Claimed by Fangs and Darkness (Everlasting Possession, #2)

by Maggie Sunseri

If you don’t grieve properly, that pain will leak out in far less desirable ways. Feel it, Kylo.

“I always suspected you hailed from the stars,” Kylo said softly. He stared down at me, Idris between us.

“What are my shadows for, Evie?” Hekate asked. I walked to her. In her outstretched hand, a heavy brass key rested. The old me would’ve said violence. Destruction. Oblivion. Chaos. “Revolution,” I answered.

I want to worship you, Evie. I don’t fear you. I only fear losing you.”

“I don’t want anyone else fucking touching you. But I also can’t have you turning into a wet, needy mess every time I threaten your life.”

“This is where I like to read,” Kylo murmured. “It’s so sexy you know how to read.” Kylo lifted a single brow. “What? Most men can’t.” His face shifted with displeasure. “Can’t or won’t?” “Uncertain.” Kylo sighed heavily. “The bar is truly in Lillian’s hells.”

“Men need a higher power, or they will become their own. Whether that higher power is group consciousness, the spirit of the revolution, or devotion to one or more gods—there has to be a system of meaning that exists beyond their own egos. Greatness is derived from connection. A man’s unchecked ego breeds alienation, profound spiritual loneliness, and insecurity. And instead of self-betterment, those lost souls will falsely believe that conquering, dominating, and stealing others’ light is the only way to fill the bottomless voids they themselves created.”

“I think being seen and understood in your entirety is what you’ve most wanted all along.”

“It is a revolutionary act to stay in your home despite the threat from oppressors. To continue to laugh and take strolls and steal joy and orgasms and acts of indulgence, small and large. To refuse to live in fear is radical. I will dance and make art. I will fill vases with freshly cut flowers, and I will make my bed every morning. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Is this fucked-up of us?” I panted. “We’re self-aware, so it’s fine.” “Hmm.” I nodded. “Okay. That sounds right.”

“What the fuck, Idris?” He looked straight at me, frighteningly calm and unwavering. “That is not Evie.”