Page 129 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

“Well, we might not have many more chances.”

He rolled toward her, adopting her pose. “What about him?”

She shook her head to concentrate on the conversation rather than on Dom’s incredible bare chest. “You know about my mother’s abusive alcoholism.”

“I do.” Dom stroked a palm along her naked thigh.

She shivered from his touch. “After my sisters moved out, I attended Al-Anon meetings. There, humans having similar problems discussed their situations. Anyway, one of the big lessons I learned applies to your relationship with your friend.”

“What was the lesson?”

“Al-Anon 101. You cannot help someone who does not want to help himself.”

Dom closed his eye. Moisture seeped from it. Wordlessly, she watched as centuries later her mate came to grips with the loss of his best friend.

The black-winged assassin, her gruff lover, pulled her on top of him, his arms lashing around her. “You are nothing like Gar. He was vain, selfish, and unwilling to change or control himself. I know that. Now ride me, mate. Ride me into oblivion.”

Forgetting their troubles for the moment, she laughed. “You say the most romantic things. I’m not a Syc anymore, but I’m happy to follow your order, O bossy one.”

Madeline straddled Dom’s thighs, rose to her knees, and massaged her breasts, plucking on her nipples. With a wicked grin, she grasped his hard cock, sat down on it, and rode him into oblivion. Though her fangs punched from her gums, she did not drink his blood for fear they were watched. She hoped the jailers reported her restraint.

In the early morning, a knock woke her. Very polite. Why didn’t the visitor just walk in? After all, they were prisoners.

A sleep-rumpled Dom stumbled to the door, stepping into his pants on the way. The voices were too whispered for Madeline to hear, but her mate returned, his expression all business.

“The OC has called the Feard out. It seems I’m still active even though he wants to hang me out to dry. Anyway, we’re splitting up to quell problems in Angor.”

Maddy hopped out of bed and rushed to the closet, pulling out leather pants, a shirt, and a lined jacket. “I’m going along.”

“No.”

“Yes. I can be lookout.”

“No. We don’t know if you’re Immortal. And you don’t know how to use your abilities yet.”

She fisted her hips and tapped a foot. “Our relationship will not work unless we’re equals.”

“Maddy. We’re not equals. I’m a winged assassin of the OneCreator. I’ve also been at this for a few more millennia than you have. You have new gifts, but they’re untested.”

Frowning but determined, she said, “Not equals that way. I know you’re bigger and stronger. I mean in the decision-making process.”

“You’re right. If we survive the trial, we’ll talk.”

She chewed her lip and her shoulders sank in defeat. “Okay, flyboy, I’m giving in this one time. Get out of here. Stay safe.”

“Always. Besides, I’m saving myself for a good spanking from the OC.”

“I don’t think you’re sufficiently worried about the trial.”

He kissed her cheek. “I’m worried about you.”

She flashed her most confident smile as he left, hiding her fears. Their time together was slipping away.No. Dom had promised they would face whatever the future had in store—together always.

He had saved her, but what she felt for Dom went way beyond gratitude. He was her lover, her confidant, her north star, her best friend. He had seen her through the most drastic changes in her life and stood with her. She clasped a hand to her chest. He was her mate.

****

Court resumed whenthe assassins returned from Angor. Yawning, the OneCreator rested an elbow on the arm of his throne. He was in a quandary about Dom and the once-human. Though he enforced his laws consistently, this case had him stymied. “Now, where were you, Michael? Oh, yes. You were pointing out that it’s all right to break a law if it works out okay or if one of the miscreants is unique. Do you have anything else?”

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