When Darkness Ends by Alexandra Ivy Page A

watch over her.
    â€œSo why is Cyn concerned?”
    Lifting his head, the gargoyle glanced at her in confusion. “There is only one reason a male spends time thinking about whether a woman is eating or not, ma belle . Clearly he cares.”
    Her brows drew together as she remembered the sparks that flew between them whenever they were in the same room.
    â€œIf he cared, he wouldn’t be so—”
    â€œSo?” Levet prompted.
    Unpredictable? Fascinating? Gut-wrenchingly sexy?
    â€œAnnoying.”
    â€œHe is a vampire.” Levet’s wings twitched, his gaze dangerously astute as he watched the hint of color touch her cheeks. “It is in their DNA to be a pain in the derrière.”
    Belatedly realizing she’d given away her fascination for the vampire who should mean nothing to her, she hastily tried to act as if her interest had nothing to do with her and everything to do with her sister who’d so recently become the mate of a vampire.
    â€œWhat about Roke?” she demanded.
    â€œAh.” Levet smiled, but Fallon sensed he wasn’t fooled. “You have no need to worry about your sister. Roke is excessively devoted to her.”
    â€œAnd she’s happy?” Fallon continued the game even though she had no need to ask the question.
    She’d seen the way her sister and Roke looked at each other. The two were blatantly gaga for each other.
    â€œ Oui, ” Levet readily confirmed. “She appears to be very pleased with her mate.”
    Fallon nodded. She truly was happy for Sally. Even though she hadn’t known her sister when they were growing up, she sensed they could become friends if they were given the opportunity. Still, she couldn’t deny a small pang of envy.
    What would it feel like to be chosen by a male because he was so deeply in love with her that he couldn’t imagine a life without her? To be consumed by his passion and to know he would never, ever stray from her bed?
    â€œGood,” she forced herself to say.
    Levet tilted his head to the side. “And what of your mate?”
    She glanced down at the robe she continued to wear. It would take time to gather the courage to try on the jeans and sweater that were now neatly folded in her room.
    â€œChatri don’t mate,” she admitted in low tones. “We have a more practical approach to relationships.”
    She heard the scratch of Levet’s claws on the floor as he moved to stand beside her. “Practical?”
    â€œOur marriages are arranged.”
    â€œAh.” The tiny gargoyle heaved a sigh. “That is often the choice among gargoyle royalty as well.”
    â€œIt’s . . .” She tried to come up with a word to describe her upcoming union with Prince Magnus. Bleak. Endless. “Efficient,” she at last murmured.
    â€œIt is a suitable arrangement for some demons,” Levet slowly agreed.
    â€œYes.”
    Fallon felt a small hand lightly stroke her arm, the comforting gesture pulling her out of her brooding thoughts.
    â€œI sense your unhappiness, ma belle .”
    â€œWell, this is all very unsettling,” she said, not wanting this creature’s sympathy. “I’ve never been away from my father’s palace.”
    Levet gave her another pat. “You are homesick?”
    â€œOh no,” she breathed, trying to hide her tiny shudder at the mere thought of being whisked back to the elegant palace and her inevitable fate. “I’ve always hoped to travel to this world.” She grimaced. “Although my dreams hadn’t included spying on the Commission or being trapped with a bipolar vampire.”
    Levet sighed. “ Oui, bipolar vampires are usually reserved for our nightmares.” He abruptly smiled. “Thankfully we will eventually discover the culprit and you will be able to explore this world.”
    Explore the world . . .
    Fallon forced herself to snuff out the small spark of hope.
    It