The only thing working in the Hand of Death’s favor was the Season. Even the Nether Royals couldn’t escape its clutch. They’d need to satiate the Season the same way as any Fae. Probably hold “court” as they called it every day it was affecting them so they found their partners quickly. The Fae across the realm would be occupied for hours of the day.
Lyra was clever to choose now.
As long as I was careful and utilized my shadow power in crowds, I could avoid any unnecessary effects. But it did make me wonder if, as a genetic hybrid, V would find herself under its influence. For her sake, I hoped not. The trouble it spelled was immeasurable depending on who she made the connection with. The Season wasn’t kind to anyone.
After ensuring I hadn’t been detected, I made my way to the address on the paper. If I could head Marius off, Cassius wouldn’t have time to create the dead space without me.
The asshole better not. V needed me, and even the Dark King wouldn’t get in the way of me being there for her.
Chapter 8
We’re All Monsters
Istared at the beauty who I hadn’t expected to see when I rushed off to make sure Kate was safe. Her dark eyes took me in a seductive onceover, then she smirked.
The whip she preferred to use was hanging over her shoulder. She’d chosen the tight number I’d seen her in the first time we met, putting her curves on display.
She’d once explained it was enchanted to protect and repel weaker magic, though it wasn’t any help against stronger opponents. But one thing never failed to be the case: Jo was always the hottest chick in the room, even in a silly shirt and messy bun. If I were a cartoon, I’d have hearts in my eyes and a tongue hanging out of my mouth.
“You look good for someone who’s been kidnapped,” she taunted and beckoned me over with a finger.
Jo wasn’t really a hugger, but I couldn’t help running at her. Kate’s eyes narrowed in confusion as I dashed over and threw my arms around the beautiful vixen.
The lethal Fae laughed a little before wrapping her arms around my back and lifting me into the air. She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and set me back down. “Glad you’re okay, V.”
I pulled away, smiling. “That’s my line. How did you find us?”
Jo stole a look over my shoulder as Cash huffed and planted a hand on his hip, back to his Fae Karen ways. “I just know how monsters think.”
“Surely you don’t mean me.” Cash guffawed unattractively.
Jo leaned in close, and I held my breath. Her gentle flower scent perfumed the air around us. Her knuckles caressed my jaw and neck. Obsidian became amber, and Jo left another lingering kiss on my cheek. Her eyes swiped up, catching on Cash, then her mouth spread into a grin only she could give.
A new but achingly familiar rush of heat exploded with every one of her touches. Our eyes met for a heartbeat, and she pulled away with a weird look on her face. It was gone so fast I had to wonder for a second if I’d imagined it.
“I don’t see another Dark King here, do you?”
My mouth dropped open in surprise. “Wait, what? You know who he is?”
“Powerful rejects recognize one another, and I know enough about the Monster of the Realm to connect the dots after the witch was turned to ash despite never crossing his path,” she said to Cash rather than to me.
Thank fuck for that. Something told me if they’d crossed paths, one of them would be dead already. Jo didn’t back down from a fight, and Cash clearly didn’t think much of her. I wasn’t sure why. Maybe it had something to do with all the daggers she’d thrown at him.
I turned my head, catching a weird look on Cash’s face before it was hidden behind the usual disgust. Guess it was just a weird look kind of day.
“Ah, yes. You’d be infinitely familiar with Mistress Chaos and all she’s capable of, wouldn’t you?” Cash said. It wasn’t a question; it was an accusation.
Jo didn’t say anything, which confirmed it was true. With a sigh, she brushed her hair back and clipped her favorite whip where it always went, her hip.
I’d nearly forgotten about Kate until she let out a little whistle. “She’s hotter than Cici,” she mumbled.
Jo’s eyes strayed over to my friend, who straightened like she’d been caught drooling. “Ah, I forgot about the human. That’s…a problem.”
Kate raised her hand like this was class and not another world with the holy grail of problems. “I actually have a suggestion for that.”
Jo’s face didn’t often show emotion around others, but I noticed the way her mouth twitched. She was amused. My girl crush and my best friend getting along? Dreams really did come true.
Crossing her arms over her chest, Jo nodded for Kate to go on. Cash huffed again, not a fan of how quickly Jo took control over our group after showing up at his doorstep. I, on the other hand, was simply happy to know she was okay and not in any danger with everything that’d already gone wrong. It didn’t ease the worry I had for the ones back in the human world, but it did make me less anxious with no one else here to worry about.
