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“I think we have some in the pantry.” Flint passes his spatula to Marceau, who takes over the eggs at the stove.
As Flint leaves to go search for my tea, Marceau turns his attention to me, his gaze filled with curiosity. “What’s going on?”
I glance at Flint and lower my voice. “We’ve agreed to let go of past grudges and be amiable toward each other.”
Happiness spreads over Marceau’s face, and he curls an arm around my waist in a side hug. “I appreciate the effort.”
Turning to face him, I rest my hand over the fire amulet that hides beneath his shirt. “I would do anything to make this work and be a real part of this family.”
“You already are.” Marceau’s hand covers mine. “You’re a vital part of this family, and to me.”
Flint returns from the pantry, an unopened box of tea in hand, and places it on the counter. “It’s a bit expired, but we can pick up what you like on our next shopping trip.”
“Thank you.” As I reach for the tea, I can’t help but believe that maybe, just maybe, we’re on the path to a new beginning, one where I truly belong here.
I just hope Merri feels the same when she awakens.
return to the gave
- Pen -
I wakeup alone in bed, the sheet straightened over my body, with no sign left of the heat of the night.
Confusion and disappointment fill me when I stare at the place where Darius should be. He didn’t stay, and it leaves me wondering why. After so many centuries of trying to get me back, why am I waking up alone?
A sinking sensation fills my stomach. Was he disappointed with the reality of being with me again? Does he regret last night?
I push those thoughts away as I force myself to get up and dress for the day in a pair of black cargo pants and a fitted T-shirt.
When I step out into the hall, the sound of conversation drifts from the living space. I follow the scent of coffee and bacon to the kitchen, where I find Flint, Marc, and Darius all crammed into the narrow space.
“Well, doesn’t this look cozy,” I say, my voice husky from last night, and stop at the bar to study the three men.
The coldness that’s existed between Flint and Darius seems to have eased overnight, and Marc no longer tries to hide how close he and Darius have grown. A sliver of jealousy fills me at how much things have changed in the last few hours, while I’m left standing on quicksand, unsure of my footing now.
Darius’s fiery eyes meet mine, filled with warmth. “Good morning, my lady. Did you sleep well?”
The casual tone of his voice further throws me off balance. Why does he sound like nothing happened between us? Is he just going to pretend that everything is the same as always?
I want to demand a reason for why he left my bed, to understand the thoughts running through his head, but I can’t bring myself to speak the words in front of Flint and Marc.
Before I can figure out an answer that doesn’t leave me snapping with anger, my phone buzzes on the kitchen table.
I stride over to grab it and see a message from Sharpe.
My brow furrows. “What equipment is Sharpe talking about?” I glance back at the others. “And why are we meeting him so early in the morning?”
Flint looks up at Darius. “See? I told you we’d need breakfast on the go.”
“So you did.” He turns to pick up two paper-towel-wrapped sandwiches and a to-go cup, while the others do the same.
Flint slides a sandwich and to-go cup onto the counter. “Here’s yours. We should head out before Sharpe starts without us.”
Feeling like I’m missing something, I snatch up my breakfast. “What is he starting without us?”
“Ga’Vine is planning to reopen the bone pit.” Darius steps ahead and opens the garage door for everyone to head downstairs. “He rose early to obtain the proper equipment.”
Marc snorts. “He probably had to flash his badge to get them to let him in so early. There’s no way any stores were open when he arrived at the ass crack of dawn.”
