Stop it, Nevaeh. He is only helping.
When monkey stirs from the change, I’m ready to take him back, but Seiji bounces him a little while rubbing his back and just like that, he is back to sleep.
“If he wakes up, stop touching him immediately. He freaks out when anyone other than me touches him,” I warn Seiji.
“Noted sunshine.” For the first time since we met,which was only ten minutes ago, his face shows nothing but sincerity. The teasing smile he had plastered on until now was nowhere to be seen.
My nose crinkles in irritation at his use of that stupid nickname again. The way his face lights up from my reaction, I know he will use it again, if only to annoy me.
Angel stays still until I’m confident in the kids’ safety before he offers help. I’m dreading the next step because I almost passed out from the pain last time. I brace myself for the pain when arms snake under my thighs and back, and I’m suddenly lifted, startling the fuck out of me.
What the—
Unannounced physical contact is a trigger, and I wait for the panic to consume me or my fight response to kick in before I kick his ass, but all I feel is the sheer amount of heat emanating from this man. The comfort of his warmth and zero fear of our proximity stuns me into silence. I can’t think of a single protest.
What kind of witchcraft is this?!
His hold on me is strong, not enough to hurt me, but enough to keep me firmly in place. I’m so dumbfounded I don’t even notice how my treacherous arms are looped around his neck. When I peer down, my arms tighten. Falling from his height would leave more than a few bruises. How fucking tall is this guy?
“Relax, I won’t drop you. I promise. I just couldn’t watch you in pain.”
His voice is so comforting, I don’t trust it. I don’t trust anything that comes out of his mouth, and that would be rude to say to the man carrying me, so I keep my mouth shut.
“The kid—”
“Still unconscious. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him for you.”
Should I believe him? For all I know, he could be faking the niceness and waiting for the right time to attack.
A million thoughts running in my head speed up the process of my body beginning to shut down. I can’t drop my guard when I don’t even know where they are taking me. What if I blackout, and they take away my little boy? What if they drop me back at the witch’s doorstep? I would rather hammer nails into my eyes than return to that dungeon.
In the end, my exhaustion wins over my anxiety. My head drops on his shoulder when it gets too heavy to hold up. I’ll rest my eyes for a minute, and then I will focus on the route we’re walking in case I have to escape them later.
Anxo’s chest vibrates when he says something to Seiji and I burrow my face into the crook of his neck. My need for his warmth overrides my sense of shame.
“Sleepy?” the way my body goes from stiff as a board to limp must give him his answer. “Take a nap. I’ll be right here when you wake up,” he whispers near my ear.
I know I should stay awake. I know sleeping will only end in another episode, but right now, his arms are providing me with a sense of safety I haven’t felt in a long time. Cocooned in his arms, I let myself drift off.
This warmth will disappear tomorrow, and I’ll be alone and cold again. So, for tonight, I will allow myself to indulge in the fantasy of having someone to rely on.
CHAPTER 4
One look and I’m a caveman
Anxo
The Tetrad kingdom is untouchable. I’ve made sure of that. I don’t hesitate to punish the ones lurking around my territory, intending my people harm.
I always thought my powers meant they feared me. I was sure the blood I spilled to protect my people served as a clear message that Horsemen aren’t to be messed with.
But what good is my power and reputation if it doesn’t make my enemies quake at the thought of harming my loved ones?
Six years ago, when I was crowned Conquer, I all but forced my father out because I knew what was best for my people, andhewas not it. I admit the pressure and responsibilities were heavy on the shoulders of a 17-year-old, but when your previous leaders are either too miserable or too greedy for power, you have to make sacrifices.
Instead of bathing in alcohol or whatever youngsters do when they don’t have thousands of people relying on them for protection, I was spending every day holed up in my office, making sure my kingdom was running smoothly.
Before Dean left, I swore to him that the search for his missing daughter wouldn’t be neglected under my rule. I have dedicated seven years to doing everything in my power to find my missing Horsemen.
