Page 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

Time had no meaning. Only Cross’ touch did. My mind was in a haze that only sought pleasure. Even after Cross had satiated my need for him, I desired more.

Desired .

The fae had kept using that word.

“I think I’ve orgasmed five times already,” I said breathlessly. “Why do I need more?”

Cross’ eyes maintained their inky blackness even as he pushed away.

“I love your eyes,” I said.

“I love everything about you,” he said.

“Then come back here. I need you.”

He shook his head as if to clear it, and his eyes slowly returned to normal with only a flicker of black. I whined and held out my arm for him to rejoin me on the lounge.

“We’ve been here far too long,” Cross said. “I think the relic’s power is finally wearing off. We should go while we can.”

“One more orgasm.”

“You’ll have plenty of them in the future, I promise. Let’s check on Vena and Anchor and leave.”

Hearing Vena’s name and the resulting concern I felt made some of the haze disappear.

Cross dressed, then helped me to do the same. My limbs were too shaky to work properly. He held my hand and led me to the door. Opening it, he looked out and motioned for me to follow him.

We hurried toward Vena and Anchor’s room, but he hesitated when we reached it.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I can feel the globe’s sensual magic through the door. It’s not nearly as potent as it was, but I would rather get you home before I succumb to its power again. Stay here, all right?”

Exhausted, dehydrated, and completely drunk on multiple orgasms, I nodded and sagged against the wall.

He was reaching for the door when a series of grunts and groans sounded, followed by a cry. It wasn’t one of pleasure. It was pure frustration coming from Vena.

Cross knocked on the door and then inched it open. “I’m coming in.”

“I wish Anchor could come. In me,” Vena whined.

After an aggrieved sigh, Cross slipped inside. Vena would owe him big time after this. I would make sure of it.

I heard Cross say, “Get moving.” A bit of shuffling and another whine followed it.

“I am moving,” Vena said.

“Not against him,” Cross said.

More shuffling and another whine, but soon enough, Vena and Anchor stumbled out, looking like they barely survived a battle. Vena’s hair was sticking every which way, and Anchor looked dazed.

“Only 435 times to go,” she mumbled. “At least, I think. I might have lost count.”

After watching my friend stumble like she was drunk, I grabbed her arm, and we leaned on each other as we made our way outside.

“What time is it?” she asked. “Or should I say day?”

I glanced at my phone. “It’s nearly dinner time. We’ve missed lunch.”

It hadn’t felt like we were in there so long, but then again, being under the fae’s influence was like a drug. I’d lost track of time and even reason beyond a physical need.

“I’ll let you and Anchor sit in the backseat together if you promise not to maul each other.”

“Too tired,” Vena said, climbing. “And thirsty.”

“We need a drive-through for water,” I said as Cross helped me into the passenger seat.

“No. I need sugar, too,” Vena said. “Get me the biggest soda out there. Maybe two for Anchor. I worked him hard.”

“I’ll get both for everyone,” Cross said, getting in behind the steering wheel.

No one else talked until after we had our drinks. I looked at Cross, worried because he hadn’t ordered anything for himself. Not that soda or water was his drink of choice. I touched my neck where he’d left more than a few love marks but no additional bites and shivered lightly at the remembered feel of his lips there. Although the fae’s influence was gone, my desire for him remained. Definitely not as urgent, but still…

He reached over and set his hand on mine.

“Are you all right?” he asked softly.

“I am. Are you? Do you need to stop somewhere? Or do you…” I blushed, unable to finish the offer.

His eyes flickered black.

“Shepard might forgive once, but I don’t believe he’d forgive a second time.”

I studied Cross’ profile and wondered if Shepard would give Cross a hard time for the first bite. Turning my hand, I held Cross’ and didn’t comment. Rather than speculate how Shepard would react, I wanted to focus on the moment.

As soon as we arrived, Anchor helped Vena out of the SUV and into their car with a promise that he’d have her call me first thing in the morning.

He waved goodbye, and I followed Cross inside. No one was working on the first floor, and everything in the kitchen looked set up when I glanced through the door.

“We need to decide on a supplier,” I said tiredly.

“But not today. Come on. Let me feed you before I put you to bed.”

The way he said it started all sorts of yummy thoughts. He seemed to know, too, because he suddenly picked me up and darted to the second floor with me.

“Behave, Everly,” he said tenderly. “I’m still hungry for you, and it would take very little to break my fragile control.”

I considered him. “I like seeing you lose control, though.”

He groaned, kissed my forehead, and led me to a stool. “Sit. I’ll cook for you. How does a BLT sound?”

“Phenomenal.”

I watched him move around the kitchen, enjoying the simplicity of our time together. When it was time to eat, he playfully fed me.

Outside, the light started to fade.

“I’m starting to worry about Shepard,” I said.

Cross had his phone out and sent a text before I could stop him. When it buzzed, he chuckled and pocketed it.

