I get it.He rubbed the top of his head against mine once more.You’re here.There was a pause.You’re Poppy. That’s all that matters.
Inhaling a stinging breath, I hugged him tighter.And you’re…you’re the best, Delano.
His cold nose grazed my neck, and the emotion I picked up from his was the softest, sweetest kind of love.You should let go before Cas castrates me.
Delano’s fur muffled my laugh.He would never.
“I’m starting to get jealous,” Casteel remarked.
A low chuffing sound vibrated through Delano.Told you.
I gave Delano one last squeeze before I forced myself to let go and stand, missing his warmth and softness immediately. Delano turned, but he didn’t go far. He stood so that his side was pressed against my hip and leg.
Casteel leaned over then, brushing his lips against my cheek as he said, “Something is going on.”
Pushing the hair back from my face as I looked up, I saw Kieran coming down the short hall. His gaze found mine. A moment later, I felt his woodsy presence slipping into my thoughts.
You okay with Emil coming in?
I nodded.
Kieran looked over his shoulder. “You’re good.”
The moment I saw the auburn-haired Atlantian, the sluggish, cold unease swirling inside him reached out to me—
Shock rippled through me, and my lips parted. Wait. I hadn’t tasted his emotions before I knew what he felt. I’d just…sensed it. And now that I thought about it, that had happened several times since I’d returned from Mount Lotho. I just hadn’t realized that I knew what Casteel and Kieran were feeling before I tasted their emotions.
My abilities were changing or improving. But before I could allow myself to wonder if that meant other talents related to such had also strengthened, Emil jerked to a halt just inside the door, his gaze connecting with mine. Happiness and relief pierced the muddy cloud of unease, bubbly and light. A wide smile broke out across his handsome face.
He took a step and then stopped again, bowing his head as he began to lower himself.
“Please, don’t,” I said before he could kneel. “That wasn’t necessary before.”
“Not so sure I agree with that,” Casteel muttered under his breath.
I shot him a sharp look, which he responded to with a wink. Lips pursing, I turned my attention back to Emil. “And it’s not necessary now.”
“Thank you.” Emil straightened, the smile spreading even further. “You are a sight for sore eyes.” He strode forward, and Casteel muttered a curse. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too,” I said. Before I could ask what the source of his unease was, Emil was in front of me, wrapping his arms around me and lifting me off my feet.
A low, menacing growl reverberated from Casteel, echoed by Delano. The former’s reaction came as no surprise. But thelatter? Delano had never acted like that toward any of them before.
Emil paid the warnings no heed and just spun me around.
“Put her down,” Casteel ground out. “Or lose your arms. It’s your choice.”
I felt Emil’s quiet chuckle as he slowed and put me down a few feet from where I’d been standing. Sliding his hands to my arms, he pulled back with a grin that was all sharp edges and bad choices. “My Queen, you look even more lovely than before.”
“You have got to be fucking kidding me,” Casteel muttered as Delano prowled to my side once more, eyeing the Elemental like he wanted to take a bite out of his leg.
Emil squeezed my biceps, proving he had no fear of death. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m good.”
“Butyouwill not be in a few seconds.” Casteel moved so damn quickly. He grabbed Emil’s hand and pried the Atlantian’s fingers back until I heard a sharp snap.
“Fuck,” Emil grunted.
