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He hums. “I’m so angry with him, but I also miss him. I don’t like it. I’m just as obsessed with him as I am with you, and I’m not used to denying myself when it comes to my obsession. It’s taking more restraint than I’d like to admit. I’ve always been more of a take what I want and damn the consequences kind of guy—as I’m sure you’ve figured out. But with him, I can’t do that because it feels like I’m betraying you if I do.”

“I’ve told you I don’t—“

“Care. I know. But it doesn’t feel right to me.” He snickers. “I’m not even sure when I started worrying about something being right. It’s…weird. Being here with you and the others—it’s changed me. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing, but I’m not used to it.”

That brings a smile to my face. “Awww, you’re growing up.”

“Shut up, brat.” He doesn’t bother hiding his smile. “They have hotels here, don’t they?”

“I have no idea. Why would I know that? And what does it have to do with the conversation we were having?”

He chuckles. “It has nothing to do with our conversation. I was just thinking maybe we could grab one for the night. It’s been a hot minute since it was just the two of us.”

Oh. He needs it to be just the two of us, but he’d never ask that of me. Brenden’s never been one to keep me from my other mates, which I love about him, but if this is what he needs, then I’ll gladly give it to him.

“Yeah, we can do that. We should let the others know. And maybe ask where we can find a place to stay since neither of us knows.”

I grab my phone from my back pocket and pull up our group chat.

AUDREY

Hey, Brenden and I were thinking about staying in Ephonia for the night.

Except we don’t know where to find a hotel.

DONOVAN

Why are you staying?

WRAITH

It doesn’t matter why they’re staying, pet.

I’ll book a room for you at my favorite place and then send you the address.

Assuming that’s okay with you.

AUDREY

That would be great, Wraith. Thank you.

As for why we’re staying—we just want to.

DONOVAN

Can I come?

BRENDEN

No.

DONOVAN

I don’t like this.

CASSIAN

You can come stay with me.