Page 109 of Siren’s Secret

“Yeah. That’s what he said when I asked,” Salis said with a grin. “For some reason, none of them trust you to rest when you need to. I don’t have any idea where they might have gotten an idea that you might push past your limits.”

“Very funny,” Wave groaned.

“It hasn’t been even a semester and you’ve been rendered unconscious more than once, apple pie. In case you didn’t know, that’s not normal.” When Wave rolled her eyes, Salis stopped them and turned her to face him. “Way, they are worried. We are worried. You just got poisoned and you keep acting like it’s no big deal.”

“I don’t know what else to do,” she whispered furiously. “If I dwell on it, I’ll drive myself crazy, looking over my shoulder every second. I could run, but Jarred and Irishen… They have a life here. I can’t ask them to run and hide.”

“They would go with you,” Salis tried to say, and Wave shook her head sharply.

“I know they would. I won’t ask them to do that. It never ends, Salis. I’ve been running from shadows my whole life. I’m not safe anywhere. They have a life here, friends… and for the first time, I think I do too. So, I will pretend that it’s fine as long as I can.”

“Oh, lollipop.” Salis sighed and ruffled her hair. “You are stuck with me. And the girls.”

“So can we let this drop now?”

“Yeah. As long as you know that you can always talk to me when you get too tired to pretend.”

“Maybe someday I can,” she replied. “But that would include unofficial information, and…”

“I won’t ask, Way. But I’m here if you need me.”

“Thanks, spice cake. I really appreciate it.” Wave allowed Salis to guide her toward the curb where Jarred was waiting with his bike, ready to take her home. Her friend was the best.

Chapter 52 – Wave

It was hard to believe, but Wave actually had a normal week. No one tried to attack her. Nothing catastrophic happened. She went to her classes. Spent time with her friends watching movies at the mansion like they used to do in their dorm.

Even the tight scrutiny over her health eased up to the point that Ilijas just checked on her once a day. They probably constantly checked with Jarred about how she felt to him, but Wave could live with that.

She still wasn’t cleared for training, but Marc managed to find a way to spend time with her every day regardless. Wave expected her mate or Claimed to have an opinion about that, but both just ignored her pointed glances or the times Marc reached out to touch her hand or rub her feet.

Damn, he gave a mean foot rub. It was hard to keep her walls up when the man made her see stars just by running his thumb over her arches over and over and over again.

And now they were going to a party together. What could possibly go wrong?

They were flying on Sinister’s plane again. Marc had already planned to borrow it and Wave was just an extra passenger Sinister portaled inside once everything was set. No one knew she was going. Even the crew seemed surprised, but they didn’t ask questions when Sinister told them to add plus one to their plans.

“Call me if you need a quick way out,” he said before stepping back.

“I don’t think he even realizes how much he’s flexing with that statement.” Marc chuckled. “Zahir could move himself that far, but Sinister honestly can get you out.”

“Got him on speed dial,” Wave said. They got settled and Wave closed her eyes. It felt like a long blink, and then Marc was gently shaking her shoulder.

“We’ve landed, sparkle. Are you sure you are up to this?”

“Of course I am,” Wave said through a yawn. “Just give me a second to get changed and we’ll go.”

“The car is already waiting. You need help with any zippers?”

“I have no idea what Chrissy packed for me, so I guess we’ll see.”

Marc groaned at that. “Please tell me you’re wearing underwear.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know that?” Wave snarked.

“I would, sparkle, very much so,” Marc shot back.

“Why? You’ve seen me naked. Most recently, in a shower.”