Page 40 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

Though delicious, Elise was weak. Nothing like the human female who was surprisingly strong-willed. The goddess’s brain had been easy to invade. No blocked access. No fallen rock in the tunnels. No surprises.

Of course, Praevus deserved none of the ill-treatment that had followed his fun with Elise. His only crime had been to assuage his urges.

Then after centuries of punishment in Angor, he had been offered a way out. He’d grabbed it, also gaining new lodgings and time away from the silly Ordeals. It had been sweet. Praevus just wasn’t lucky.

And once again his uncontrollable urges had gotten him in trouble.

Chapter Eleven

Dom peeked in on Madelinewhen he returned. The sheets and blankets were rumpled, but she wasn’t tucked into them. The bathroom was empty. No human.

As he strode into the salon, his boots thumped on the stone tiles. Fashion magazines meant to give Dom ideas for Madeline’s clothes floated through his open roof and into his arms.Thanks, Ohngel, he pathed.

You’re welcome.

He smiled, something he was getting the hang of, and set the magazines on a nearby table. Sounds drifted in from the kitchen. The human was singing a tune, off-key but with enthusiasm. Dom found her at the stove, her back to him, her hips swaying to the rhythm. He didn’t recognize the song, not surprising since he wasn’t into music. Or books. Or...? Much of anything except corralling or killing Scourges.

Pausing in the doorway, he enjoyed the sight of Madeline.

She twirled around. After winking at him, she returned to her task. Over her shoulder, she said, “Eggs, bacon, hashbrowns. I think that’s what this stuff is. Okay by you?”

Dom nodded but guessed she couldn’t see him. “Sure.”

She chatted while shutting off the burner and searching the cabinets for plates. Finding them, she piled food high. Pulling out drawers, she located forks. After laying those out, she poured two cups of coffee.

Joining him to eat, she went on about something. “...since I got up so early and couldn’t find you. Anyway, I came into the kitchen to explore. I thought a breakfast might help both of us. I know it would me.” She paused, ruffling a hand through her choppy blonde hair. “I also re-organized a few things. Your flatware and plates should be closer to your dishwasher. Stuff like that. You don’t mind, do you?”

“No.” Dom dug into the food. Good. Great. The eggs were sunny side up, as he liked. The bacon was crisp. He’d never had hashbrowns, but now they might be his favorite potato recipe. Between mouthfuls, he asked, “What got you up so early?”

She didn’t answer. Instead, she asked, “Can you snap your fingers and have any shit happen?”

“Pretty much.”

“Why do you bother to cook or clean house? I mean, I’ve seen you light a fire or drop an invisible covering around the house. You claimed joy of the experience, but there must be more.” She reached across the table and rested her free hand on top of his. It was warm, soft. He liked the tender gesture more than he should.

“When you live an eternity, it’s good to slow the roll,” he said.

---