Chapter 10
Stumbling into Ezekiel’s bedroom, I look around. I’m not sure how I just ended up here, but a sense of panic hits me when I don’t sense the boys.
Then their presence washes over me, and I relax.
“Where’d she go?” I hear Kai ask.
“Did she make it?” Ezekiel this time.
“I grabbed her hand,” Jude tells someone.
I start to go to them, then realize I’m actually a little drained. Emotionally drained that is.
I’ll wait until tomorrow for the inquisition into all I did today and what nefarious reasoning might have led to it. Or maybe they think I’m their protective spirit now, but doubtful. Jude even mocked it himself.
I’ll save the verbal sparring for tomorrow, because saving their lives has quite honestly exhausted me. I’ve never been exhausted before.
I move through the walls until I reach the third staircase that takes me to the west wing.
Humming softly, I walk down the beautiful halls that go unappreciated. I’d planned on making my bedroom one of the ones on this side, just to show this side some love.
There’s one with a beautiful view of a rose garden so lavish that it’s fit for a king. It was going to be my room if I ever turned whole. They could visit me and sleep there when they wanted.
Back in fantasy land.
In hindsight, it was rather silly to think I’d just be part of the group and fill all their needs.
It’s the first time I’ve been able to stay in this room past ten minutes without revisiting them to put my eyes on them. I soak it in, giving into the illusion once more of having the four of them in here.
All of us a tangle of naked limbs and whispered words…
Still sated with just their presence nearby, I spend the rest of the evening in my fantasy room, kept company by the dust and occasional creepy spider.
By the time it grows late and I assume they’re all in bed, I make my way through the quiet house.
Unable to help myself, I poke my head in Kai’s door, and mutter, “Good night.”
Just as I almost get my head pulled back through, I hear, “Good night.”
I’m not sure why my heart acts like it’s way more excited than it should be. I withdraw completely, trying not to read too much into it.
Moving to Gage’s room, I stick my head through the door, and say, “Good night.”
“Good night,” finds me before I get my head out of his door, and a small smile curves my lips.
They’re a little late, but at least I don’t feel as miserable about being tethered to them at the moment.
Poking my head in Jude’s door, I whisper, “Good night.”
I wait for a moment, unable to see even an outline of him in the jet-black room, and then blow out a breath. I guess two out of three is better than I realistically expected.
When I turn around, I squeal a little, because Jude is leaned against the wall in the hallway, his hands in his jean pockets as he studies me.
His black T-shirt smells like it just came out of the dryer, and his hair is still damp like he’s just left the shower.
“The spell has been replaced. It should last a while before someone manages to drain it,” he tells me.
“Guess you couldn’t get rid of me like you hoped, huh?” I ask through a dark smile.
“Didn’t try. It’s to keep out harmful intent. Not actual beings. It’s a much more costly upgrade,” he tells me with a shrug.
I say nothing, just stand here awkwardly for a moment.
“You can stay away from us longer now, can’t you?” he asks.
“Seems to be a major perk from my last level-up. All I need is the comfort of your presence to stay anchored now. Major bonus for you guys with your privacy.” I walk by him, and he laughs under his breath.
“Is it necessary to prance around in outfits you know we like to see on women, when you know we can’t touch you?” he calls to my back.
I walk a little higher in my tall boots and go-go dancer skirt that shows hints of my ass with each step.
“I’ve learned I’m an unapologetic tease when men are assholes,” I retort, moving toward Ezekiel’s room.
My outfit changes into a thin, pretty nightgown that stops at my knees.
Before I can poke my head through Ezekiel’s door, Jude is suddenly behind me, his tingles riding all down the length of my back as his lips make my ear tingle.
“Good night,” he whispers, then he’s gone, and I breathe out shakily while fighting a smile.
Instead of poking my head into Ezekiel’s door, I pass through it. Maybe I shouldn’t care that he’s violently thrashing in the bed like he’s in physical pain. But I do.
I move to the bed, planning to lie beside him as I have hundreds of times. As soon as I’m on the bed, my hand goes to his side, resting there.
Those tingles are more pronounced than usual, and he goes instantly still, his body relaxing as he seems to drift off into a more peaceful sleep. My lips curl in a grin.
I never see him sleep peacefully. Even under the influence of that drug, his face was scrunched in agony. Peering over him, I see a calm, serene look on his face as his breathing evens out.
I start to pull away, and his face hardens. Curious, I place my hand on him once more, and he falls back into a peaceful sleep.
Since there’s a new spell in place for protection, I’m a little less on alert, but I’m still wary. Each sound captures my attention until I can isolate what exactly it is.
“Good night,” I whisper to Ezekiel.
I shut my eyes, pretending I can sleep as well. I wonder what rest would feel like.
Those tingles continue to spread when he rolls over, his arm crossing through me.
The longer I feel those sweet sensations, the more relaxed I become. So relaxed, that when I close my eyes again, they almost feel heavy.