Page 39 of The Bones of the Cursed
“We could speed up the process by sucking out the poison.” She hesitates, looking between Kailu and Malakai, leaving me even more confused than before.
Kailu glances at Malakai, who nods. Why in the world is Kailu getting permission from him?
Kailu places a soft kiss on my forehead before leaning forward and piercing my already damaged skin with his sharp teeth.
I whimper, which only causes Malakai to tighten his hold on me.
The process takes only a minute, but feels like longer. Hannah adds three drops of the serum to my arm. The pain slowly subsides to the point I feel my strength begin to return. Now I’m just fatigued, as if I haven’t slept in months.
Malakai releases his hold, allowing me to slowly sit up. The room spins as I do, and he quickly steadies me while Kailu helps me to my feet.
We slowly make our way back out of the Celestial Cave. When we reach the mouth of the cave, the men keeping watch turn and stare wide-eyed at our battle-worn appearance.
Siveral walks toward me and Kailu, and then does a double take, cursing when he recognizes Malakai.
“What the hell happened in there?”
Kailu leads me to Zephyr while Malakai stays back to explain to the rest of the men. I look to the sky, estimating we only have about an hour of daylight left. It was decided it would be best to move further away from the cave before setting up camp, seeing as it was a portal that seemed to be frequently used by ghouls. Malakai recommended a spot he’s used numerous times that apparently is pretty hidden from the travel-worn trails.
Kailu is silent for the short ride, and I’m too tired to make conversation. As soon as I dismount, though, I hurry to help Hannah and Sarya.
“How are you doing?” Hannah asks. Sarya watches me carefully, as if I might pass out.
I shrug. “I’m all right. Just tired.”
They nod and continue erecting the tents. I notice Sarya glance at Hendrix and smile.
“So, Sarya. Hendrix is pretty cute…” I trail off and Hannah snickers.
Sarya blushes. “Yes, I suppose he is.”
Hannah laughs now. “Alanis is always trying to be a matchmaker. She tried to get me to date her brother for months. Don’t mind her, she’s just a sucker for happily-ever-afters.”
Sarya’s tinkling laugh rings through the trees. “Yeah, speaking of, it seems you have two Fae males interested in you. How ever will you choose, Alanis?”
I gape while Hannah and Sarya double over in laughter.
“I hate you both,” I declare as I walk away.
“We love you, too!” Hannah shouts.
I flip her off and chuckle. How did I get so lucky to have not one but possibly two friends who make me feel welcome? Even if they are both a pain in my ass. I glance at Hendrix, who is covering his mouth as he laughs.
“Hey! What are you laughing at?”
He holds his hands up, definitely laughing at me. “Nothing. I’m not laughing.”
“Traitors. All of you,” I mumble. Hendrix winks, and I can’t help but smile.
When I see Kailu near the tree line, I head to him, wrapping my arms around his waist from behind. I breathe in his scent, letting the familiarity of it calm me.
He stiffens for a split second, and alarm bells ring in my mind. But after a moment, he turns to hold me, resting his chin on top of my head. This male has been such a comfort to me, and even though it’s only been a short while since we met, I know I care deeply for him. I could easily love him. The thought scares me, but the excitement outweighs the fear.
I run my hands under his shirt, wrapping them around his back, then push onto my tiptoes and kiss up his neck. He grinds his teeth, trying to keep some semblance of composure.
I want to see his tightly-reined control fray. I dig my nails into his back and run them all the way down, no doubt leaving marks.
He growls, and before I know it, I am lifted in his arms. His mouth attacks mine. We are tongue and teeth, this kiss so very different than any of the others. He consumes me like he won’t get the chance again.
