Rolling onto my side, I pull her opposite of our position. Her body now resting between my legs, her head against my chest.
She releases a breath. “Oh…” Her word is laced with worry, questions, and I swear I can hearrelief. Squeezing her hands under me, she relaxes.
I place a kiss on the top of her head.
My hand moves to her back, dragging my nails along her skin while brushing her hair to the side to give me full access. The small bumps that rise have me smiling, equally relaxing with her.
A few moments pass in silence when I whisper, “Goodnight, baby.”
There’s no response, and as I gently slide my hands under her arms to lift her head and settle it on the pillow beside mine, I notice her eyes are closed. Carefully, I shift her to rest on her side, bringing her leg across my hip as I wrap my arms around her, holding her to my chest.
I release a soft hum, close my eyes, and follow her into sleep.
The sunlightthat pours into the bedroom has me groaning.
I passed outhard,holy shit. I’m not surprised that the space beside me is empty. I vaguely recall hearing Xera say something like ‘I need coffee’and then the bed shifting. First, I thought I was dreaming, but now that she’s not here, it’s clear I wasn’t.
I lift the covers off and make my way to the bathroom. I brush my teeth, run a hand through my hair, and slip on a new shirt and a pair of shorts.
The moment that I’m walking down the hall that is lined with photos of my family, I hear my little demon talking to someone.
“I can kill you without even a thought.”
It’s Brice that answers. “I’m aware.”
“Then don’t be an asshole.” That mouth of hers, fuck, it makes my dick hard.
I lean against the wall, peering into the kitchen and seeing Xera resting her elbows on the island, the Werewolf on its opposite side sitting in a high-top chair. “People wonder why I don’t fucking ask for help, and instead, just take it.”
“Then take it.” I also just realized, he has no shirt on—whatthe fuck? “You asked me, remember that.”
The twitch in my little demon’s nose is all-telling Brice is skirting a dangerous line. I don’t see Sydni, and I’m concerned that without her here, my girl will slip up and kill the man her princess has come to… like.
“I have no choice. I can’t with Sydni, or Kai—I refuse to use your master?—”
“Friend. He’s not my master,” he growls.
“Pfft, whatever. Niyla is with that Fallen, and you just unfortunately walked in when the thought came about.”
“Then do it, command me.” He crosses his arms over his broad chest. All Werewolves, males and females alike, are built as if Serynne carved every muscle with precision when creating them. It’s the result of constant running, their torsos just as strong as their legs, creating a frame that’s powerful.
Xera hisses, “Don’t you think I’ve been trying for the past five minutes! You think I’m just saying” —her voice deepens, mocking him— “‘Hey, pick up the glass’, for fucking fun?!”
When she leans back, she drops her chin, eyes focused on him. “Brice…” I can feel her Amoro, smell it as though I’m standing right beside her. That cherry blossom scent fluttering around my nose, a velvet-like texture rubbing against my brain.
Does he feel that, too?
“Pick up the glass and drink it.”
He doesn’t even twitch, move, or blink.
When her hand quickly slams against the marble, I hear the crack under her force. “Shit…” She takes a step back and growls. One of her hands rushes up, fingers threading through her hair, causing my shirt—the one she’s wearing—to ride up just enough to reveal the black elastic shorts hugging her thighs.
Good little demon…I’d hate to kill the Werewolf for seeingagainwhat he isn’t meant to.
“You said you did it once before?” he asks her, grabbing the glass and pouring out the liquid into the sink.
My girl gathers her hair with both hands, lifting it up as her wrists cross over the top of her head. She leans back slightly, exposing the graceful curve of her neck. “Yes, with a Vampire named Molly.”
