Once I’m not flat on my back, I look around. I’m alone in a room with heavily sloped walls and stained glass windows—an attic. Lorelei’s church. My heart picks up.
I found my mate.
Getting to my feet doesn’t seem so daunting anymore. There’s a blanket pooled under my toes, and when I spin, I see an indented pillow where my head was. They are things I didn’t even notice but now feel monumental. She cared for me while I was out of it. A sliver of shame washes over me with my next breath. I couldn’t even make it here on my own.
I vaguely remember my world being flipped upside down, then sinking into an even deeper slumber when I was touching Lore, but then there was nothing until I started waking.
A groan slips past my lips. I can’t remember a time when I’ve ever felt so drained. That’s one hell of a first impression I made. At least I understand why the need to get here was so pressing and why I was willing to drop everything.
I search the room for my clothes but find nothing. I’m not bothered by nudity, but I don’t know who else could be here, so I scoop up the blanket and wrap it around my hips. When I look down at myself, I think about waiting for someone to come back. I look like a fucking idiot, but I’m too impatient to wait.
The stairs creak when I walk down. This staircase was not built with someone my size in mind. When I reach for the flimsy wooden railing, a jolt of awareness courses up my arm like a flowing current. I’m already well on my way to forming a connection with the church. I may still need to return here to restore myself more often than I’m used to, but that should wane with time.
Another layer of guilt lands on my shoulders when I reach the second landing. Someone, maybe more than one someone, had to lug my big ass up all these stairs. The steps must be sturdier than they feel. I’m surprised they held up.
The lingering scent of Lore and sex fills my nostrils the lower I go, and I’m instantly hard. Now I’m really fucking grateful for the blanket. The door at the very bottom is cracked open when I reach the tiny vestibule. I tighten the material at my hips, holding it in place just in case, and push the door open soundlessly.
The room is massive, with wooden beams spanning the vaulted ceilings and more decorative stained glass in the large windows. What really has my attention, though, is the high demon who’s relaxed on the couch, with Lorelei curled up on his chest. Even tucked in close to his neck, I can see her eyes are closed in slumber.
My next step is measured as I creep closer. I can’t help myself.
“You’re up sooner than we anticipated,” the demon drawls.
I’ve only ever met one of the princes of Hell, and it certainly wasn’t this one. “Thanks to her.” I keep my voice low so as not to wake her, though he didn’t seem too concerned, and then I round the couch. Her bare back and ass are cradled in the demon’s lap, stealing my entire focus.
“I thought the blood transfer might help,” he mumbles as I watch his fingers stroke over her back lovingly. I don’t think it’s meant to be a tease, but it still makes me envious all the same.
“Bringing me here, to her home, helped too.” My voice sounds rough, even to me. “Sorry I crashed.” I finally lift my eyes so he’s in my line of sight.
“Egan lugged your ass around.” His lips curl in mirth.
“Where is he?”
“In bed. I don’t think he got much sleep last night, but I’d bet he had more fun than you.” I’m sure. I spent most of the night getting to the territory.
I drop my ass to the corner of the curved couch. I’m within touching distance, and it’s killing me not to reach out and run my fingers over her skin, but I don’t. “I left everything behind, even my ride, and came straight here. It was like a compulsion,” I tell him.
He tangles his fingers in the ends of her long, purple hair, then plants a kiss on the back of her head. “She needed us.”
“How long have you had her?” I try not to feel too covetous. I know I’m lucky to be with her now, but I can’t wait for the time when I can touch her so freely.
“Only days,” he tells me. “I’ve known she was mine for much longer, but Harlow thought it was best for me to wait.”
“Fuck, I don’t know how you managed. I feel like I’m about to climb out of my skin to be closer to her.” I’m not exaggerating. I couldn’t do it.
“I kept my distance and watched her from afar, but torture isn’t new to me.” The demon continues to caress Lore’s exposed skin lazily as he speaks casually of torment. The slight I was feeling shrinks as my respect for him builds.
“Modeus?” I ask to make sure I have his name correct.
“Yep.” He pops the P. “We’ll stay down here with you if you want to get some more rest.” Modeus looks at the empty cushion next to him.
I stand to move closer, gripping the fabric around my hips. “Is it just the four of us here?”
“Yes,” he answers.
“Do you mind?” I pull the blanket off and hold it up so it’s clear I’m going to drape it over Lore’s back. It earns me another one of his small smiles, like I’ve pleased him in some way.
The blanket will block my view of her skin, but hopefully, she’ll be more comfortable since the room is a little chilly. I lower myself to the sofa, and my head is just inches away from her leg. Being this close to her means every breath I take is filled with her scent. I may not be able to touch her, but this is enough for now.