“I promise he won’t let another night pass without you.”

“What did you say to him?”

“That he was starting to worry you, and if he wanted to keep his claim on you, he needed to rectify the situation.”

“That’s not fair, Cross. He’s putting out fires Orphia is setting, not playing out there.”

Cross shrugged. “His priority is you, not the pack. He shouldn’t need a reminder.”

“Since you’re not being nice, I’m going to shower and go to bed early. You can come help me.”

“That doesn’t sound like a punishment if it’s meant to be.”

“We’ll see.”

I teased Cross the entire time I showered, telling him he could look but couldn’t touch. He loved every second of it and couldn’t take his eyes off me. And I adored the appreciation and joy in his gaze and his relaxed smile as he helped me brush and blow dry my hair.

When I closed my eyes, I was in his arms.

But when I opened them again the next morning, I was in Shepard’s.

He was sound asleep beside me. The room was dark, but I could tell from his soft, steady breaths.

As tempted as I was to check the time, I stayed where I was, comfortably in the little spoon position, and dozed for a while longer. I knew exactly when he woke up because his arms tightened around me.

“Good morning,” I said softly.

“Good morning.” He nuzzled my neck, kissing me right where Cross had bitten me. “Did he hurt you?”

“No.” I hesitated a moment. “I liked it. Are you mad?”

“No. As long as you’re okay, I’m okay.” He sounded completely relieved and accepting.

“I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too. I’d rather stay with you like this and let the rest of the world deal with its own stupidity, but Cross reminded me you have your heart set on opening a bakery, and that can’t happen if Orphia and her vampires take over.” He exhaled heavily. “He’s an ass when he’s right and knows it.”

Laughing, I turned in Shepard’s arms.

“How long do I get your company today?”

“If I’m lucky, the whole day. Cross and Doc are taking the lead.”

“And what would you like to do today?”

“Spend time with you. Just the two of us if we can get away with it.”

“I’ll do my best to accommodate that,” I said, tipping my head to kiss his chin. “Any chance you know how to open the window to let a little light in?”

I felt him roll away, and a second later, the window shades opened enough that I could see Shepard standing beside the bed in nothing but a snug pair of underwear, like a model. What he wore wasn’t fancy but showed off his muscular backside and a nice package in the front.

When I stood, he hugged me to him and breathed deeply.

“Are you okay?” I asked, running my hands up and down his back.

“I’m always okay when I’m with you.”

We stayed in the locked embrace for a few moments until he finally pulled away. He still looked tired.

“Why don’t you sleep some more?” I suggested.

“I’ll sleep for a few more minutes while you get ready, but I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.”

I hugged him again and headed to the bathroom to get ready. When I emerged dressed for the day and my hair pulled into a ponytail, I found the bed made and the bedroom empty.

Leaving, I found Shepard in the living room, which had changed slightly. Someone had rearranged the furniture, and we now had a television.

Shepard held the remote in his hand and was watching breaking news.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Another fae was brutally murdered. The method of killing was the same as the first one. They’re thinking it’s a serial killer.”

Another? Then I remembered Cross had been reading an article about the death and one of the fae servers at Enticed had mentioned it.

Shepard turned off the television and put down the remote. After everything he had to deal with because of Orphia’s videos, I didn’t blame him for turning off more negative media.

“Since you’re up, what do you want for breakfast?”

He followed me to the kitchen and sat at the island. “Whatever you are making is fine.”

“How hungry are you?”

“Very.”

I decided on something filling and delicious, and Shepard watched me pull out the ingredients.

“Cross mentioned, without going into detail, what happened at the fae’s house. I didn’t have a chance to talk to Anchor since he and Vena went straight to bed when they got home. They looked a little rough. Are you all right?”

“Rough might not be the right word. Used is probably better, but not in a bad way. I’ve never felt anything like that before. I know what the usual draw of a fae feels like from working at Blur, but this was different. It was intense, and I felt drugged even with my necklace fighting it. Like being in a fog and unable to feel complete. It’s hard to describe.”

He nodded. “That’s what Cross said, too, which isn’t something otherworlders typically feel when around fae. Those older fae relics were made in their realm where they can access their full power and can be dangerous. I’ve already spoken to Effora about ensuring it isn’t used again.”

“What did she say?”

I caught his disgruntled eye roll and knew the answer. Effora evaded like she always did.

“She’s been calling several times a day but never to help or answer questions.”

I reached over and rubbed his arm for a second. He captured my hand, gave it a grateful squeeze, then let go.

“What are you making?” he asked.

“Eggs Benedict. Does it sound good?”

“Wonderful. Can I help?”

I shook my head. “I’ve made it enough times that it doesn’t take me long. But if you really want to help, I’ll tell you when to toast the English muffins.”

“Deal.”

His phone rang, and he groaned when he looked at the screen. “It’s Effora.”

He tapped the speaker button and placed the phone on the table.

