“Probably a little of all that,” Kyzen adds as he steps back when I get to my feet and pull Yemi up.
“I’ll handle him.”
We make our way back to the carriage door that Kyzen left cracked, and she turns her frown to me as we hear the shouting filtering out here. It all falls silent, though, as we walk inside.
Sevryn drops the finger he has pointed in Havar’s smiling face as he turns all his attention to Yemi. “Is it true?”
“I just found out as well, Sevryn.”
“You’re taking it far better than he is,” Riven jokes and I whip my glare to him.
“You’re in big fucking trouble.”
His lips form an O as his eyes grow wide. He instantly points his finger at Amick. “Amick said it. I didn’t.”
“Yes, I had a slip of the tongue. I don’t understand the commotion it’s causing, though. Havar is teasing Sevryn because his response to being scared is to cover it with humor. They have a relationship built on a sense of banter, but despite that, Havar actually likes Sevryn with his cousin. He’s using the only form of communication they have as a way to express his fears of losing Yemi because she’s getting a Valtrue, but it’s an inappropriate time for jokes and Sevryn isn’t understanding that’s what he’s doing.
“Sevryn, on the other hand, is lashing out due to his fear of three more men joining the dynamic he’s only now growing accustomed to. Not to mention the emotional connection he’s formed with Yemi is in jeopardy because of these three men. He’s failing to realize that gaining a Valtrue is what’s best for Yemi. She has a very powerful,secretdomain, and I have no doubt interest would be drawn to her if it was discovered. The best and safest thing for her is to have her entire Valtrue.”
Gods, Amick.
The living room falls eerily silent and Amick’s confused expression, aimed at whatever is on Kyzen’s face behind me, has me holding in a very inappropriate snort.
I completely understand that’d be the worst thing for me to do, but I genuinely don’t understand how the smartest individual I’ve ever met in my life doesn’t realize when he’s said far more than he should.
“And you all say I’m the one with a big mouth,” Havar grumbles and that finally makes my chuckle break free.
I swallow it down quickly, though.
“Are you really afraid of losing me? Both of you?” Yemi asks softly.
Sevryn holds her stare until Havar clears his throat.
“Well, yeah, of course I am. You’re finally finding your place in this crazy realm. I always knew you would, but I didn’t see it being beside the most powerful beings we know or have met. I don’t want you to outgrow me, so I’m just trying to grow with you. You’re my best friend, always have been.”
Oh stars, my heart.
“I’m not outgrowing you, Havar, and never will. Valtrue or not.”
He smiles at her, then turns his attention to Sevryn’s grunt. “Can we talk about this in private?”
“Of course, man.”
“I wasn’t talking to you.”
“Oh, my bad. Thought we were about to have our moment.”
Sevryn sighs and pinches his nose. “We don’t need a moment. We’re fine. I want a moment alone with Yemi.”
Power shifts in the carriage before she can take a step toward him and we all whirl around toward the kitchen.
“Oh goodie, you’re all here.”
I cross my arms as I glare at Derivius. “Really? You’ve been ignoring my ass for days. Now you just pop up. That means bad news.”
His smirk isn’t mischievous in the slightest, which is the biggest indicator that what I said is true.
“I apologize. I was trying to locate my dear friend Consequence, but he’s avoiding me at the moment.”
