“Yes, Sir,” came the muted reply.
“You cannot work for the Government if you won't obey orders,” Alex snapped. “Someone has to be in charge. You, of all people, know the importance of that, Prince Malik.”
“PrinceMalik?” Talon whispered as he stared at my husband. “You're the Bleiten Crown Prince?”
Malik nodded crisply at Talon before responding to Alex, “A leader must earn respect if he wishes to be obeyed. You have just lost mine, Alexander.” Then he turned to me and held out his hand. “Mvarra, let's get you off this horrid rock.”
I took my husband's hand and turned away from the body of Magnus Bishop. As I did, Braxis bent down and tore off Bishop's thumbs. He took the dripping digits and slapped them against Alex's chest as he strode by. Alex caught them with a horrified look on his face.
Malik smirked and nodded at Braxis in approval.
Chapter Thirty-One
I twisted everyone to our home in D.C. Everyone but Alex. We left him there to finish clearing the island and collecting evidence on his own. We took Rain and Talon with us, though, both of whom were shocked into silence by twisting. Rain already knew about it, but knowing and experiencing are two different things. I left Cyprian to explain who I was and how I could manage such magic to Talon while went upstairs to shower and change. On my way to the stairs, Braxis approached me.
“Amara,” he whispered and just stared at me.
“Very well then.” I opened my arms to him.
Braxis rushed forward and crumpled around me, his breath blowing hot on my neck. “I was so scared.” He swallowed roughly. “I... fuck.” He stood back to look me over. “Now I feel even worse about taking you from them. That's how they felt. That overwhelming panic. I did that to them. I'm so sorry.”
“Now you know why it's so difficult for them to get past what you did,” I whispered. “Why it's difficult for me to...”
“To give me the chance to be more than a friend to you?”
“The path to forgiveness and friendship has been a hard one, but the road to romance will demand blood from us all.”
Braxis nodded and lowered his gaze. “I understand. I always have, but more so now.” Then he looked up at me. “And I'm okay with being your friend for now. I just want to help to protect you. Perhaps I can make up for what I did.”
“I'm not saying that you have to make up for it. We were awful to each other; you're not the only villain in our story, Braxis. I forgive you, and I know you've forgiven me, but the scar is still there. And the men I love see that. It hurts them and makes them angry. I have to be honest with you. I don't see a way for us to ever get over our past.”
“I know.” He lifted his chin. “But I also know that what I feel for you is rare and blessed. I won't give up on us until you tell me to. Not even if it takes every drop of blood in my body.”
I sighed. I was too tired to deal with him.
But Braxis understood that too. As soon as I sighed, he stepped back and bowed to me. “I'm relieved that you're home safe, Amaranthine. I won't delay you further. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Braxis.” I went upstairs and straight to the bathroom.
I felt filthy and tired, but I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep. I had to make sure Rain and Talon were settled in guest rooms, and everyone probably wanted to talk about how we'd abandoned Alex in China. I sighed again and turned on the shower. At least I could get clean and put on some normal clothes.
No one bothered me while I bathed. I was both surprised and grateful for that. I had half-expected one of my men to join me, but they must have sensed that I needed some time alone. After being in a cage where I couldn't even pee in private, the prospect of privacy was nearly as luxurious as the hot shower.
I got dressed in a cashmere sweater and jeans—my comfort clothes—and went downstairs with damp hair and no makeup. I was beyond caring about my looks. Everyone, including my teammates, was in the kitchen, gathered around the modest farmhouse table (that sat eight) while Kyrian cooked. Mal leaned against the counter near Kyrian, drinking a beer, and Talon stood nearby. I realized that his wings would make it difficult for him to sit in one of the dining chairs.
“I can get you a stool,” I offered Talon.
“I'm fine standing,” Talon said, lifting his beer to me. “I'm out of that cell and drinking a beer. It's heaven.”
“I can imagine. I barely spent any time there but that shower I just had was magical.”
“Oh, man,” Rain groaned. “A shower sounds amazing.” He was sitting at the table in some borrowed clothes, back in his human body.
“No one thought to offer our guests a bath?” I looked around at my men chidingly.
“I'm cooking,” Kyrian said with a wave at the stove.
“And the rest of us weren't thinking about hospitality,” Cyprian admitted as he stood. “Both of you are welcome to stay here as long as you need, and if you like, I can show you to your rooms now so you can freshen up.”
