Page 116 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

Renatus smiled, the sheer goodness of the boy almost too much to bear.

“Of course, I could use your help. There are plenty of things for you to work on.”

Verian gave him a kiss on the cheek, settling back into his arms with a pleased grin. A welling of emotion burned Renatus’ throat, and he tried to swallow it.

Perhaps the boy would instill new life into the monotony of his High Consular duties. It had been a while since he’d put much effort into his work, if he were being honest. Yes, Verian would be most helpful, the energy and optimism of youth.

The hour was late and before long, Verian fell asleep. Vita still had not come to bed, so Renatus slid his way out as quietly as possible, not wanting to disturb the soldier’s slumber.

He knew exactly where she would be.

A minute later, he was outside the library, candlelight flooding into the darkened hallway.

“What are you writing, my love?”

Vita’s pointed ears twitched, and she straightened up from her seat on the couch, a shy smile on her face.

“Just working on my story…”

Renatus joined her, enjoying the way she flinched ever so slightly as he set his hand on her thigh. Not from fear, not any longer, but from arousal.

“Read it to me.”

Vita blushed, beautiful pink marking her cheeks. “No! I can’t.”

“And why not?”

Oh, how he loved toying with her.

Renatus enjoyed the way her lips quivered as she pressed her fingers to them, her eyes glancing away from his whenever he teased.

“It’s… private.” Vita held the closed journal out of his grasp.

Gods, had he loved her since he read that story in her bedroom, all those months ago? That sweet little imagination of hers, already trying to claim him as her own after one night in the rose garden.

“How did the painting go?”

Changing the subject, like the naughty little girl that she was. But he understood. Vita’s stories were personal, something that made her happy without the need to share. Renatus only hoped she’d allow him to read one sometime.

“Good. It still needs some work. Verian certainly squirms a lot for someone who spent a lifetime as a soldier.”

That earned him a giggle, delightful and soft, and Vita’s muscles relaxed.

Renatus held out his arms, and she crawled into his lap, curling up so he could cradle her in the way she enjoyed. He took in her scent—that natural musk that made him mad—as he nuzzled his cheek against her soft hair.

“I’m glad you two are getting along.”

“Getting along?” He quirked a brow. “Did you have your doubts, my love?”

“No. Not exactly.” She looked him right in the eye. “You tend to be private with your thoughts. I didn’t knowhowyou felt about him.”

“I enjoy his company. That should tell you what you need to know.”

It must have, because her glare softened, that sweet smile brightening her face once more.

He could get used to this, hewouldget used to this. Vita was here to stay, Verian too. Renatus was a monster—always would be—but he had people who loved him, people that he loved.

And that made his second chance at life worth living.

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