Page 37 of Shattered Magic

“Yeah, and Vega is really good with money. Snappy dancer, too.” She smiled and typed a text and followed it up with an email.

Zerul checked his schedule, his horns gleaming in the light of the office lamp. “We can go now if you like.”

“Wait. We?”

“You are officially my consort two days from now. I think it’s time for you to get used to the position.”

“I thought that is what Steerik was for?”

“Funny.” Zerul grunted.

“I thought so.” Going to sleep next to him and waking up in his arms had done wonders for her confidence. She just wanted to get the opening over and done with. Steerik had briefed her on what would happen, that he would look like Zerul during all activities, and while pleasure would be a side effect, the set spell was the goal.

To her surprise, she got a response from Vega. Dinner with you two sounds good. Carvados?

Definitely. Eight? Should I make a reservation?

Hari smiled and was honest. Please. They like you better.

Okay. I will confirm with you in a few. It will be for four.

The long sigh of relief got Zerul’s attention. “Is it all good?”

“It is. We are going for dinner at eight with either her and Arkus, or her and Eon.”

Zerul chuckled. “Ah. Didn’t want to ask?”

“Nope. Either way, we need to look nice. Vega has been worried about my public image. Oh, Serel is trying to fight the civil suit.”

“I know. Do you want my lawyer?”

“No. Mine is good and looking forward to this fight. She’s even giving me a discount. Serel was particularly mean to her sister in university.”

Zerul sighed. “I can’t believe that Prolen thought it was proper to have that viper here.”

“He was horny, she was willing, and her father is a political booster. So, it made sense. I get it. It’s why I offered so many options.”

“The dancers.”

“Correct. A few of them have dated vampires in the past, so it was fine. No one came under duress.”

He smirked. “You aren’t familiar with Prolen’s intimate habits. Occasionally, duress is involved.”

“Ah. Well, things I don’t need to know.”

“Would you have anyone in mind as a more permanent partner for him? I am feeling that he needs someone on a steadier basis.”

Hari winced. “I do, but he would have to do all the work. All I can do is put them in the same room. I also have no idea how she would react to his enthusiasm for multiple partners. I know she’s had a few cheaters in her life. She’s a fan of monogamy, and since the ladies like to gossip, she might class that as cheating.”

“Complicated. She has been damaged?”

“Yes. She’s a mage in a master ranking, but when she was an apprentice, she was dating, and it didn’t end well, nor did the next and the next. After that, she gave up and settled for setting up security systems at my businesses.”

Zerul blinked. “She does security?”

“Yes. She has a small shop and does spellwork, including surveillance.”

“Interesting.”

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