“Then why isn’t it working?! Why isn’t his soul releasing from this stupid fucking necklace?!” Anger arises in me, and Dax approaches, soothing me with his influence. Immediately, I start to take deep breaths and let out a sigh.
“Thanks, Dax,” I say to him. Adonis and Killian sit on the opposite side of the couch from Amelia and Jules. Adonis gives me a weak smile, and my heart nearly breaks. I have to get this figured out.
“That shit, the whole changing of moods, is still so bizarre to see….” Jules says to Dax and me.
“You’ll get used to it,” Dax flashes his cocky smile at her.
It’s been weeks since Amelia told Jules everything. She was, for the most part, pretty understanding, but damn, she was mad at me. She eventually understood why I didn’t tell her after she forced me to tell her every little detail. Jules is the best friend anyone could ever hope for.
“I doubt I’ll ever get used to the fact that my best friend is a mate to three demons, and you all have these weird superpowers,” Jules jokes. “Or the fact that my girlfriend is a fallen angel.”
Jules looks up at Amelia as she leans back on her. “Celestial being… I hate the term ‘fallen angel’. And, girlfriend, huh? I thought you weren’t into labels?” Amelia quips.
“Of course you’re my girlfriend! I do things to you that I’ve never done to another woman before. I’d say you’re more than my girlfriend, babe. You’re fucking stuck with me!” Amelia laughs and kisses Jules’ forehead.
“Did Suzanna say anything else that you can remember, Dani? Anything that could be a clue on how to release my soul from the necklace?” Adonis asks. I know he is eager to get rid of this necklace and feel whole again. It guts me that I’ve read this spell sixteen times now and not a damn thing has happened. I’ve read it in the woods, in the same summoning spot where I first summoned my mates, during sex, after sex, with everyone present, with just me and Adonis, by myself; and nothing. Not a damn thing. Not even a flicker of power.
“Or perhaps she was wrong?” Killian says. I shoot a menacing glare at him, and he leans back into the couch.
“Ouch, Kil. You just got the death stare,” Dax jokes.
“All of you have felt the necklace and Adonis’ chest. You all feel it, too. His soul is in this necklace, I know it,” I say confidently.
“What if it’s a trick?” We all look at Jules expressionlessly. “No, really. You all said Octavia was conniving, and this sounds too easy to me. Octavia is a cunt.There is no way she would just write the spell and slap it here for your mate to read.”
Damn. Maybe Jules was right?This is almost too easy to be the real deal, which would explain why the spell wasn’t working.
“I think you’re right, Jules,” Adonis says, standing up from the couch. He walks over to me and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear like he always does.
God, do I love this man.
“It all makes sense. Octavia was selfish and always had ulterior motives.” Adonis shifts his gaze from me to Kil. “Have you found anything more about Suzanna?”
Killian sighs, “Unfortunately, no. I do think she traces back to centuries ago, before Dani.”
“Possibly a great-great-great-great, times ten, great grandmother?” I ask, half joking but half serious.He smiles at me, “Something like that. Dax and I are going to the public library to look into the records more.”
“Oh! I want to come!” Jules jumps up from the couch.
“Sounds like a date. We are leaving in twenty,” Killian smiles at Jules as he runs his hands through his honey-brown hair.
“I’m coming too!” Amelia says, following Jules to her room.
Jules and Amelia return moments later with their bags and raincoats.
Thunder rumbles ominously, shaking the very foundations of the grand room, while bright flashes of lightning momentarily illuminate the ornate chandeliers that hang from the high ceiling. A powerful surge of wind sweeps through the windows, causing the flickering of lights to paint ghostly shadows against the richly adorned walls. The storm roars like a wild beast outside, piercing the fragile tranquility of the evening with its ferocity.
“Be careful, guys. It’s getting pretty bad out there,” I say while wrapping my arms around Killian first.
He kisses the top of my. I inhale, collecting his scent of cedar and oak. With a deep laugh, Killian says, “You forget what we are, Dani… Adonis practicallyisthe storm when he has full power.” Adonis gives Killian a pained look.
“I love you, sunshine,” he whispers for just me to hear. I tilt my head up and tell him I love him back.
I hug Dax next. His tan arms wrap around me, and he soothes me with comfort. I know when he uses his influence on me. My body warms and starts to tingle as he calms down my anxiety.
“I love you, little dove.” Dax gently grabs my chin and presses his lips to mine for a quick embrace.
“Love you too. A lot, a lot.” I reply back. Dax flashes his dimples and his perfect teeth. “A lot, a lot,” he repeats and my heart melts.
