Page 173 of Halfblood Deceived

Aella’s gut twisted when Zeydan told her about Aroth and Kerian’s gift to the Order of the Light.

She knew what the gargoyles would have done if they’d gotten away with killing her sister, friends, and acquaintances. They would have invaded Darkwood and killed, maimed, and abused and there would have been no one to stop them. Still, she couldn’t help but think that the over two dozen gargoyles Kamilla and the others had—rightfully—killed had families. There were wives mourning their husbands and children crying because their dads were dead.

But how many families had those gargoyles destroyed?

What if those gargoyles had killed innocent girls who loved playing Scrabble?

Aella was so confused.

Zeydan let her think in silence. His thumb kept delivering soft caresses that sent sparks of sensation up Aella’s arm.

“Do you want to come inside with me?” she asked. “I want to drink something warm.”

Zeydan nodded. “Yes. I’d love to.” He was out of the car, opening the door for Aella before she’d managed to undo her seatbelt.

The night air was chilly against her hot cheeks. A shiver shook her as Zeydan closed the door, merely inches away from her. The sudden desire to sink her fingers into his dark hair, press him close, bury her nose in his neck, and fill her lungs with his scent left her breathless.

Unaware of her addled thoughts, Zeydan placed his hand between her shoulder blades and gently guided her across the sidewalk to the entrance. He stayed behind as Aella fished her keys from her jeans pocket and fumbled with the lock. And he didn’t cross the threshold either when she went inside.

“You need to invite me in,” Zeydan told her.

Aella blinked. “I thought that was a myth.”

He nodded. “It is when a house is unwarded, but Diana has thoroughly warded her home. So no uninvited supernaturals can come in.”

Right. Aella bit her lip, trying not to smile. She wasn’t sure why she was so amused. “So, if I don’t invite you and you still tried to get in, what would happen?”

Zeydan hummed, stretching a hand toward the space between them. A flash of red magic crackled, creating a thin film that covered the whole door frame. “I think I would get electrocuted hard enough to be sent off my feet.” His eyes were playful and warm. “But I would never try to break in. I have manners.”

Aella smiled at him. “And what if you really had to? What if I was in trouble and needed your help?”

He got as close as the magical barrier allowed him, bending his head to meet her eyes. “Then I would definitely get magically electrocuted and tossed on my arse. And I would try over and over, break the whole house apart if I had to, until I had you safe in my arms.”

Aella felt as if her insides were made of warm butter. She shivered, but not from the cold, her throat suddenly dry. “Then Zeydan, please come in.”

He gave her a small bow, beautiful lips curled into a half smile, eyes intense despite the edge of amusement. “Thank you, Aella.”

Aella swallowed hard and broke eye contact before she did something reckless, like burying her nose in Zeydan’s hair and kissing the edge of his jaw. She kicked her tennis shoes off by the door.

Zeydan bent to undo the laces of his elegant boots and then followed her toward the kitchen in his sober gray socks. He arched a brow at Aella’s rainbow-colored toe socks.

“What? They’re cute,” Aella protested, defending the honor of her socks.

Zeydan chuckled. “Very cute. Evan has a pair just like those.”

“Really?”

“Really,” he confirmed. “Evan is hopelessly stylish when it comes to his clothes and hair, but he has the gaudiest socks I’ve ever seen in my life. I think he has them custom-made.”

Aella grinned at the amusing image. “I’ve gotta ask him to hook me up with his provider, then.”

Zeydan huffed. “Oh, he’d be delighted, I’m sure.” He looked at her work clothes. “Would you like to change into something more comfortable? I can make you a cup of cocoa.”

Aella nodded. “I’d love that. Diana keeps a can of powdered sheep blood for when Kamilla visits, if you want some cocoa too.”

He smiled. “Thank you.”

Aella bit her lip and nodded, rushing upstairs. She didn’t want to miss time with Zeydan. Dashing into her room, she grabbed a pair of beige leggings and an oversize white sweater before going to the bathroom. She took care of her needs, brushed her teeth, and washed her face. Turning her back to the mirror, she changed in such a hurry that she nearly fell as she put on her leggings.

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