Page 22 of The Gods Order

We don’t rush, but we don’t linger either.

After many blissful minutes cherishing the moment, we leave the shower, and she’s much lighter than when I entered. With a squeeze to my hand and a promise she’ll be out once she’s dressed, she enters her closet while I head out.

My brothers’ voices carry from the kitchen, and the aroma of coffee and food has my stomach rumbling. As soon as I stroll into view, their words stop and they stare at me.

“What?” I ask.

“That’s fucking taurnshit,” Riven says, hands on his hips. “I thought we were going to our own rooms to shower.”

“You three did go to your rooms.”

“And why didn’t you?” he asks.

“I went to my room, then decided I’d prefer to shower with Thayla. She was feeling off and I wanted to make her feel better.”

“Did you make her feel better?” Kyzen asks with a suggestive smirk I don’t fully understand.

“Well, of course I did.”

Creed scoffs, Riven throws his hands up, and Kyzen chuckles. Their reactions are confusing and ridiculous. I’m allowed alone time with our Binder just as they are.

I catch Riven muttering about taking tallies as I pass through the door.

I haven’t a clue what he’s tallying. I’m sure he doesn’t either.

By the time I finish getting ready and return to the kitchen, the three of them are sitting around the table, staring at Thayla. Her arms are crossed and a saucy smirk plays on her lips.

“What did I miss?” I ask, taking my seat.

“Oh, just me filling the guys in on our amazing shower. Thank you again for joining me.”

“I don’t believe you thanked me the first time, and you don’t have to thank me at all. It was my pleasure. I’ll always be there for you, however you need me.”

“Bet it was your pleasure,” Riven spits, and I tilt my head as Thayla and Kyzen snort.

He’s in a mood. Lack of sleep won’t bode well for him today.

My face scrunches and I glare down into my mug after choking down the sip I just took.

“The coffee is wrong,” I state.

“Yeah, because I drugged all of you.”

The four of us lower our mugs and glare at Riven.

“You did what?” Thayla asks.

He shrugs. “Figured we all needed a pick-me-up. Kyzen, Creed, and I more than you two, but I’m willing to share and include everyone. So cheers.”

He tilts his cup back, chugging the entire contents. The rest of us don’t move. We watch him closely, waiting for whatever reaction is about to burst free. His gaze travels over us, and we flinch when he bellows out a belly-gripping laugh.

“Oh my gods, you should see your faces. I’m both incredibly amused and offended.”

“You’re offended that we’re upset that you fucking drugged us?” Creed asks.

“Untangle your panties, dear Death. I didn’t drug anyone.” He snickers. “The coffee does taste like shit, though. I saw an opportunity to fuck with all of you and took it.”

“I’m never going to be able to trust you around my food and drinks,” Thayla says, shaking her head.