Page 34 of Castor

Little Dragon:Shouldn’t you be out of the country already?

Me:haha wanna get rid of me that bad, huh?

Little Dragon:Maybe. When do you leave?

Me:We’re packing up the car now, then heading to the airport.

“Ready to go?” Alastair asked, holding two bags of his own. Weapons clanked as he set one of them down.

I nodded. “Gray tried to sneak inside my suitcase.”

Alastair gave a sad smile. “I feel bad for making him stay behind, but he’s not nearly as strong as he says he is. He’s still healing.” A shadow passed over his face. “And we very well might be walking into dangerous territory. Best for Gray not to be around if things turn for the worse.”

“Would the other Nephilim really attack us?”

“Depends on if they’ve already chosen a side,” Alastair said before carrying his bags outside.

I grabbed mine and followed him. “Shouldn’t we tell them we’re coming?”

He shook his head. “If Baxter and his group have already sided with Asa, announcing our arrival could mean us walking into a trap. We’d be greeted by Nephilim and demons alike. It would be a bloodbath.”

Simon walked out onto the front porch, holding a large mug of steaming coffee. “Please be careful.”

Galen stepped up beside him, and though he didn’t say anything, I felt his apprehension. Part of him wanted to come with us, but if he did, he’d either be putting Simon in danger by bringing him along, or leaving him behind, which in turn left Simon vulnerable to enemy attack if he stepped outside the mansion’s protective barrier.

From inside the mansion, Daman watched me from the front window. He was staying behind too, much to his annoyance. He nodded once before stepping away.

After I placed my bags in the trunk, I checked my phone.

Little Dragon:Have room for one more?

I reread the text, not sure I was seeing it right.

Me:Are you asking if you can come with us??

Little Dragon:You told me yesterday that this trip might be dangerous. You could use another set of muscle. I’ve already fought with you guys once. Let me do it again.

“Tell him yes,” Alastair said from beside me.

“Quit reading over my shoulder.”

“I didn’t need to.” Alastair opened the driver’s door and got in to start the car. “Your mind is so loud right now. With Galen staying behind, we could really use someone as strong as Kyo. Just in case.”

I was more excited than I probably should’ve been. Kyo had made it crystal clear that he only wanted sex from me. But still, I couldn’t shake the connection I felt to him or how my heart beat quicker whenever he was around.

Me:Can you pack and be at the airport within an hour?

Little Dragon:I’ll be there.

“The dragon’s coming?” Bellamy asked, opening the passenger-side door. Raiden and I got into the back seat. “That just made this trip so much more interesting.”

“Touch him and die,” I said.

“You’re so greedy. Learn to share.”

Raiden, who was struggling with his seat belt, paused, blinked at me, then at Bellamy before belting out a short laugh. “Greedy. ’Cause he’s the avatar of Greed.”

“Yes, Raiden,” Alastair said with a sigh. He then muttered under his breath, “Christ. This is going to be a long trip.”