“No!” He tried again to no prevail. His beady eyes locked on Frost. “It’s Stygian. My name is Stygian. Don’t leave me in here. I’ve already spent a century in a cage.”
Frost looked both moved by the plea and unsure. “We’ve already given you a chance. You should’ve taken it the last time you left here unharmed. I can’t risk this town, and I won’t risk my family.”
“He’ll come with me.” The words burst from Stellar like he couldn’t hold them another second. He focused on his guard. “Take him home. I’ll deal with this.”
His guardsman looked as if he fought the need to argue. Lysander wanted to as well, but he knew Stellar. Stellar had his jaw set in a way Lysander had seen hundreds of times.He wouldn’t be moved. Stellar was his prince and wouldn’t be disobeyed.
The guard gave a slight bow. “Yes, my lord.” He vanished along with Stygian.
Stellar focused on Lysander. He was still in full royalty mode. He wasn’t Lysander’s friend in that moment. Stellar’s features softened, as if he heard Lysander’s thoughts. “I am always your friend. As such, I’m ordering you to stay glued to your mate. He’s suffered enough loss, don’t you think?”
Lysander nodded even though he still thought Stone was likely better off without him. The selfish part of him that wanted their mating with every fiber of his being was grateful for the order he couldn’t disobey.
Stellar vanished the same as his guard, leaving Lysander still crouched over Stone. Frost and Waylon both looked unruffled.
Frost moved toward the doorway. He turned at the last second and focused on Lysander. “Since you’re staying, you should sleep too.” He turned off the light.
Lysander wanted to argue. What if the threat wasn’t completely neutralized? Stone needed him to stand guard.
Frost chuckled. It was a warm, kind sound that soothed something inside Lysander. “It’s almost as if you don’t realize you’re currently in the safest place in the world. Do you need me to flex some more before I go?”
Lysander’s shoulders relaxed. He was being weird. Frost was perfectly capable of defending his clinic. He wasn’t even sure why Celeste kept his vamp guards in place. His gaze dropped to Stone’s beautiful face. Not that he was complaining. Being Frost’s security had brought Stone to him.
“Sleep,” Frost repeated. This time, an odd echo vibrated behind his command. It hit Lysander. Stone hadn’t awoken once during the drama. Not even when Lysander pounced on him. Now he knew why. As he crumpled on top of Stone’s body, Lysander saw it all. Frost controlled everything.
The halls of his family’s home echoed with emptiness. Considering dozens of people lived there, and the place was filled with excess, Stellar knew the sound always came from his heart. He had lived a damn long life. Things rarely changed, andeven more rarely for the better. He was bored with existence. Stellar grew more bitter by the day. He hadn’t realized exactly how bad things had gotten until he watched Lysander fall in love with someone else. The entire experience had been like seeing the final petal of the most beautiful rose wither away.
Once inside his bedroom, Stellar still didn’t draw a single breath of relief. Taurus stood guard inside. Stellar felt the man’s sparkling yellow eyes following his every move. His disapproval practically clogged the air.
“I don’t want to hear it.”
Taurus didn’t respond. That was worse than a lecture.
Stellar peeled off his shirt and tossed it aside. “You think I’m an idiot for bringing him here. Maybe I am. But he’s bound and I’m no weakling.”
“I’ve said nothing. Those were your words.”
Stellar popped the button on his soft leather pants. His temper frayed, but he held his tongue. It wasn’t Taurus’ fault he was in a bad headspace tonight.
Warm lips touched his shoulder.
Stellar automatically grabbed the edge of the dresser in front of him as his knees weakened. His eyes closed, and a shaky breath escaped him. Taurus was a warrior born of fire. Evenfrom behind closed lids, Stellar could picture Taurus. From the orange hair, which he kept in a messy bun, to his flashing yellow eyes. Stellar could probably list his every measurement and paint his body in the dark. He craved the meal Taurus offered.
“As much as I love a good show, I much prefer to join.”
The caustic words had Stellar spinning toward the voice. From the magic cell in the corner, a solid shadow leaned against the bars. His body was a perfect outline with no features. He might have been terrified by the sight if he hadn’t dealt with Stygian’s type before.
Stellar snorted. “As fun as I’m sure that would be, I’ll have to deny your request. Sex isn’t quite as enjoyable when you’re worried about having your throat sliced the entire time.”
A wicked chuckle rumbled from the cage. “I disagree. Nothing like adrenaline to keep things exciting.”
Stellar shook his head. “Still, I prefer a partner with a body.”
He tossed a glance Taurus’ way, expecting commiseration.
Taurus stared back at him with a closed expression.
Stellar sighed. “It seems I’m disappointing everyone tonight. Sleep it is, I suppose.”
