A Shadow in the Reaping (The Shadow Realm, #1)

by Brynne Weaver

I start singing some of the lyrics from WAP by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. It's a modern masterpiece and I will fight you if you say otherwise. And I can sing it sweet. So sweet it sounds like a church hymn. I want you to park that big Mack truck Right in this little garage Make it cream, make me scream

Out in public, make a scene I don't cook, I don't clean But let me tell you how I got this ring...

Why is a siren-slash-vampire who knows all the lyrics to WAP sitting around on a Tuesday night playing Scrabble with a small town detective?

But that is not what I write. I send a silent prayer of thanks to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion for having my back with WAP. Yes, I believe he does. Although, we don't call it mating. That's very last century of you, Reaper. No, he wants to park his big Mack truck right in my little garage.

In case it's unclear, Reaper, he wants to make it cream, make me scream. There is a tiny flame growing in his pupils. He intends to bring a bucket and a mop... would you like me to describe what for? I can keep going if you like.

Sometimes having just one person left to stand for you reminds you how many you've lost.

“I won't let anything hurt you, Lu,” he says. His voice sounds like a promise. He sounds like a warrior. He sounds like he will burn the world to keep his word.

“If you're trapped in the Realm of Light, I will still find you,” Ashen says.

“You are like the wind or the sea, like an elemental force of nature. You feared me and yet I'm the one who is left defenseless as you dismantle my walls, stone by stone.”

“Libbu isriq, ekimmu,” he whispers into my skin. You have stolen my heart, vampire.

“No. You belong to you, vampire. But I will cherish any part you're willing to share with me.”

“I'll share every part that you're willing to take, and I'll take any part that you're willing to give,”

“Promises are for mortals.” “Not when they are made between you and me.”