Page 64

Story: Dancing With Death

When Audrey announced he was her mate, I was ecstatic. I knew things couldn’t just go back to the way they were—there were conversations to be had. I just didn’t realize how much anger and hurt Wraith had held onto.

Though, finding out that the Fates are meddling with his and Cassian’s responses makes more sense—and I’m fucking livid about it. I’ve always known that the Fates are a part of life. Some people have destinies that are beyond the norm. Some people have great loves they’re meant to meet and then lose. I just didn’t realize how much it would piss me off to find out that they were fucking with my life—with the lives of people I love.

And, yes, that includes Cassian.

Do I think Cassian telling Wraith what happened will solve everything? Not at all. There’s always the possibility it’ll make things worse, but we should be able to find that out on our own. We shouldn’t have to rely on Nex getting his act together for Cassian to be with us.

None of this is fair—especially not to Audrey.

Nex broke her heart, and I want nothing more than to break his face. I’d been well on my way to doing just that before she found us. If I’d known what would come after, I wouldn’t have stopped when she walked up. I would’ve kept going until he was dead or wishing he was.

“Donovan?”

I look down at my pretty girl and smile. “Yes, Audrey?”

“You were growling.”

Of course I was.

“Sorry, pretty girl. I was just thinking about how unfair all of this is.” I shake my head as I push open the door to our room with my shoulder. “But I do love this idea you came up with. Not just because it’s going to be so much fun for us. I actually think this could work. What happens after that? I have no idea.”

I set her on her feet, pulling off her clothes until she’s naked. My mate is so fucking gorgeous. A glance at her other mates shows they’re thinking along the same lines.

“This was your amazing plan, pretty girl. How are we doing this?” I pull my shirt over my head, loving the way her eyes run over my torso.

We all quickly strip down as her eyes flash between us. Finally, she shakes her head and blinks at me.

“I have no idea. I’ve never orchestrated group sex.” She laughs. “We need to keep Wraith and Cassian distracted and away from each other. I guess I’m with Cassian and Brenden and you’re with Wraith.”

I glance at Cassian and Wraith and bite my lip. “Or I’m with Cassian, and you’re with Wraith and Brenden.”

Wraith’s head whips around to look at me, his eyes wide. “Is that what you want, pet?”

“I’m not against the idea,” I say softly, trying to judge his reaction. I’m not saying this to hurt him, and if he has a problem with it, that’s fine.

“Neither am I.” Cassian’s eyes locked with mine, desire in his eyes, and tears prickle at my eyes. I never thought I’d see that look in his eyes again—at least not directed at me.

Audrey presses her hand to Wraith’s chest. “Areyouokay with that?”

Wraith sighs, raking a hand through his hair. “I don’t know.”

“Then we go with the first plan,” I tell him with a smile. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“But you want to be with Cassian again. You still want him.” Wraith’s smile is a little sad. “You still love him.”

“That doesn’t mean I love you any less, Wraith.” I start toward him, needing to make this right.

I never should’ve suggested it. I’m an idiot. Audrey wanted to clear up issues, not make more. Of course I make that worse.

Damn it. Damn it. Damn it.

Wraith holds up his hand, and I immediately freeze. “I’m not mad at you, Donovan. I’m not hurt. You have every right to want to be with him. The only reason you’re not is because of me. Honestly, I kind of feel like an asshole. You never told me you still had feelings for him.”

“I didn’t want to make things weird.” I shrug, suddenly uncomfortable. “You were so angry, and I just…I’d choose you time and time again, Wraith. I’ve loved you for a very long time, and that’s never going to change. I just have a lot of room in my heart to love.”

Wraith smiles, cupping my face in his hands. “You do, and you deserve to be loved by whomever you want. You’ll be with Cassian, and from here on out—no matter what happens between him and me tonight—you’re free to continue to see him if that’s what the two of you want. If I’d known…I don’t know what I would’ve done, but I’d like to think I would’ve told you to be together as long as you were still with me.”

“You’re sure?” I ask, barely believing my ears. It’s like my birthday, Christmas, and every other holiday wrapped up into one.