Page 57 of Twice Bitten

His eyes glowed silver for a moment. “True. You have my word as an honorable male, then.” A pause. “Besides,” his lips twitched, “I wouldn’t want you to stab me.”

I sighed. “I’m not surprised Alric told you I was alive, but I am surprised he told you I stabbed him.”

“Oh, he didn’t tell me that part,” Silas said with a chuckle. “That intel cost me a bundle, but I’ll ensure he never lives it down.”

“So he’s still alive,” I grumbled.

Silas laughed this time, the deep, amused sound rolling over my skin. I turned and fished out my keys to keep him from seeing my reaction. Alric had trouble hiding the predator lurking within, but Silas was simply charming.

The Shifter King could prove far more dangerous than Alric.

“Would you like a cup of coffee?”

Silas rose in a graceful motion. “I would.”

“Enter under guest rules, Shifter King. Remember, I am not without defenses.”

Guest rules weren’t foolproof, but most supernaturals respected the ancient code of honor. Once Silas stepped over my threshold, raising his hand to harm me would violate his oath and, if anyone found out about it, would bring shame to his house—and if he tried anything, I would ensureeveryonewould find out about it.

Silas gave me an odd look. “Again, Alex, I am merely here to talk.”

I didn’t respond. Instead, I opened the door and gestured for the Shifter King to come inside.

Edmund did not say a word, but the house let out a loud groan as if its bones ached.

Silas blinked, a furrow appearing on his brow, but he stayed silent, his sharp gaze taking in the decor.

The man wasmassive. I had to tilt my head up to look at him, and standing next to him made me feel like a little kid beside a professional basketball player.

He had to be at least six-five, but it wasn’t only his height that made him so intimidating. He was shaped like a storybook lumberjack. Wide chest, heavily muscled arms, and a sharp jaw.

“Gaston,” I blurted.

Silas glanced down at me. “Excuse me?”

My face burned with horror. “Erm. You remind me of Gaston.” He had the whole burly, handsome lumberjack charming everyone in the town square act down pat. Minus the goofy ponytail. But this was not a Disney cartoon. Why could I not stop talking?

“Hmm. Are you going to turn the townspeople against me?”

“Not yet,” I said.

Silas’s eyes crinkled at the edges. “I’m not sure if I should be amused or offended.”

“Sorry. It’s the jaw, I think. And the…” I waved my hands at his chest.

“Alex?”

“Hmm.”

“You might want to stop talking.”

I closed my eyes. “Yes. I really should.” Shaking my head, I brushed past him and headed into the kitchen.

Silas followed, his footsteps heavy. “I like your house.”

I glanced up from scooping coffee into the pot. “Yeah?”

He nodded. “Modern decor feels soulless. This feels comforting. Like I want to curl up on the couch and read a book.”