“We’re building a temple for Maven Oakley! We need to measure her for a statue in her honor, so please?—”
The overwhelming barrage of insanity cuts off when dozens of ravens shriek and caw, descending from above like a swarm of bees out of an angry hive. Obviously, the demigoddess-obsessed people gathered here saw the Frosts’ broadcast, including the ravens pecking out eyeballs, because their overwhelming excitement quickly turns into terror. They turn and run, trying to take cover from the hostile birds.
The door of the servants’ entrance creaks open?—
And there Maven stands, arms folded as she stares at the five of us with no expression.
I’m pretty sure that means she’s pissed.
But holy fuck, she’s so gorgeous and perfect andmine. I break into a big smile, because damn, I was blessed with the best keeper in the entire fucking universe.
“Hi, Boo.”
One of the people trying to hide from the ravens spots her and lifts his phone to take a picture. He’s immediately frozen solid as Everett shakes off the shock of the ambush of frenzied fans. He steps inside, gently moving Maven away from thedoorway so she’ll be out of sight. The rest of us follow them inside quickly, including Felix.
Once we’re all in the narrow hallway and the door is closed, I can’t help remembering the first time I cornered my keeper in this very spot. She had just punched me in the face after combat training while soaking wet and wearing my shirt.Gods,I’ll never forget scenting Maven’s arousal for the first time.
So much has changed since then, including me. But one thing that hasn’t changed? My heart still goes fucking berserk every time I’m around my strong, incredible mate.
Maven’s dark gaze moves to the jar in Crypt’s hands. Her jaw clenches before she looks at Felix. “That was on Amadeus’s mantle. Did you take my quintet into the citadel?”
“No, Snowdrop. We only went—” Everett begins, trying to soothe her.
“Were they behind enemy lines?” she demands, still looking at Felix.
“Yes,” the atypical caster admits.
“In danger?”
“Yes.”
“And youagreedto take them into danger without me knowing?” she seethes, the full force of her livid glare making Felix shuffle and swallow uncomfortably.
Damn, I forgot how fucking scary she can be. I almost feel bad that he’s getting the full force of her wrath right now.
“Hellion—” I try, but she cuts me off, too.
“Thank Kenzie when you see her, because you being in her quintet is the one andonlyreason your heart is still beating inside your motherfucking chest,” Maven says smoothly, still not looking at the rest of us. “That will change if you ever go behind my back again. Understand?”
Felix is unreadable as he nods. Then the corner of his lips lifts ever so slightly, and the smile is almost...brotherly.
“Look at you, caring so much. If someone told me a year ago that the terrifying girl who made a blood oath to free us would someday become hopelessly infatuated with four legacies, I never would have believed them.”
The rest of my quintet and I exchange looks, all clearly expecting his amusement to irritate Maven enough for her toactuallyrip out his heart.
But the second he mentions the blood oath she made, she looks away, and some of her anger visibly leaves her. “Get out of the castle before I kill you.”
Felix doesn’t take his chances any longer. The moment he’s gone, Silas moves forward to pull Maven close, kissing her neck. I’m ready to enjoy watching her flip him like a pancake, but she just embraces him back.
“Thank the gods,” Silas breathes.
“Again, it’s more effective to thank me,” she mutters, pulling back enough to study him. She touches the blood amulet hanging around his neck. “How are you?”
“Deeply disturbed, but more yours than ever,thanafluir. The abysmal state of my mind is nothing compared to being apart from you.”
So fucking sappy.
I mean, I get it a hundred percent, but still.
