You told me to knee him in the balls, Dev.
And? I don’t see the dilemma. You have to use every resource available to win! There might not always be an opening to use a weapon unless you create one.
“In my defense,” I muttered loudly, hoping he could understand me despite the pillow covering my mouth, “she told me to knee you in the balls on five separate occasions. Are you sure you want me to listen to her?”
Andrei's deep, guttural laugh filled the space, the sound of it warm and inviting. I couldn't help but smile in response until Lincoln's grumble pierced through the pleasant moment. “Well that’s fucking rude. Thanks for not listening to those specific instructions, Spitfire.”
See, this is why Drake is my favorite and no one else comes anywhere close.
Your loyalty leaves much to be desired, Dev. Your opinion changes direction like a leaf in the wind.
The only loyalty that won’t change is mine to you.
My lips tugged into a smile. Dev’s serious moments really caught me off guard whenever they were interspersed between the humorous ones, but I cherished them nonetheless.
Thanks, Dev.
By the time Drake joined us, my eyelids had fallen shut and I was spooned between Lincoln and Andrei. Each of them was asleep, the sounds of their steady, deep breaths soothing my anxious nerves. The bed dipped at our feet before Drake draped his large frame across my lower legs and feet, kissing me through the sheets.
I’m sorry I disappeared for a bit, Comoara.
How’d you know I wasn’t asleep?
I can sense the restlessness in your brain. It matches my own right now.
I let out a sigh, opening my eyes to gaze at Andrei’s back. I nibbled my lower lip, anxiety pooling in my stomach over what I was about to ask him.
What are you going to do about Rin and the others?
Nothing, for now. My focus is completely on saving Serena and taking Jeoffrey prisoner. We’ll figure out what to do with the rest after. Maybe they’ll do me a favor and disappear before I have to treat them like I did Silvyn. Honestly, I think I’d prefer that. I don’t want any more blood or deaths on my hands, Comoara.
We’ll figure it out, I promise. You don’t have to make these decisions alone anymore. Allow me to be the queen of the board, not just in title, but in actions as well. You’ve carried on alone for so long, but I’m here to share the weight of that crown now, okay?
He peppered more kisses on my legs, working his way up to my knee and back down.
You always know the right thing to say. Do you have a handbook on how to handle Dracula or something?
His words, echoing my own to him not that long ago, brought a smile to my lips. I decided to use his back to them because they were still the truth.
That’s why the Fates put us together as mates, Drake. We complement each other’s souls and give the other what they need as naturally as we breathe air.
I’m fucking crazy about you, Comoara. Promise me you’ll never give up on us?
Never.
They were mine and I was theirs—it was as simple as that.
And just like that, my anxiety melted away, and I finally drifted off the sleep with that damn smile still on my face.
* * *
Wake up,now! Take a deep breath and hold it, immediately.
Drake’s bellowed order jolted me from my fitful sleep, but I instantly did as he said, filling my lungs as much as I could. I froze as three figures burst through my door and into my bedroom. I couldn’t make out their faces in the eerie darkness of their hoods, but I could see their long, black robes sweeping their feet as they advanced. One of them carried a device that emanated a strange, acrid smoke that hung thickly in the air, quickly spreading out and engulfing the room.
Lincoln must not have gotten the memo from Drake quickly enough, collapsing two steps into trying to attack them. My stomach coiled with fear for him, but I found our bond alive and well, so I didn’t immediately think he was dead. Fuck, please let him be okay.
Drake, Andrei and I moved at the same time as our intruders, each of us running to take on one. I was overwhelmed by the flurry of movement, and I struggled to track my men and their opponents in the darkness.
