Page 16 of Discarded (Shifter's Vault 1)

"Oh, a few people." He made a vague gesture with his hand. "I don't suppose you know what's supposed to be in here?"

"I have no idea," I replied. "More artefacts?"

"Let's see, shall we?" He removed the lid and started to pull out a variety of taped up, bubble wrapped items. He put each aside.

"Don't you have people to do this?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied, "us."

I frowned. "Other than us."

"Well, yes," he agreed, "but I like to do these things myself. It's good practice."

"For what?" I cocked my head at him over the paper.

"When the Alpha has an heir," he replied easily. "They might need a regent, or a steward. I'll be more accustomed to the role if I have to step into it. That makes me more useful."

"Indispensable?" I suggested.

He pointed a finger at me. "Exactly."

"I see. I suppose that is more useful than decrepit old uncle." I bit back a smile.

He glanced at me in surprise and then laughed. "Yes, it is. Now, I count ten items."

"That's what you should have."

"All here." He grabbed a knife out of the drawer and started to cut at the tape. "Ten artefacts. And you." He regarded me with his intense gaze. "Why did he want to give you away?"

"I don't know when to keep my mouth shut," I replied dryly. "Witches like their women quiet and well behaved." And not tainted with shifter blood, or god-chosen for their beloved son.

"Ah. Fortunately shifters are outspoken folk and proud of it. I think you'll fit right in."

I favoured him with an ironic smile. "The Covener would be mortified. I think he wanted me taught." And broken.

"Oh, I can teach you a few things." Dex grinned. "I'd like to show you something."

"I bet you would," I said under my breath.

4

Viva

"The moon looks closer here."I looked up into a sky beautifully decorated with twinkling stars. The moon hung above the roof and cast a silvery glow over the residence.

Dex's balcony was wide and dotted with chairs, tables and a chaise. The fragrance of honeysuckle and moon roses filled the warm night like a perfume.

I inhaled lightly and sighed. The power washed away the lingering effect of the wine and cleared my head. If not for that, I might have thought this was a dream.

"Everything in the Vault is bigger." Dex's tone was deadpan.

I glanced at his face.

Moonlight illuminated his grin.

I gave a snort of laughter and turned my face back toward the sky.

"When I heard the head of the Council was sending an escort, I didn't expect her to be anything like you," he said thoughtfully.

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