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“I’m joking, Evie. I’ve nothing to hide from my family. Calli has taught me a lot in a few short months. I’m trying to be a better brother and boyfriend. Friend.”
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing a pretty good job.”
“I’ll bring them back to you.”
“I know. I have faith.”
He scratches at his jaw, pausing as if he can’t quite believe those words.
“Nikolas,” Calli moans behind me, and I still.
Did she just say another guy’s name in her sleep?
“I’m here, Angel.”
Frowning, I watch as he pushes to his feet and walks around the bed.
“She hasn’t told you all my secrets, I see,” he comments, able to read my confusion. “I’m taking my girl. Are you going to be okay?” he asks before sliding his arms under her body and lifting her to his chest without any effort.
I don’t speak until he gets to the door.
“Daemon?” I whisper, making him pause. “He’s lucky to have you. They all are. Never forget that.”
He nods once and then disappears from the room, leaving me alone for the first time in a while.
Sitting up in the middle of the bed, I clutch the covers tight as I send up another prayer to anyone who might be willing to listen that we’re all going to come out of this unscathed.
9
ALEX
Something warm hits my shoulder before running over my arm. It makes a shiver rip down my spine, but as my body shudders, pain erupts. Memories of what happened slam into me. They’re so visceral, so real, it’s as if it’s happening right now.
Something hits me again and my eyes ping open in confusion.
My heart splinters right down the centre at the sight of Zay sitting over me protectively, crying.
“I’m okay,” I whisper. My voice is hoarse, and I can only imagine why.
I remember shutting down. In my head, I was back on the deck of the cabin with Evie, rolling around on that outside sunbed, while my body was screaming in pain. Zay was doing the same thing, making it hard to stay in my fantasy, but I did what I could.
What else could I do?
Blinking back the sleep, my eyes catch on his hands. Both of them are bright red with blood.
My stomach turns over, and my heart rate increases.
“Is that… is that mine?”
He glances down at them.
“Yeah. It won’t stop, and I’ve no idea what to do.”
Sucking in a deep breath, willing my panic and fear to stay down, I reach out and take his bloody hand.
“You don’t need to do anything,” I assure him. “Just being here…” I shake my head.
“I can’t believe they did that,” he whispers, another tear dripping from his jaw.
