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There’s a rather comfy-looking bed, and I crawl right into it. I have to be well rested for tomorrow, and after the crazy last twenty-four hours I’ve had, I could use some good sleep.
Raven steps forward. Cain’s looking at him like he was nudging Raven to do this while I was in the bathroom. “Kiara, I just want you to know… What I want is to be close to you. And to help you be happy.”
That’s really sweet. I’m still a little concerned about his level of devotion to me. But the idea that it's all he wants, just to be close to me and make sure I’m happy, is possibly the most selfless thing I’ve ever heard from anyone. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to feel when you’re in a relationship with someone? To want their happiness and to just spend time with them?
“Thank you,” I tell him. I should probably say more but how do I even begin to articulate all the confusing emotions that I’m feeling? I’m grateful, but also intimidated by such utter devotion.
“Goodnight,” I say, feeling like a coward.
Cain and Raven don’t seem upset. “Goodnight, Kiara.”
They close the door, separating us.
CHAPTER13
Ilie in bed for hours, but sleep doesn’t come.
I can’t stop thinking about everything that’s happened. I caught my boyfriend cheating, I had the most amazing sex of my life with three supernatural men after spending years only being with humans, and now those men are apparently my fated mates? Then Donovan’s men attacked twice, and now I’m in a safe house in an abandoned subway line so that I can go to Nevada of all places, with these mates, to get an Aurora Gem and hopefully get Donovan off my back.
Absolutely nuts.
And if I’m this attracted to them just in one day of knowing them, enough to override my judgment, how bad will it be the more time I spend with them?
I toss and turn. The bed’s comfy, but it feels a bit big and empty after spending the night before with three warm, strong bodies around me, holding me. I’d felt so safe with them and looked after, it had been easy to fall asleep. I feel exposed right now. Vulnerable.
How is it that in just one day I’ve come to dislike being alone? Or is it more that I disliked being alone this whole time, and I never realized it until now with these men in my life, all of them so eager to be with me?
Or, well, some of them more eager than others. I remember what Cain said.I don’t trust anyone.He said he didn’t have to trust me to care about me or protect me. I don’t get that. How can you love someone if you don’t trust them? Doesn’t that mean you’ll always be holding them at arms’ length?
And where does North stand on all of this? He hasn’t said anything about his thoughts on me. Raven’s openly devoted and Cain is at least honest with me about his feelings but North is just there. Quiet.
As if I’ve summoned him with my thoughts, the door opens, and North pokes his head in, checking on me. I’m not sure where he was earlier, but he still seems a bit tense now.
I sit up. “Is something wrong?”
He steps inside, closing the door after him. “No, everything’s fine.” He walks over and sits on the edge of the bed, moving with grace and confidence—like a wolf through a forest. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you. Just wanted to check in.”
“I wasn’t asleep.”
“You need to rest.”
“I can’t.” I shrug, feeling a bit exposed, vulnerable. “Too many thoughts going on in my head.”
North reaches out, running his fingers lightly through my hair, cupping my cheek and brushing his thumb back and forth across my skin. “I could help you… relax.”
My breath hitches. His voice is full of promise. Not just about sex, but about the implication that he’s taking care of me. That this is just another way to make sure I’m happy.
Part of me wants to give in, but I really know that I shouldn’t. And another part of me just wants to blurt out everything that I’m feeling, all the emotions I’m struggling with.
Maybe I’m a coward, but I don’t talk about either of those things. Instead I deflect with some humor.
“Hilarious.” I push his hand away. “Sleeping pills would probably be more helpful, thanks.”
North doesn’t move. I have a feeling it takes a lot to intimidate this guy. “Why can’t you sleep? What’s on your mind?”
I sigh. “Just the world outside the safe house. I’ve had a concealment charm on me this whole time and it was like—I don’t think I realized what a security blanket it was until it was gone. Now there’s no guarantee that I’ll be safe outside this house.” I pause. “There’s no guarantee that you three will be safe, either.”
North looks pleased at that, pleased that I’m worried for him and the other two men. Then his face grows serious again.