“Hello, Effora. If this is about your scheme for the sexapoloosa you keep trying to get me to come to, I’m not interested.”

“You know how to wound me, Shepard. But this is actually about the information you need.”

“What kind of information?” he asked.

“Would you be interested in what kind of underwear I’m wearing?”

“Effora, I’m two seconds from hanging up.”

She laughed. “It was a trick question. I’m not wearing any.”

“Goodbye.” He was about to press the end call button when Effora said, “I know Orphia’s location.”

“Where is she?”

“I’m happy to tell you, darling. But over lunch.”

He looked liked he wanted to reach through the phone and strangle her.

“Effora, we don’t have time for your games. Humans are dying. So are your people, according to the news.”

“And I need lunch. I’m not asking for much. And lunch is a few scant hours away. We can even meet at a neutral location.”

Shepard pinched the bridge of his nose. With a sigh, he let his hand drop. “Where?”

“You know that charming restaurant where we had the little meeting with Hugh?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll have a private room booked. We can discuss everything there. Let’s say noon?”

“Fine.”

He hung up, shoved his phone an arm's length away, and focused on me. Although he smiled, I could see the frustration he was hiding.

“I can see she’s getting to you.”

“I hate that she found a way to pull me away from you.”

“How about I tag along to the meeting and keep you company?”

“You’re willing to do that?”

“Of course.”

He stood and came around the island to hug me from behind as I used the pot filler faucet.

“You smell so good,” he said, kissing the top of my head.

“Even with Cross’ scent on me?” I wanted to slap myself for actually saying that out loud. They were getting along, and I didn’t want that to stop.

Shepard chuckled and ducked in to kiss the side of my neck where Cross had bitten me.

“Yes. Even with his scent on you. It’s part of you now. He’s part of you.”

I glanced back at Shepard.

“Are you mad?”

“No. I accepted Cross as a part of our lives a long time ago. As long as he doesn’t do anything to hurt you, which I know he never will intentionally, then I’m willing to share. Whatever it takes to be a part of your life.”

I nodded and started cooking. Shepard stayed close, watching me and finding ways to be helpful until I had a plate of food ready for us both.

We sat at the island and ate together, chatting companionably, then cleaned up. The morning's peace wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, and I never wanted to leave it.

Unfortunately, my life never seemed to be peaceful for long.

Shepard and I were on the couch, watching a talk show together, when his phone rang again. Vena’s name flashed on the screen, and with a sigh, Shepard answered on speaker.

“Hey, King Alpha, Lord of the Otherworld.”

“Just Shepard, Vena.”

“That’s not nearly as prestigious.”

“I think it is,” I said.

“Hey, sister from another mister. Did you climb Mount Shepard this morning?”

“You’re a little extra spicy already, considering how you were yesterday.”

“Yesterday was insane, but a good night’s sleep worked wonders. Not on the undercarriage, though. That’s going to need some time. Which is why I’m calling.”

Sometimes, the line of Vena’s thinking scared me.

“I needed a distraction and scried,” she continued. “The crystal found a bigger nest again.”

“How do you know it’s bigger?” I asked.

“I’m going to take the higher road and not fall victim to your setup there. It’s the vibrations of the crystal. The more it vibrates, the bigger it is. I have to go. This conversation is giving me the tingles, and it’s still uncomfortable down there. Love you both!”

The line went dead, and Shepard looked at me.

“I already told Cross…I think Miles tested malfunctioning charms on her as a baby.”

Shepard chuckled and shook his head. Then he sent a text to Doc and Cross to check in with Vena.

Not long after her call, my phone pinged with a group text from Miles. They hadn’t found any information yet, but Curran was helping them acquire more books that might have the information they were looking for.

“That’s good news,” Shepard said, reading over my shoulder.

“Good news would have been, ‘We found the cure to vampirism and know where Orphia is.’” I sighed and rested my head on Shepard’s shoulder again. “Or even a text from Effora canceling her lunch invitation. What are the chances that she actually knows where Orphia is?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure, which is why I can’t ignore her. We know that fae had an agreement with vampires, so perhaps Effora has her own contacts who are willing to reveal where Orphia is.”

After glancing at the time on my phone, I stood and held out my hand to Shepard.

“Let’s head out a little early then. The sooner we ask our questions, the sooner we can get out of there.”

The smile that tugged at his lips as he took my hand warmed me, as did the playful way he tugged me into his lap for a quick kiss.

Fifteen minutes later, as we pulled out of our parking lot, I glimpsed the structure on the roof.

“They’re making good progress,” Shepard said, noticing my attention. “Cross gave me a tour of the rooftop last night. It’s going to be nice once it’s done.”

“I haven’t been up there yet.”

“Hopefully, this will go fast, and we can check it out after.”

I nodded and sat back to enjoy the ride, hoping whatever information Effora had wouldn’t change that plan.