inside Vega, but she is happy and reclaiming her freedom, so that is lovely to watch.”

Vega sighed. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here. And definitely don’t mention being inside me again.”

He smiled and innocently sipped at his water. “Yes, dear.”

Hari blinked and covered her mouth with her hand. Her smile was uncomfortably wide.

She felt a hand on her knee that began a slow travel up her thigh. Zerul was looking at her with an innocent expression. She glared at him. “Knock it off.”

He squeezed her thigh and smiled at her. “Yes, dear.”

Vega snorted, and the server arrived. Drinks were ordered, and Zerul asked, “How did you get in here? My connections could only get me in tomorrow.”

“Oh, I am one of the owners. I am an investor or part owner of over a dozen businesses in town and several in other cities.” Vega looked at him from above the menu. “It is an exhausting manifestation.”

Zerul nodded. “How did you meet Eon? It seems unlikely that you would collide.”

“Oh, her sister is the manager here. Eon came to check on Asta one day, and I met her then. Eon and I became fast friends because we are both driven by compulsion.”

Hari blinked. “She has a sister?”

Zerul smiled. “You didn’t know?”

“No.”

Vega smiled. “She works a lot. She’s working now actually. Would you like to meet her?”

Hari thought about it. “Yes, please. If she has time.”

Zerul grinned.

Vega tapped on her phone and continued to peruse the menu. When the server came over, they asked for a few minutes, and as the young woman was about to leave, a gorgeous woman with soft silver hair that cascaded down to her hips came over. “I have it, Daniette. Go and check on table seventeen. I will answer any questions and take the order.”

The woman’s voice was the smoothest sound that Hari had ever heard. It was soothing and relaxing and made everyone at the table smile slightly.

Vega smiled. “Asta, this is Anhara or Hari. You know Zerul, and Arkus has been with me but unseen for the last five years. He isn’t leaving.”

Asta inclined her head. “Welcome to those who have not been here before today. Was there anything in particular you enjoy having?”

The innuendo was extreme, but her tone was helpful and innocent, and her silver eyes were huge and liquid. She smiled brightly at Hari. “It is good to see you finally, Hari.”

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