Page 9 of Claimed

“Can’t say I’m sad to say goodbye to that werewolf fucker, but are you okay?”

He’s still holding me and he smells incredible. So different from Lucien. “I’m okay now. I might look exhausted and like I need a good layer of makeup but—” Why did I say that? I know my skin is fresh and glowing. Was I searching for a compliment?

Kim steps back and examines my face. “You don’t look tired. And you definitely don’t need makeup. You look great.” He clears his throat. “I mean, you look... different. Actually.”

I laugh a little. “Different how? Like someone who just found out they might be a magickal shadow queen?”

Kim’s eyes widen behind his glasses, but it’s clear he knows what I’m talking about. “Wow, so he really told you.”

“You knew? Of course you did. You’re his... whatever you are.”

“I only found out the extent of it recently. I promise.”

A cool breeze whips through the trees, sending a shiver down my spine. “And you’ve seen it too? The shadows? The way I make them do stuff?”

Kim nods slowly. “Oh yeah. I’ve seen the stuff. On the security footage from the bookshop. And—” He hesitates, a flush creeping up his neck, “Other times.”

Something in his tone makes me narrow my eyes. “What other times?”

“That’s not important right now,” he says quickly.

Is he blushing?

“What matters is that you’re in danger. Real danger. And not just from whoever’s looking for you. So, you really shouldn’t be wandering around out here alone.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Not just from who’s looking for me?” I glance back at the mansion. “You mean Lucien?”

Kim has started to walk. I follow him. “No, Lucien wouldn’t harm a single hair on your head. I mean the shadows themselves, Luna. That kind of power – it changes people. And not always for the better.”

I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the sunshine. Isn’t that what Lucien said? Darkness and light? Easy to corrupt?

“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Kim finally says, “but I actually do believe Lucien loves you. And that he’s been trying to protect you.”

“You do?”

“I mean, he’s still a manipulative, controlling asshole who’s done terrible things. But I’ve known him for a while now and, yeah, I believe he loves you.”

“That doesn’t excuse what he did,” I say firmly. “Watching me for years, buying my workplace, keeping me locked up here.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Kim agrees. “But in his twisted vampire way, he was trying to do what he thought was right.”

I hesitate for a second, biting the inside of my cheek. When I look up, I meet Kim’s eyes and say, “So, what do I do now?”

4

Kim

“Thornfield?” I call out, my voice echoing down his creepy-ass hallway.

No answer.

I continue through the corridor, past rooms I’ve never entered. Rooms that have probably seen centuries of vampire business I’m better off not knowing about.

If he’s not lingering in his office watching Luna on his computer, and he’s not in his room sulking, there’s only one other place he’s likely to be.

Luna wanted to come with me. But I need to talk to Lucien alone first.

It felt like shit telling her no; like now I’m the one keeping things from her. But she’s already got her head full. She doesn’t need this too.