“It’ll be okay,” I assured her. “Somehow, we’ll figure this out and get through it. Right?” I looked up at Damien.
He smiled down at me, tightening the shadows around my throat. “That’s right, little bird. Everything’s going to be alright.”
FORTY-TWO
Wren
Thesnowcappedtreesof the Bestial Forest brushed the light gray sky. Winter’s bitter cold had turned cool with spring approaching. The snow on the ground glittered as the sunbeams bathed it in light, and the wind wailed between distorted trunks, carrying the damp scent of wood.
It had been a little over two weeks since everything happened with Fallon. They still hadn’t located Eve, and Nate was also nowhere to be seen. After I had told Trixie about him and Fallon, she had gone to hunt him down and demand answers, but she couldn’t find him. None of us were fond of not knowing where our enemies were, especially if they were still possibly on campus.
I still didn’t have complete control of my shadow, but I was gaining control over my incorporeal form, which settled both mine and my mates′ anxiety.
“It’s been forever since I’ve been able to shift,” I groaned, pulling off my tie and shrugging out of the blazer.
Damien hummed as he moved in front of me and started unbuttoning the white top. “These past couple of weeks have been a lot.”
“You’re telling me,” Alister muttered, crossing his arms and leaning against a tree trunk. His red eyes dragged down my body, making me shiver. “But I’m thrilled to have some time with you, sweet ruby.”
“I’m always thrilled with my little bird.” Damien bit down on his lip ring, a clink sounding as the metal connected with his teeth.
“The last time we were out here together, you didn’t want us to see you naked.” Alister smirked, his fangs peeking out from his upper lip.
“What do you want now?” Damien purred, unbuttoning the last button and slipping his hands over my shoulders, pushing the top off.
A flash of desire ran through me, and I pulled in a breath. “Honestly, all I want is to see you both naked,” I murmured, more to myself than to them, and they chuckled.
“I’ll give you anything you want, little bird.” Damien winked as he stepped back and flicked his finger down, causing my skirt and panties to fall down, leaving me in the red lacy bra Alister had gifted me.
Damien’s eyes widened, along with Alister’s.
“That looks so stunning on you.” Alister groaned.
“Fuck. I’m totally going to steal those.” Damien’s shadows lurched forward, and they consumed the panties on the ground.
“You’re giving those back to her,” Alister scolded him. “She gave you a set specifically for you not to steal that one.”
“But it looks so good on her,” Damien whined, glancing back at Alister, who rolled his eyes. “What if I give her the other set back?”
I turned around and glanced back. “Can one of you help me with this?”
They both smirked before rushing forward, pushing at each other.
“I bought it for her, so I should be able to take it off of her!” Alister shoved Damien.
“But you’re the one that got it for her, so you know what it feels like,” Damien growled, tripping him with a shadow tendril.
“I bought you one too! You know what it feels like,” Alister growled, using his enhanced speed to get off the ground. “Besides, you took the panties!”
Damien huffed, crossing his arms, and plodding over in front of me. “Fine, you take it off. I’ll watch her breasts bounce out of them.”
Alister cursed under his breath. “Fuck, that’s a good idea.” His warm fingers slipped under the back of the bra as he unsnapped it and slipped it off my shoulders.
“So fucking pretty.” Damien pinched my nipple, making me moan. “Are you sure you don’t want to have a different kind of release?”
“No, I really need to run. It’s been too long,” I murmured.
Alister reached around my hips and cupped between my legs, making my head fall back on his shoulder. “You sure, sweet ruby?”
