Page 120 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

“It means I will be standing between you and judgment.”

Dom flopped onto the couch and took her smaller hand in his. “It means we’re fucked.”

Michael stared at their clasped palms. “Tell me why you gave Madeline your blood, Dom. I need the whole story if I’m to mount a defense.” He eyed her. “It doesn’t look as though you devolved deeper into being a Leech because of it. That’s supposedly the reason for the law.” He scrubbed a fist across his chin.

Dom pathed a reminder to Maddy,Don’t reveal your gifts to Michael.

I know, dear. I’m neither stupid nor forgetful.

Sorry.

Dom summarized for Michael—Maddy’s kidnapping, escape, Sycophancy, cure, atypical Scourge-ness, and Indigo’s idea to curb blood hunger.

Michael stared. “We don’t mate.”

Madeline and Dom exchanged glances as he mumbled, “Tell that to Ohngel.”

“Ohngel and Indigo claim to be mates. Everyone lets them get away with the statement.”

“Are you sure?” snarled Dom. “Maddy and I have been drawn to each other since we met. When I asked her to accept me, she did. A bond snapped into place. We are mates.”

Michael dropped his foot to the floor, leaning forward in his chair. “Let me think.” He paused, intermittent light seeping from his skin. “Long ago. Eons. I remember Immortals who claimed to be mates. But the notion fell out of favor.” He flicked his gaze to Dom. “How do you know you’re mates?”

“I can see and feel the bond,” explained Dom.

Let me do the talking, he pathed to Maddy.

I’m your mate, not your Syc. I’ll talk when I want.

Dom chuckled in her head.

Michael nodded. “This could be a defense. I must find out more about Immortals and mating. If it is ... or was a thing, perhaps we can prove your attraction to Madeline was so great you couldn’t help yourself.” He paused before his following announcement. “Tetrys has been appointed prosecutor.”

“Fuck,” said Dom. “I might as well just extinct myself now.”

“Why?” asked Madeline.

“’Cause he has his lips so far up the OneCreator’s ass, they’re permanently puckered.”

Michael shrugged.

“I’ll confess. I’m guilty of talking Dom into giving me his blood.”

Maddy, stop, Dom pathed.

No.

Dom shot to his feet again. “She will not take the fall for me. Understand, Michael? I want your promise that it will never happen. Now.”

He hesitated. “Calm down, One-eye. I swear I will not allow Madeline to accept the blame.”

“You can’t make that promise, Michael,” said Maddy.

Both men stared at her as if she had no say. She sputtered but remained quiet. She’d sacrifice herself for Dom in a heartbeat. They couldn’t stop her.

Michael continued, “I have a lot to research before I can mount your defense.”

Still standing, Dom said, “Then I guess you better get going. Be sure to note that Maddy was never a typical Scourge. Even now, she’s a hybrid who can pass through the gateway. Unique among us.” He signaled for Maddy to rise. “Show him your feathers.”

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