Page 106

“Can this not wait five minutes? I have pack business to attend to.” He tried, but the man wrung his hands and shook his head.

“The High Prince of Astaly requested you. We also need your pack for the announcement.”

I almost sagged with relief, knowing Walden wouldn’t be able to turn away from a prince. Not for me, not for anyone. Walden’shead dropped before he met my eyes, regret deep in his gaze. The others swallowed their protests, but Pan wriggled close.

“They need you. I’ll watch over Tully and you can tell the pompous prince he can’t always get what he wants. You don’t need me right away.” Pan sounded the most reasonable he had all night and Walden reared back, his eyes flickering wide and with warmth.

“Tully? I’m sorry to do this. We’ll check in with the prince and come back.” He grimaced.

Anything that got me away from Chase would be a blessing. I rose to shaky feet and kissed Lloyd and Ajax. Walden, I saved for last, wrapping my arms around his solid form before planting my lips on his. His back curved as he leaned down. Lingering like he wanted to stay but had no choice but to leave.

“I’m fine.” I smothered the crack in my voice. “Really. Pan will take good care of me. I’ll be out again in no time.”

Tension melted out of his shoulders, and Walden nodded. Lloyd wrapped his arms around me, smacking another, harder kiss on my lips. He searched my face, trying to find the true source of my discomfort.

“Don’t keep his highness waiting,” I urged them.

The others said their goodbyes. Fingers dragged across my skin. I watched their backs go, mourning the loss of their solid protection, but I still had Pan. He tossed an arm around my shoulder and settled onto the couch with a sigh. Pan pressed his warm thigh against mine, leaning forward to mutter into the shell of my ear.

“You did so good getting us out of there, you naughty girl. Faking an illness? Genius.” Pan winked at me.

I froze, my forehead creased at his blithe words. There had been no games, but I also didn’t want to admit what had happened. I tucked the discomfort further down and attempteda husky laugh. Pan’s white teeth flashed, and he bounced with jittery energy.

“We can stay here as long as you want. Have our own private party.” Pan’s fingers tangled around mine and unease skittered inside my stomach.

28

Tully

“How are you feeling?” I shoved away the ache in my chest. Pan’s smile dripped with silk, but it sharpened at my question.

“Ugh, feelings. I’d rather talk about anything else.” He wriggled his eyebrows.

Your friend used me. Your friend is a liar.

I didn’t know how to confess the truth about Chase.

“I’m on edge tonight,” Pan added after a beat of silence, and I caught my breath at the alpha in front of me. The darkness in the cracks of his facade, wider now that we were alone. I could put my ear to his chest and hear it breaking. “All anyone wants to talk about is when I’m going to play piano again. It’s tiring.”

“You don’t want to?” I wondered what made Pan lose his love for it.

“They talk to me like I’m selfish, squandering my talent.” He sounded bitter.

“Pan?” I grabbed his hands.

He shook his head, and his tongue played with his lip piercing.

“At the last gala we threw, Walden was supposed to announce he was running for mayor. I wasn’t sober, and I made a scene. Knocked over a table of canapes and punched my old piano teacher. I-I don’t even remember what happened. Someone found us in the hall, and there was SubduX spilled everywhere. Walden was furious but tossed enough money to tidy up what I’d done.”

Oh Pan. I squeezed his hands, knowing he wasn’t done.

“There is something in me, Tully. It sits on my chest, it fills my head with noise. Everything I do… it’s to numb that part inside me.”

“And that makes you frightened?” I pulled our joined hands onto my lap.

“So much. Of what I might do to make this feeling stop, and what consequences I’ll have to face when I can’t. Walden only has so much patience and I’m sure you’re the same.”

“Me?”