Page 46 of Vipers and Vendettas

His eyes flick down to my stomach, and before I know it, he’s stepped closer and he’s kissing me. ‘Promise me you won’t try to leave us again.’

‘I can’t.’ I pull away and wrap my arms around myself, my expression stony. ‘I’m sorry.’

He lets a long breath out through his nose, but he doesn’t say anything. He starts the bath running, multiple faucets filling the tub quickly. He gestures for me to check the temperature, so I step in and give him a nod as I sink slowly, closing my eyes and groaning at how good it feels.

‘I didn’t have a bath in my apartment,’ I murmur, but when I open my eyes, Krase isn’t in the bathroom.

I let out a sigh. The links between Krase and Jayce areglowing. That’s the only way I can describe how it feels. I was so alone for months, but now they’re with me again, and it wraps me in a cocoon oflove.

I laugh to myself as I wash. Even in my head, that sounds mushy as hell.

It’s only been a few minutes when I hear raised voices. I stand up and get out of the tub, wrapping my body in one of the fluffy white towels they keep in every bathroom.

I walk into Krase’s room and find him and Maddox in the center. They’re staring at each other, and the tension between them is palpable.

I look from one to the other.

‘You’re free to challenge me for leadership of the clan anytime you like,’ Maddox says low, his tone dangerous. ‘But until you do, you WILL follow my rules, Krase.’ His eyes flick to me and narrow. ‘You were allowed to feed if she consented. You were NOT permitted to take her out of the fold. And you know why!’ he roars suddenly, making me take a step backward and flinch.

‘We won’t be a party to keeping her in thatcell,’ Krase spits. ‘She needs exercise. Fresh air.’

‘Don’t pretend to be magnanimous. This isn’t about her. It’s about you and your needs!’

Krase snarls loudly. ‘You know nothing about me nor her!’

‘Stop it!’ I cry.

I’m suddenly angry that they’re doing this, putting me in the middle of their little spat and right in front of me, too.

‘I don’t need this,’ I mutter, knowing that at any moment, they’re going to demon-up and start trying to tear each other apart.

Both of their heads turn towards me at the sound of my voice, and I step forward, touching Krase on the arm.

His expression softens immediately, and I know he doesn’t feel my hand go into his pocket and pull out the spare key I figured was in there.

‘It’s okay,’ I say. ‘Thanks for the bath, but I actually don’t mind going back to the fold.’

As I say the words, I realize I mean them. It’s cozy and warm. Safe. It’s going to suck when I leave.

I glance at Maddox and then away. ‘Being out there was …’ I look up at Krase ruefully. ‘It was exactly how I remembered it, and I … I feel safer in the fold if I’m honest.’

I look at the floor. I can feel the brothers wondering what happened to me out there because I’m not lying to them, and they know it. Iron and Maddox are probably thinking the same.

I ignore Maddox’s frown as I pad to the door and look at him expectantly.

With a final, angry look at Krase, he follows me.

‘My room,’ he says curtly, and I wonder if he expects me to feed him now as well.

The thought fills me with unease. What will it be like with Maddox? He’s so buttoned-up. Will it be quick? I’m guessing so, as it’s just feeding for him. He only really wanted me for Krase, after all. Will he lay me down and go at it quickly with the lights off? I kind of want to know. He’s the biggest of the clan in his demon form; is he the biggest in other areas, too? What if he just sticks it in and expects me toarrive?

I frown. Maybe I don’t really want to know, but I guess I’m finding out very soon.

But when we get to his room, he gestures towards the closet.

‘Go on, then.’

I look at him in confusion for half a second before I think to say, ‘But I don’t have a key.’