Page 86 of For Love and Blood and Fury

Unsure of who was scarier, a pissed-off Zuri or two vampires, Marisol took Elena’s unspoken cue and followed Zuri outside.

The sprawling, wrap-around terrace had been impressive at night, but under the clear spring sky it was unbelievable. She hadn’t realized that they were in the penthouse until daylight proved they were soaring above their neighbors.

Apart from the private lap pool, outdoor kitchen, and several seating areas, there was a glass encased atrium that looked like Elena had transported the soul of Zuri’s cabin to the modern high-rise. An earthy contrast to their sleek surroundings, there was no doubt it was where they were heading.

Muttering something about hurricanes, Zuri pulled open the glass door and stepped into the instantly calming space. Flowering plants and vines obscured their view and the thick glass walls blocked out all the city sounds. The scent of jasmine and rose blooms was so strong, Marisol wondered whether it was being pumped in through the vent keeping the climate temperate.

Zuri plopped down into one of two soft brown leather chairs positioned across from each other. She didn’t wait until Marisol had sat before saying, “Alright, let’s tap into your angel juice. It couldn’t have gone too far.” She scooted to the edge of her seat.

“Do you want to take a breath first?” Marisol breathed a nervous laugh. “You almost?—”

“No sense in dwelling,” she shot back. “That past?—”

“Past?” Marisol raised her brows. “It just happened. My heart is still pounding.” She leaned forward. “Do you really think one of Elena’s vampires could have tried to hurt her?”

Zuri looked like she was going to respond with something snarky before relaxing into her seat and actually considering the question. “I don’t know,” she decided with a sigh. “Librada and Sofia have always been around, but I can’t say we’ve ever shared a bottle of wine and gotten to know each other. What I know about them, I know through Elena’s stories. Elena’s cartel shit is her own.” She crossed her legs. “Or at least it used to be.”

A question flew out of Marisol’s mouth before she could stop it. “How come you’re here, then? Instead of with your coven.”

Hurt flashed in Zuri’s eyes before she clenched her jaw. “It’s complicated.”

“More complicated than trying to figure out?—”

“Yes.”

Marisol leaned over far enough to take Zuri’s hand and peel it off her chest. “Don’t shut me out. If you want?—”

“My coven is falling apart, and I may not even have one much longer. A witch on her own is at her weakest, and I don’t really want to think about that, okay?” she said in the same cadence as a wax strip being ripped off sensitive skin.

Marisol felt Zuri’s pain pushing against her own ribs. She didn’t let herself filter her thoughts before replying, “But you’re not alone.” She squeezed the hand curling around hers. “Not if you don’t want to be. I mean, we know I’m not a witch, but I’m something and I’m with you. If you want me.”

Studying every inch of her face, Zuri watched her until the edge melted from her expression. Until her gaze was as gentle as her touch when she thought Marisol was asleep. She believed her, Marisol realized with a heart-stopping jolt. She believed her vow, and she wanted her.

“Yeah,” she agreed, voice so low and so soft. “You’re something.” She looked at Marisol for another silent eternity before easing out of her hold. “Now come on. Let’s work on figuring out how to pull your trigger so you can knock more vamps on their asses should the need arise.”

Chapter Forty-Eight

“You did not tellus of her power,” Librada said before they walked into Elena’s office. With the shades drawn, the space was lifeless, even with the bright lights meant to mimic the sun without the UV rays.

Elena sat behind the modern glass desk. She waited until Lib took the chair across from her before responding with, “I know very little about it.” She then shared what she’d learned about the Aglion and Lilith from Zuri’s vision.

Librada listened, reminding Elena of the nun she’d been in her first life. The one who’d briefly joined a sect of Lilith Freaks before returning to her. Lib brightened with every word Elena shared about the celestial drama. “How can there be no record?—”

“I don’t know that either.” Elena was loath to confess it; working with missing pieces when she was used to owning the board and every fucking thing on it was getting old.

“And she had no idea? How can that be?” Lib’s face was dressed in open skepticism.

Elena shook her head. “She is either the best actress to ever roam the Earth, or she was completely clueless until I met her inthe hospital. Her control is nearly nonexistent and what she did today, emanating that power, that’s new.”

Librada shifted, senses returning to alert. “And you think it’s a coincidence? A creature that should be extinct appearing after your attack?” She shook her head. “And your witch?—”

“Zuri.”

“And Zuri’s return to your life just before?—”

“I’ve already considered and rejected the possibility of her involvement,” she said in a way that made it clear the topic was not up for discussion. “I trust Zuri and Marisol as much as I do you and Sofia.”

“How can that be? You said yourself you just met Marisol and the witch—Zuri—has barely been in your life a few years. Sofia and I have given you everything. Our pasts, our futures.”

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