Page 122 of Cursed

Xavier’s expression remains impassive, but his voice carries a note of compromise. “It’s symbolic, Mira. The Hunt begins anew, but this time?—”

“This time I know exactly what I’m getting into,” she finishes, taking the outfit. Their eyes lock in a silent communication that feels almost too intimate to witness.

Across the room, Vane has Lia pressed against the wall, his body caging hers as he whispers something that makes her simultaneously roll her eyes and shiver. Their dynamic crackles with electricity.

“They’ve been like that all year,” Landon murmurs in my ear. “Apparently, they destroyed three apartments during their... disagreements.”

Lia suddenly shoves Vane back, stalking away, only for him to grab her wrist and pull her against him. Rather than resist, she melts into him, their mouths meeting in what can only be described as a battle.

The sweetest couple is Knox and Bianca. He sits on a leather couch with her curled against him, his fingers absently stroking her hair while they laugh together. Unlike his brothers’ possessive displays, Knox’s affection seems almost... normal. Almost.

“You should have seen them last month,” Landon says, following my gaze. “Knox nearly gutted a man who looked at her too long at the gallery opening.”

“He was being protective,” Bianca defends, overhearing. “Though I told him I can handle myself.”

“With a paintbrush, maybe,” Knox teases, kissing her temple.

“Better than your solution to everything—set it on fire,” she retorts, but she’s smiling.

I follow Landon to a seating area where plush black couches form a semicircle around a low glass table. A server in a black mask appears with a tray of drinks, and Landon selects two crystal tumblers of amber liquid.

“To surviving a year with us,” Knox raises his glass, giving Bianca a wink that makes her blush.

“Some of us did more than survive,” Lia challenges, accepting her drink from Vane. “Some of us thrived.”

Xavier settles into the largest couch, pulling Mira down beside him. “Careful, Lia. That almost sounds like gratitude.”

“Don’t push your luck,” Mira retorts.

Landon’s arm slides around my waist as we take our seats. “Sadie hacked my personal server within the first month.”

“Someone had to check if you had other women locked in your basement,” I say, earning surprised laughter from Bianca.

Knox nearly chokes on his drink. “Landon with multiple women? He can barely handle one.”

“Says the man who calls his girlfriend every hour when she’s at her studio,” Bianca teases, nudging him with her shoulder.

“It’s a dangerous neighborhood,” Knox defends, not looking remotely embarrassed.

Vane snorts. “It’s the best part of town.”

“Anywhere she is without me is dangerous,” Knox says matter-of-factly.

“That’s sweet,” Lia observes, “in a completely psychotic way.”

“You’re one to talk,” Mira interjects. “Didn’t you stab Vane last month?”

Lia shrugs. “He deserved it.”

“I did,” Vane confirms, looking proud as he pulls Lia closer. “Worth every stitch.”

Xavier shakes his head, though I catch the barest hint of amusement. “And people wonder why I worry about family gatherings.”

“As if you’re any better,” Mira counters. “Your idea of couples therapy was taking me to your shooting range.”

“It worked, didn’t it?” Xavier’s thumb traces circles on her wrist.

Landon’s fingers find mine under the table, a private connection amid the chaos of his family. I squeeze back, still amazed at how comfortable this all feels now.