Shadow of Doubt: Part 2 Read Online Free PDF Page A

did.”
    “Oh, I don’t think she got away with
it. I told our handler. She was punished according to our
laws.”
    “Your laws?”
    “We have our own set of rules we’re to
follow. If we don’t, we pay the price. We still have to live
according to human laws within our realm. There’s a Night Council.
It’s too complicated to explain.” And too dangerous to even talk
about. If shadows had ears, who knew what could be listening. He’d
just put both of them in terrible danger. That thought cleared
Erebus’ head a moment. “I think I’ve said enough tonight.” Even he
could hear the finality in his voice, firm but sure. “It’s getting
late.”
    Aurora opened her mouth to speak but
then closed it. She pressed her lips into a thin line, one corner
of her mouth puckering against her cheek. Aside from the darkness
of the conversation, she looked adorable. Erebus knew he didn’t
want to ever leave her.
    “You’re a good man, Erebus. Don’t let
anyone make you think otherwise.” Shifting in her seat, Aurora
leaned towards him. “An’ you’re one fascinating Shadow.”
    Unable to resist, he bent forward and
kissed her lightly on her lips. She could bring him pure joy just
with simple words. She’d called him Erebus instead of Aaron. For
the first time in forever, he liked the way his name sounded. What
he couldn’t believe was how she wasn’t disgusted in him, or what he
was.
    “I think you’re in denial. Probably
shock,” he whispered. “You’re going to wake up tomorrow morning and
run. You’re too calm to accept all of this.” Part of him was
pleased, the other terrified tomorrow night she’d really be
gone.
    “I’m not going anywhere,” she said, as
if reading his mind. “After spending the past few months with you,
I know how you are. Everything seems so far-fetched at the moment,
but also believable. I’m not sure why, but I feel it here.” She
pressed a hand over her heart and then flashed a quick smile.
“Plus, I don’t run away from challenges.”
    “My little tough girl.” He grinned
before his face turned serious again. He double checked the clock
on the dash board. “It’s four in the morning, and you need to rest.
Drive home, sleep, and digest what I’ve told you. I’ll find you
tomorrow night. I promise.”
    “You aren’t going to stay over?” she
asked in a quiet, pleading voice. She leaned against him, slipping
her fingers onto his neck and hair. Her smell and touch became
intoxicating, her lips soft just when he needed their
tenderness.
    “My heart beats me senseless when
you’re around,” he whispered, the words out of his mouth before he
realized he’d said them. Would he ever figure out how to keep those
personal feelings in his head, not straight out of his gob? He was
glad Coty couldn’t know. He’d never let him live it down. Pulling
Aurora tight to him, his heart hammered against his rib cage. He
could barely concentrate with her this close. He had never known a
heart could beat this strong.
    He felt her smile against his
chest.
    “Does that mean you’ll stay over?” Her
voice was muffled.
    “Tempting. So very, excruciatingly
tempting, but I think you really need to be on your own. I’ll tuck
you in though.” He gently pushed her back, placing her hands on the
steering wheel. He let his hand slide down and rest lightly on her
thigh. As much as he wanted to stay, he also needed time to think
and to find Janus. The latter as soon as possible
actually.
    Aurora shifted the car into drive and
headed towards the park exit. Erebus jerked his head slightly. He
turned back and squinted at the parking lot behind them. Aurora
glanced in the review mirror.
    “What is it?” she asked.
    “Nothing. I thought I saw an animal
standing near the grass.” He shifted around, refusing to look back
again. His inner radar convinced him it wasn’t an animal but
something else.

Chapter 3
    Questions
     
    Erebus shuddered as he drew in the
cold, fresh air. It took a few