“And what’s he made of?” I ask.
Kane doesn’t answer, but he doesn’t have to. The creature brushes against my ankle, light as smoke, and I feel it.
Grief, raw and pulsing.
Shame, twisted with want.
Protection, drenched in longing.
And—
Love.
Kane doesn’t look away as it hits me.
This small, serpentine shadow isn’t just a gift. It’s a confession.
All of this is.
I reach for Kane first. He isn’t expecting it as I grab the collar of his shirt and haul him down, slamming his mouth to mine.
Sai’s hold on my waist tightens, but he doesn’t let go. Not even when I break from Kane, turn, and clutch Julien by the arm. I drag him down with my shadows, forcing him to one knee, and kiss him.
When I turn again, Ezekial is already there. I wind my arms around his neck, pulling him down for his kiss.
The moment our lips part, I feel Sai’s fingers twitch against my side.
I twist slowly, trailing my palms up his chest. “Pretty sure you already got a kiss,” I say.
He frowns, opening his mouth to argue—I grip his leather collar and pull him to me, his protest dies in a growl on my lips.
“Is the room to your taste?” Julien asks, when Sai finally lets me pull away, just a little.
I glance at him, eyes wide in disbelief that he’s even asking such a question.
“Whatever it is, Red, we can change it,” Sai murmurs, eyes still on my mouth.
“You made me aroom.” My voice cracks on the word, because it isn’tjusta room. “You made all of this… for me.”
I step back, out of Sai’s hold, taking it all in again. Noticing new things every time.
I could look forever.
“It’s yours.” Ezekial’s voice is quiet, but so clear. “Everything. Always.”
Because it’s not just a room.
It’s a manifestation of how they listen, how they see me. Even the parts I never say out loud. Even the parts I hadn’t seen in myself.
“I love it,” I say.
All their bodies relax like I’ve said so much more, and maybe I have.
Smiling, I stroll over to my bed, fingers skimming the dark, fluffy throw. “It’s just… the bed—”
Three men snap their glares towards it.
“It’s the cushions, isn’t it?” Sai’s eyes narrow on them. “I told you that was too many, mate.”
