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“I can’t tell you all of it. Whatever danger you’re in tonight is nothing compared to the danger of knowing who and what I am.” I looked out the passenger window, not wanting to see their faces.
Adan touched my shoulder and then brushed my hair over the other one. “Okay. Well, we’ll take what we can get. Your parents? Can you tell us anything about them? Your pack? We’d rather hear anything from you than everything from the whispers at school.”
“I can only imagine the gossip. I have no pack. I’m from a different kind of place. My parents are dead. Died when I was almost four.”
Cas scooted forward in the seat. “Do you know how? Please tell me you weren’t there. No one hurt you, did they?”
Casimir. Always worried about someone hurting me. If I ever got to be in his arms, I would feel the safest I had in my whole life. In all of their arms.
“I…” I intended to tell them about that night since none of that information would get them in trouble without the details, but when I opened my mouth to speak, a sob interrupted my words. “I’m sorry.” I put my hands over my face.
“Come here.” In one swift motion, Adan lifted me into the back seat and into those arms that I’d been craving around me. He and Cas whispered things in my ear. That it was okay. That I was okay. That nothing could hurt me. That they would take care of me.
I believed them.
And I didn’t. Couldn’t. Believing them would mean trouble for them and putting down the walls that I’d been forced to craft over the years.
“I was there the night they died. And I was hurt, but not physically. Not hurt, no…changed.”
“How?” Casimir asked.
“I can’t tell you.” I tried to break free.
“It doesn’t matter, Karelis,” Adan murmured. “Gods, I want to kill whoever hurt you.” While my chest-wracking sobs dissipated in Cas and Adan’s embrace, Blaze pulled out onto the highway.
“We have to get back. Clearly, we need to keep you safe and, while I hate the restrictions of the academy, right now, maybe those are keeping you secure.”
“I think you three are,” I whispered, swiping at the tears still wetting my cheeks.
“What do you need from us, Karelis?” Casimir asked.
“Just kiss me. Someone please kiss me.”
Casimir leaned over, taking my face in his hands. My stomach fluttered with need and when his lips met mine this time, there was no politeness about it. He ravaged my mouth while Adan’s strong hands caressed my back from top to bottom.
“Save some for me, sweetheart,” Adan chuckled, and I turned around and kissed him. His tongue slipped into my mouth and I moaned so loudly that I broke the contact, embarrassed down to my marrow.
“I’m never fucking driving again,” Blaze groaned.
Chapter Eighteen
Blaze
“Okay, here’s your stop, guys.” I pulled up by the tunnel they’d used to get out. I’d taken another route, one I’d shared with nobody so far, taking some pleasure in having a secret. I should show them all, though, just in case they ever needed an alternative escape route. “Everyone out, and don’t leave your trash behind. The person who owns this vehicle deserved to get it back as pristine as they loaned it to us.”
I’d never truly call it pristine, with its rust and torn upholstery, but Fernando had clearly done his best before lending it to us. It had that fresh carwash smell and a little pine tree dangling from the rearview mirror. The windows were spotless, and not a speck of dust marred the dashboard. Even the steering wheel had none of the grime I’d expect in a car this old.
“You got it, boss,” Cas said, gathering bags and boxes and napkins and cups. “Thank Fernando for us.”
“How did you—” I clammed up. “It’s not Fernando’s.”
“Please. I’ve seen him arrive in it, too.” Adan helped our mate out of the car while rolling his eyes at me. “We won’t tell anyone. It was nice of him.”
“Rumor has it his pack just had some new leadership, a situation encouraged by the Shifter Council,” Cas said, climbing out with all the trash in his arms. “See if you can help me stuff this in the bags, Adan.”
“There are no secrets around here.” I got out and came around to brush a kiss on Karelis’ lips. “See you later, female. Thank you for a very nice date.”
She leaned in to me for a moment then looked up at me again. “Thank you. I had a lovely time.”
