Page 160 of The Star's Sword

“Plus, you spent time with Vasara,” I said, grimacing. “The ultimate sacrifice.”

Simon grinned ruefully, rubbing the back of his head and messing up his hair. “It was interesting at times, that was certain.”

“Simon, that night when you were drugged, did anything happen?”

His eyes widened in surprise and then a flush spread over his cheeks. “No. And it wouldn’t have mattered. I’m just a vampire, after all. Nothing I haven’t gone through before in the name of getting blood. I’ve been around a long time, Cleo.”

“But she didn’t do anything?” For some reason, it was important that she hadn’t.

“It was a bit shocking,” Simon said. “I’ve had a few admirers over the years, but someone willing to stick me with a needle full of incubus blood was new. However, nothing I couldn’t have handled. I do believe my, um, bitey side scared her off after chaining me. No harm no foul.”

“I’m just sorry,” I said. “You were being such a good friend to her.”

Simon lifted and dropped one shoulder casually. “Some people feed on betrayal. I think she is one of them.”

“You didn’t deserve that,” I said. “Any of it. Simon, I’m so sorry this has upended your life.”

Simon grinned. “Well, I never thought much about myself. For many hundreds of years I didn’t even have friends. Not until I had money and a keep. As a vampire, I’m used to being hated and feared.” His smile widened. “Yet, one night, when something almost happened to me, I had at least three friends all go on a rampage to avenge me. Others were killed for me.” He looked forward, flushing slightly. “I have to admit, being cared for isn’t the worst feeling.”

I leaned in, bumping him. “We all care about you so much more than you can know, vampire or not.”

We stayed there like that, close, and I squeezed his hand.

I could tell that for him, the future was somewhat foreboding and scary. Everything had been upended.

But in a minute or two, Simon had collected himself. He stood, extending a hand to me. “Well, we should get back before they miss us.”

I took his hand and let him help me up. I would miss this moment with him, but I was already excited to see Samael.

“Thank you, Cleo. Never thought the Morningstar would be one of my best friends, but I’m glad you came into my life,” Simon said.

“I’m glad you’re in mine,” I said. “No matter what happens, or where you go, you better keep in touch you little vampire.”

He laughed, wrinkling his nose. “Oh no, you too? I thought only Cayne had the audacity to give me pet names. I suppose I need to get my edge back, before everyone thinks I’m a big softie.”

“It’s a bit late for that,” I said, smiling as our friends flooded out into the courtyard, waving at us.

Everyone seemed energized. Cayne strode over to us, not bothered at all by his new leg, which didn’t show under his pants.

“What are you doing over here with my vampire, Cleo?” Cayne asked.

“We were just chatting,” Simon said. “I hadn’t had a moment to talk with her ever since the void.”

“I see,” Cayne said, folding his arms. He gave me a cocky look. “How are you feeling, Morningstar?” He grinned. “Looks like you have a bunch of slayer skills and nothing to do with them.”

I nodded. “What do you think?”

“I know a certain mantle that someone could wear.” He looked at Simon, then grabbed him with an arm and pulled him in against him. “I have to go take Ara’s place in the demon realm, watching over the hell portal for now. But I’m hoping a certain vampire will join me and make his home there, so that means there’s going to be an opening for someone to run Cayne’s sanctuary and wear Cayne’s mantle.”

My eyes went wide. “You mean?”

Cayne nodded. “The job is yours if you want it, until you figure out what else you want to do.”

“A slayer,” I said. “I could be a slayer.” I looked at Samael, who had just reached me and slung an arm around me. “What do you think?”

“I think it’d be a good job for you,” Samael said.

“I think it sounds amazing,” Zadis agreed, walking out into the courtyard. Samael gave me a nod, and I ran over to hug Zadis as well, holding him tight.

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