I take a deep breath, because it’s true, and pretending it isn’t hasn’t gotten us anywhere.
“I’m always going to love you too, Locklyn.”
She smiles. “I know. You’re stuck with me. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll be family.”
“Maybe you’re getting ahead of yourself,” I say, but, truthfully, I like the sound of that.
Her smile gets wider. “We’ll see,” she says, a twinkle in her eye. “If you’re up for it, I’d like to try to rebuild our friendship. Not to work our way back to the way things were, but to find a new rhythm. One that makes space for the ones we love,” she says with a pointed look at Haven, “as well as each other.”
Something feels like it clicks into place then. Like finally the tension that has been pulling us apart since I returned to the human world breaks, dissipating like smoke in the wind.
“I like the sound of that.”
We smile at each other, a lightness I haven’t felt around her in a long time returning.
From down the hall, Talon calls to her. She turns and gives him a wave. “Be there in a second.”
“We’re going to go get ready. We thought it would be easier to sneak Haven out if they already think she’s left, so we’re planning on leaving tonight.”
I nod. “Makes sense. Locklyn, please be careful.”
“I always am.” With a smile, she gives me a big hug. “Tell Haven I won’t leave without saying goodbye,” she says, and then walks down the hall to Talon.
When she reaches him, he takes her face gently between his hands and kisses her softly, throwing an arm over her shoulder. I watch them walk away with a smile on my face.
Thirty-Four
HAVEN
The door clicks shut behind me, and when I look up, Becks is still there, leaning casually against the wall, somehow looking relaxed and unhurried despite the crazy situation we’re in. He smiles when he sees me, dimples appearing in each cheek, and my heartbeat falters.
Shoving off the wall, he crosses the short distance between us in just a few long strides. He doesn’t give me space, but instead steps in close, crowding me, towering over me.
And I love it.
He somehow manages to make me feel protected and desired at the same time. It’s something I could get used to. That is, if I live through the next day.
Resting a hand right above my hip, he draws even closer. He tucks some hair back, and a small shudder runs through me when the tips of his fingers brush against the shell of my ear. He doesn’t drop his hand right away, but instead gently cups the side of my neck, keeping me locked in place.
“Are you doing okay?” he asks gently, tentatively, his gaze sweeping over my face, looking for micro-expressions.
I wet my lips and his eyes zero in on my mouth, his pupils dilating. He takes a deep breath and, without letting me go, eases us apart. I don’t want that, but I think it might be for his benefit, not mine.
“I’m fine,” I say, my voice still rough.
He gives me a look that says I’m full of it. He’s not wrong, so I amend my answer. “I’m dealing.”
He nods, finding that answer more acceptable. “Do you want to get some rest? It’s late, and you look tired.”
I run a hand through my hair, finding it matted. Gross.
“I am. But I could use a shower first.”
I almost forgot I was in a sewer for the better part of a day. At least I’m not in those clothes anymore.
“Come on,” Becks says, “let’s go back to your room. There’s a small bathroom in there, so you can shower and then get a little sleep before we leave. Locklyn and Talon are going to head out in a few hours. Our plan is to leave right before dawn. We’re going to go back to the cabin.”
A small smile lifts the corners of my mouth at the thought of going back there. It almost feels like “our place” now.
