“He has a name. It’s Zephyr.” I glance between my dads, so they understand that I expect them to start treating him with some respect.
Annex takes a seat on the couch next to my thighs. “It was much less stressful than they made it seem.”
I peek over at Zephyr, and he seems to be resting comfortably. “How long until he’ll wake up?”
My mom steps forward, shaking out her hands. “I could wake him now, but I don’t recommend it. His mind will rouse when he’s healed. Why don’t the three of you take your old room?”
I scoff. “I love you, but that’s not happening.” I know from experience, this house is loud and chaotic. Zephyr needs a quiet environment to recuperate. “Annex and I will take Zephyr back to Black Cove to rest. Where is his dagger?”
Wraith comes over, offering me the handle of the blade. “He should be able to store it in the ether once he’s conscious.”
I take it, setting it on my thighs, but Annex grabs it.
“Might as well store the soul-collecting knife in the box when it’s not in use.” He shrugs, and Knight places the box in his hand. “It’s like when you hide kitchen knives around small children. I’m clumsy. Better not to risk any stumbles into a would be soul-stealing blade.”
Mom laughs.
Annex drops the box on the couch and offers me his hands. “We can head home after this, but I absolutelyhaveto know what teenage Hazel’s bedroom looks like.” I place my hands in his, and he pulls me off the couch. “I willdieif there are pink unicorns. Please tell me the emo vibes from when we first met were just because you missed home.” He drags me toward the stairs. “Baby doll, tell me there are rainbows.”
“You can see it, but we have to hurry. I need to be here when Zeph wakes up,” I say, glancing back at my sleeping mate.
“Keep the door open,” Wraith calls after us.
“Never in a million years would I have pictured Hazel with an incubus.” My mother’s laughter taunts me. “But somehow it works. I think he’ll be good for her. Did you notice how he immediately set her at ease?”
My face burns.
We can not get out of here quick enough.
Annex’s disappointment over the lack of rainbows and unicorns would be funny… If my heart wasn’t aching, and my mind wasn’t downstairs with Zephyr.
The incubus pushes me backward until my knees hit the edge of my bed. I flop against the mattress, trying not to be annoyed with him, but I kinda am.
I don’t want to be up here at all right now.
“Hey, don’t look at me like that.” His wings stretch wide, and he lowers himself on top of me. “I know you’re stressed, but I thought we should have a chat without your family listening in.”
I pull my hands to his face, cradling his cheeks. “Okay, speak.”
Annex chuckles. “Listen, baby doll. I get that you’re still in triage mode, but you’re blessed to have a family that loves you. It’s something Zephyr and I don’t have.” He shrugs, a dangerous smile crossing his face. “Okay, maybe one day if we knock you up, but that’s not the point. The point is, I haven’t heard you thank your mom and dads. Not even once. They immediately rushed to aid your mate, who they’d never met, and you’ve been a wee bit snappy. I get it. You were frantic. I’m worried aboutZephyr too, but it’s clear how much they love you. I believe athank youmight be in order.”
My head tilts, and my eyes ache.
He’s right.
I would have gotten there. It might have taken until I was no longer spiraling, but I do have an amazing family. Part of that is knowing, even bossy and demanding, they’ll still love me.
“I’ll tell them,” I say, running my thumbs over his cheeks. “And thank you for…” I don’t even have the words. “Everything.”
“Always, baby doll.” He lowers his head, pecking a quick kiss on my lips. “Now, let’s go check on the stick-in-the-mud. I’m really going to have to find a different nickname for him if we’re to be true packmates.”
“Holy shit, Hazel! There’s an angel on our couch,” Violet hisses, stomping inside my room. I’m honestly surprised she’s the first of my siblings to pop in. “Whoa, and a smoking hot incubus on your bed.”
Annex chuckles darkly.
“Annex, meet my twin, Violet.” My eyes roll practically into the back of my head. “Violet, meet mymate.”
Yes, I had to make that clear.
