Page 127 of The Gods Order

“We don’t have to compromise on this.”

“But we can,” I say. “You question Creed to your heart’s desire tonight, but after I go to sleep. Then in the morning, you can easily fill me in.”

He slows his steps, and behind us, Creed grunts while Riven and Kyzen laugh.

“I like that. That works for me.”

“Does my opinion make a fuck?” Creed asks.

He grumbles under his breath when the four of us say no at the same time. My laugh swiftly shifts into a sigh as Amick lowers us into my mini hot spring. I lay my head against his chest and get comfortable as he suds up a rag.

This is utter perfection.

Amick

15

There’s something relaxed about my Binder this morning.

The tension that’s lived in her posture since the God of Boundaries reappeared has eased. Every glance she gives my brothers or me is softer. Even the smile she offers Creed and Kyzen when they hand her coffee and breakfast is gentler.

Last night clearly served a purpose. She was fulfilled emotionally and physically, but I don’t think we can take all the credit. The conversations she had with the other goddesses helped Mara, but the real benefit is simpler.

For several hours, she was just a woman spending time with her friends. Judging by what I see and the way her soul brushes mine, that was exactly what she needed.

I’d love to see her wake like this every day.

“Are you waiting for me to ask about yesterday before you begin?” she asks, peering over her mug.

“No. I’m just enjoying watching you.”

Her face blooms pink. She gives me one of those gentle smiles and sets her drink down.

“Well, I’m ready whenever you are.”

“Okay then.”

I don’t drag it out.

No point spending all breakfast rehashing yesterday.

I start with Gladian’s house and how we filled him in on everything, except Creed didn’t hold up his end of the deal. He kept the Vihaan situation to himself.

“Creed.” She sighs.

“What? There was no point telling him yet.”

“Yeah, okay,” she scoffs. “Well, I told Mara because that’s what we agreed on. So when your secrecy smacks you in the face, you have no one to blame but yourself.”

He grunts into his mug. “I’ll handle Gladian when I need to.”

She rolls her eyes and nods for me to continue.

Next, the Vulius debacle. She finds it hilarious that Riven stood protectively in front of his door. I found it a waste of time.

Unease flickers across her features when I move on to Prath. She shifts in her seat, but she doesn’t let it overwhelm her. She listens to every word as I explain the day.

“Creed and Gladian are going to Hellveilious to verify if Barir is really their Valtrue member. If he is, Gladian will offer him the choice to return or stay in his role. If he leaves, Creed will ask Phoelius and Zareb to watch the mid-level until he finds a replacement.”