Page 19 of The Veil of Blood and Magic

Chapter 5

Livana

Destowne is one of the wealthiest townships on the continent, save for Lingate. It’s tucked against the western shores, the cerulean ocean sparkling along the city’s edges. It’s predominantly a mortal town, with the exception of a handful of sorcerers that submitted to the Collector after The Great Purge.

They’re licensed to use certain types of magic, and they’re even more clever about finding ways to use all theotherkinds the Collector deems illegal. Just like all the other creatures who seek refuge in Destowne, hiding among the mortals without the Collector’s knowledge.

When the fighting dwindled to immeasurable odds, the Collector allowed the measly opposition to live, so long as they bent the knee to him. These creatures did what they had to do in order to survive, and have been doing their best, just like me, to not draw attention since.

But that changes for me now.

Or at least, once these drifters turn me over.

Zev slows his pace a few miles away from the township’s entrance, turning his usual scowl on me. I don’t know what he’supset about, I’ve been mostly quiet and appropriate the entire journey. And I could’ve complimented the way his ass looks in his trousers at least a half-dozen times, which would’ve sent him over the edge with annoyance, but I resisted.

“Up,” Zev demands after he’s climbed atop Rain. He looks ten times more menacing atop the beautiful horse.

I furrow my brow. “Why?”

“Because I said so.” Zev’s jaw hardens.

“Well, I’m definitely not doing it now.”

Jagger huffs a laugh behind me.

Zev sighs, his grip on the reins tightening so much I can hear the leather groan. He points toward Destowne, the skyline peppered with immaculate stone and glass buildings that touch the clouds, all their ornate carvings and adornments glistening under the sun.

“There are a thousand different alleyways you can sneak off to,” he says. “And even more buildings to duck and hide in.”

“I could’ve outrun you at any time during this little journey of ours,” I counter. “I haven’t. I’ve stayed behind you the entire time.”

A ghost of a smirk plays over his lips. “You couldn’t outrun me even if you were fully fed, succubus.”

I roll my eyes. Cocky bastard.

“Up.” He offers his arm, his shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbows, showing off the rippling muscles beneath his smooth skin. Drifters are raised to be strong, ruthless, and efficient, but I’ve never seen any built as thoroughly as Zev and Jagger. It’s like they both have more than just distant Fae blood in their veins and I hate that I’m curious enough to want to uncover just whatotherpower they may have.

I glare at Zev and hesitate, just to piss him off.

He holds his ground, never budging an inch.

I submit and take his hand. He plucks me off the ground like I don’t have curves for days, situating me on the horse right in front of him before clicking his tongue. Rain moves forward, and I fold my arms over my chest, refusing to put my hands anywhere on Zev’s body, the most obvious place being the two massive thighs on either side of me.

He’s already too close, with his firm, broad chest and abdomen pressed tightly along my spine. Every time Rain moves our bodies rock against each other as Zev guides him into the heart of Destowne.

Spiced chocolate and cedar overtake my senses, the flavor faint but present as it swirls around us. Zev is warm behind me, staving off the chill in the air, his powerful arms encasing me in an embrace that Ihate.

He’s holding me to trap me, not protect me, but regardless of intention, it feels so damn good.

Physical touch isn’t a luxury I’m often afforded, and my body hums at the contact. I want to punch him for it, but I keep my hands to myself. He’s taking me where I want to go, after all.

A few more miles and I’ll get what I need. Then my head will be clear enough to strategize just how to use the drifters to my advantage.

“Where is this place?” Zev asks, his rough voice at my ear. It sends warm shivers down my back, and I tremble, unable to stop the reaction.

“A few more miles and to the west,” I explain, going into more detail about the exact location.

Zev leans over me, drawing his mouth closer to my ear. For a split second, I think he’s going to bite me, but instead a low growl rumbles from his chest. “If this is a trap or a ploy to escape, I will make the rest of your life miserable, succubus.”

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