The Lycan Collapse (The Flux Age Book 2) by Steven J Shelley Read Free Book Online Page B

ridiculous,” Julian said. “Consider me logistical support to your mission.”
    There was a moment of silence before Florence replied. “I should probably head back and report on what we saw.”
    “I’m sure Jack Foley has that well and truly covered,” Julian said hastily. “If your superiors required you I’m sure you’d know about it.”
    “True,” Florence said after a pause. Julian smiled inwardly - his hunch had been correct.
    The fitting room door swung open and Florence appeared in human form. Julian was momentarily lost for words. Florence looked a little dishevelled in her new casual gear, but that only enhanced her charm. Her shoulder-length red hair was ruffled and windblown, her pale cheeks flushed and radiant. The light in those hazel eyes somehow warmed his heart, made him want to go out and leap tall buildings. It was a strange sensation but one that he could work with.
    “You … look beautiful,” he stammered.
    Florence rolled her eyes. “Get out,” she said dismissively, although her eyes told him she welcomed the observation. It seemed Florence Underwood was not adverse to a little romance. Julian got the feeling she was sexually active but that didn’t mean she had been swept off her feet. Julian had known many women in his life and he knew the type. Gregarious, confident, strong. Too strong for some men. So strong that she’d settled into a routine of one night stands and other casual encounters. Maybe she’d forgotten what it was like to be swept away by the moonlight, to be lavished with the attention that she truly deserved.
    “Let’s take our minds off what happened today,” he said intently. “You hungry?”
    Florence grinned. The effect lit up the whole shop floor.
    “Ravenous,” she growled.
     
    Maxim’s Deli on Broadway was humble, welcoming, and most importantly, delicious. Florence wolfed her Reuben with such gusto that Julian struggled to keep up.
    “I’m sorry,” Florence said after Julian was forced to wipe some mustard off her lower lip. “They don’t exactly teach you table manners in the Nursery.”
    “You were reared as a lycan from birth?” Julian asked, trying to sound casual.
    Florence’s face clouded over briefly. “I was,” she said with a trace of emotion. “My mother died in childbirth.”
    “And the lycans took you in?”
    “Not quite,” Florence said, seemingly unwilling to say more.
    “Was she a lycan?” Julian prompted gently.
    “Yes,” Florence said, her eyes moistening. Julian recognized he was entering dangerous territory and needed to be very, very careful. All his work could be undone in one careless moment.
    “You spent some time in the cercarium, didn’t you?” he asked in a neutral tone.
    Florence looked up sharply at Julian. “How do you know of our lore?”
    Julian laid a placating hand over Florence’s. She flinched slightly, but didn’t withdraw it. A good sign. She wanted to believe in him.
    “You’ve been candid with me, and I honor you for that,” he said with genuine honesty. “It’s my turn to tell you about me. My parents died when I was six. I was old enough to remember them.”
    “I’m sorry,” Florence said.
    “I carry the memory with me,” Julian said. “It’s my most cherished possession.”
    Julian hoped his meaning was clear. Florence would know that he was a rich and powerful man. Heir and CEO to one of the largest companies in the world. It was important that she understand what he valued in life.
    “My father was from the Vevestri line,” Julian continued. “A wealthy mercantile family from northern Italy. Their proud tradition can be traced back through history, right back to the Dark Ages.”
    Florence’s eyes widened. “Vevestri,” she repeated. “I see that name a lot in the texts I read from our library.”
    Julian nodded. “That’s because my family were very similar to the lycans, except in reverse. The Lycan Society stood up to protect human civilisation and culture from