Page 25 of Shattered Magic

Hari looked at the shirtless man in wide-legged pants. He was barefoot, and it looked completely natural on him. “Why do you want to find Vega so quickly?”

“So that she isn’t hurt. She’s been fighting my occupation of her for the last few months.”

Hari paused. “Wait. Just the last few months?”

Eon stepped over and whispered in her ear. Hari’s eyes got wide. “Oh, damn. Yeah, that would do it.”

He frowned at her. “What? She has been upset since her sister’s party.”

Livia asked, “The baby shower?”

Hari gave a short nod. “That would do it.”

The man frowned. “What do you mean?”

Eon scowled. “You were there.”

“It was a women’s event. I kept back.” He looked at the ladies who were looking back. “What was it?”

Hari sighed. “It was a women’s event. Her little sister was achieving a milestone that was out of Vega’s reach... because of you.”

He frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“You don’t have to. You are no longer inside her, so her body may resume natural functions now. I think she wants to jump into normal activities and events now that she’s free.”

He growled and stepped toward her, but Zerul stepped between them and said, “Don’t take another step.”

“They keep saying she’s free. She isn’t free. I made this body for her.” He flicked his hand down past his obvious musculature and thick arms.

Zerul sighed. “Take it up with Vega.”

“I can’t. She isn’t here.”

Zerul patted him on the shoulder. “I am sure you will have your chance.” He led the other man back to the ballroom.

Hari looked at him, and her jaw dropped. “Oh, wow. AI night. Holy crap.”

Eon smirked. “Well, she was interested in that physique the most. And long hair. And the lack of a shirt.”

Livia snickered.

The guys were walking far ahead, and Hari sighed. “This is going to be awkward for Vega. Where do you think she is?”

Eon said, “I can make a few guesses, and I don’t know if it is a nap, hot wings, or shooter night.” She winced. “Or trying to get laid.”

Livia hissed. “Oh, no. You don’t think?”

“It is in the realm of possibilities.”

Hari sighed. “Damn.”

They got back to the ballroom and raided the buffet. Zerul and the new Orvuul were in deep conversation, their voices rumbling through the space. Ladies who had gotten free of their escorts were gathered around the two men. They weren’t paying attention. Hari smiled at that.

When the dessert bar came out, they turned as one and were enjoying the selections, and Hari had no complaints. Desserts were not her forte.

They were sitting around and groaning with tiny glasses of dessert wine when Eon’s phone rang.

She answered, paled, and got to her feet. Hari watched her hands shaking as she brought up a car share app. “What is it?”