AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I crawl into Ava’s bed, snuggling behind her. Kerian is on her other side, facing her, his fingers ever-present around her wrist. I have a theory that giving up his sister caused so much fear in his life he constantly has to keep Ava within touching distance. The easiest way to do it is by her wrist, close enough to keep her safe but far enough away to fight. Also, he can feel her heart beating, strong and steady.
Kerian texted me earlier telling me Ava planned to go back to work tomorrow. I didn’t like the idea, but she was adamant. Our only demand was that she has one of the group there at all times. Surprisingly, Bash volunteered for the first shift. Kerian and I had a client coming in the morning to pick up his very expensive car, or else one of us would do it. I will be taking over once that is done.
“River?” Ava whispers.
“Yeah, cupcake,” I say quietly. “Go back to sleep. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It’s easier to sleep when you're here, too,” she says sleepily.
“That’s good to know. Did you have a good day?” I could sense the change in the air.
“Yes, did Kerian tell you?”
“No, but I have a good sense of smell,” I say, and she groans. “His scent is all over you. Too much to just be from sleeping beside him.”
“Are you mad?”
“Hell no. It makes me happy. Don’t ever be afraid to show your affection in any way you want to either of us. I am confident I will have my turn,” I say smugly.
“Good.” She nudges me. “Don’t get too cocky, wolf boy.”
I fall asleep holding her tight to my chest, my brother's fingers still locked around her wrist.
I will do whatever I have to keep us together. Even though I don’t deserve her.
Chapter Sixteen
Ava
“He’s freaking out the customers,” I whine, knowing the grouchy vampire can hear me. I was standing behind my desk at work, glaring at Bash, whispering my objections to the guys on the phone. Bash was tasked to watch me.
“He’s there to keep you safe,” Kerian says.
“Give him a break, cupcake,” River says. They put me on speakerphone. They were waiting for a customer to pick up their car. “I’ll be there soon.”
“I had to explain to my boss why a white-haired, angry man is parked in the lobby. He wasn’t happy. I think mostly because Bash is getting the interested looks instead of him, but still.”
“Just a little bit longer. Thirty minutes, max,” River says.
“Fine,” I bite out.
I frown at the memory, not understanding why I regret being bitchy to them.
I’m floating.
I’m floating in a haze high in the sky, thinking of my last conversation with Kerian and River. I called them from work, complaining about having Bash as my watchdog again.
I feel weightless. I can’t feel my legs or arms.
Am I dreaming? My eyes flutter open briefly and I see bars surrounding me before they become too heavy to hold open.
Faces flash across my closed eyes; at least, I think they're closed. I see Serenity’s piercing eyes. Kerian and River’s angry ones. Bash scowling. Harmony is reaching out to me. Ryker with his fangs hissing. Over and over again, like a fast-moving slide show. Suddenly, my mom and dad join the show, their sad faces trying to tell me something that is not penetrating my mind.
I see Kerian reaching for River, who falls to his knees, howling to the sky.
What the fuck?
As soon as the words cross my brain, I drop from the sky.
