“Don’t worry, I’ll pray for you.”
So, he thinks I need prayers?!
Seiji saunters away, leaving me to beg Fates that they won’t tear me away from her. I’m not ready to part from my mate, not yet,not ever.
Walking behind Seiji, I adjust my mate so my cheek is pressed against her head, hoping the contact will help her Divine recognize me as its other half and heal faster. I try but fail to keep myself from ducking and kissing her forehead repeatedly.
Her proximity is the only thing helping me hold on to the fact that she is safe and not stuck with those monsters anymore.
With my mate in my arms, I promise to never let any harm come to her again. I will make sure this coven pays dearly for every bruise on her delicate body.
They will pay for every scar I can see and the ones burned in her memory.
Approaching the car near the edge of the forest, it doesn’t surprise me to find Hazel covered in blood from head to toe and Grace anxiously waiting for us. They must’ve sent the other warriors home when we didn’t return on time.
When their eyes shift to the two unconscious bodies, Grace all but starts crying. “Please tell me that’s not his blood.” Her horrified eyes are stuck on the little boy as she curls her fingers into her waist-length corn braids to keep herself from fainting.
“No, but that’s all I know about him. Harvey was nowhere to be found, and Nevaeh will need a ton of stitches and food before she can tell us anything.” Grace hides her face in my bicep when her chin trembles, and I duck to kiss her head.
Hazel steps closer to scan the damage as if taking inventory so she can repay the ones who did this with interest. “It’s official. I’m going to skin that voodoo-loving bitch alive.”Straight to murder with this one.
Keeping in mind the fragility of our situation, we scamper towards the car. I’m forming a plan of action when Hazel hissing and cursing makes me turn to her.
Sensing the upcoming fight, Grace gently takes the boy from Seiji and steps back from the explosive airheads.
Not today. Iwillkill someone if they start again.
“He has the keys, Anxo. I’m not getting in that car if Seiji is driving.”
“Then run home, bitch!”
Hazel is clearly not in the mood to suffer through Seiji’s driving, and I agree with her. There have been far too many incidents with Seiji running wild in the human realm with their vehicles for me even to consider letting him drive with Nevaeh and the little boy in the car.
When Hazel takes a deep breath, I’m close to crying.No. Didn’t I say not today? When words fail, Hazel startswhistling, which I was hoping to avoid. I will lose my ever-going patience if Hazel doesn’t stop right this minute.
Take me now, Fates.
“What made you think that would work, huh? I don’t feel anything!”
“Yeah? Then why are you covering your ears,” Hazel retorts, which thankfully means no more whistling.
The crazy siren will burst our eardrums one day.
“Because you don’t have any rhythm, and it makes my ears bleed.” Swearing in Japanese, Seiji shakes his head a couple of times, muttering about how she very likely fried his brain.
You need a brain for it to be destroyed, Seiji.
Most days, I feel like a single parent with these morons, and I’ve spent too many days trying to break apart fights, dealing with their whining, tears, and angry teenager-like attitude.
Believe it or not, this is nothing new to me. Seiji purposely gets on Hazel’s nerves until she snaps and runs after him withher daggers. Not long after, Grace comes to hide behind me, knowing there will be bloodshed.
“Anxo, do something.” On cue, Grace stands behind me, shielding herself and the kid the best she can, and I sigh tiredly. I need these kids to grow up likenow.
“I’ll drive. Let me strap Nevaeh in the front—”
“But I’malwaysshotgun! You traitorous bitch, you’re going to leave me for her now?”
I knew this was coming. Seiji is not good at sharing. He will give you the world if he loves you, but he will also take the last sip of water you need to stay alive if he doesn’t care about you. It’s a strange balance.
