“Ready for round two?” I asked, poking his bare chest.
His mouth twitched. “Yes, I am.”
“Good, but we need to come up with another game.” I tried to push past him, but he stepped in my path.
“Why is that?” he asked.
“Really?” I huffed and stepped to the other side. He blocked me again. “Our twenty-four hours is running away from us. Now move.”
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
I rolled my eyes and pulled on the edge of my very long t-shirt, avoiding eye contact with him. “My little lady parts can’t take that kind of abuse.”
“Then I’ll be more gentle with your little lady parts,” he purred, “but I distinctly remember you being the aggressor, not me.”
“Shut up and get down stairs,” I hissed, my ears burning with embarrassment.
Chapter 28
Somehow—I’m still not sure how—I survived my twenty-four hours of torturing Braden, and by the end of it, I was pretty sure I’d had enough sex to last me a decade. Maybe longer. But I did learn fencing, the kind with those long skinny swords like you see in the movies. I sucked at it, but Braden said I just needed practice.
We actually went for twenty-six hours, neither of us willing to take the chance that our few breaks wouldn’t count. In the end, Braden had to carry me upstairs. It was that or leave me in the stone room to sleep off my exhaustion because I certainly wasn’t moving.
When we reached the top of the stairs, he crossed the hall to his bedroom and went straight for the bathroom.
“What are you doing?” I mumbled, my face leaning against his bare chest.
“We’re going to shower and then go to bed,” he replied.
“Just throw me in my room. I’ll do all that when I wake up.”
My feeble attempt to argue was ignored as he stood me in the enormous shower and pulled my t-shirt over my head. I leaned against the tiled wall and closed my eyes. Now that my oath was done, a huge weight had lifted from my shoulders. I hadn’t realized how stifling it was, but I guess looming death will do that. No more blood oaths for me, I thought.
The sound of running water forced my eyes open. Braden stood in front of me in all his glorious nakedness, preventing the initial shock of cold water from assaulting my delicate skin.
“Stay awake for a few more minutes,” he whispered, squeezing liquid soap into a soft wash cloth. “You cannot go to bed like you are.”
I mumbled an incoherent complaint but didn’t stop him from scouring away the layers of sweat and other bodily fluids. Even my tired brain registered how gentle and compassionate he was being.
“You’ve ruined me,” he whispered, as if reading my mind.
“Sure thing,” I agreed. “Do I need to go back to hating you so you can go back to being an arrogant bastard?”
He pushed me underneath the showerhead and rinsed the soap from my body but didn’t reply. I let him, thoroughly enjoying the pampering and secretly hoping he didn’t go back to being the arrogant bastard. It was a selfish thought, but I didn’t care. I liked this side of Braden.
My lovely shower ended too soon and the not-so-arrogant vampire carried me to the king bed in his room. As soon as the dark red duvet nestled under my chin, I fell asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sometime later, my full bladder demanded my attention, though I wasn’t sure how long I’d been asleep. The dark curtains prevented any light from peeking into the vampire’s bedroom, so there was no way to tell if the sun was coming or going.
I slid my feet to the floor and collapsed. Sharp tingles ran along my skin as blood rushed back into my legs. Damn, how long had I been out? Had I even moved the entire time I slept? Evidently not. And I was still naked.
Once I could stand, I stumbled to the bathroom and took care of my immediate needs. I stole another t-shirt from Braden’s dresser and wandered down the hall to the kitchen. The bright afternoon sun beamed through the patio door revealing the small motes of dust lingering in the air.
I didn’t expect my vampire to still be there, but that didn’t stop the disappointment from rolling over me like a tidal wave. He’d spent each of our breaks on the phone trying to put out fires in the now-smoldering vampire hierarchy. It wasn’t like he could leave until we finished, though. And finish we did… with a bang and then some.
I made my way to the coffee pot and smiled at the folded piece of paper tucked under the corner. He knew I’d never miss it there. My smile widened when I realized he’d already prepped the pot. All I had to do was press the start button. Damn vampire.
I plopped down on the nearest bar stool and unfolded the plain white sheet of paper. Braden’s neat print covered half the page.
Little goddess,
There is food in the fridge and coffee waiting to be brewed. I cringe as I write this, feeling that you’ve somehow domesticated me. Don’t get used to it.
As much as I wanted to be there when you woke, politics will not allow it. I’ve convinced Simon’s clan to pick a new leader from their own. Yutaka took Australia, as well as the Middle Eastern states here on the European Continent. His ambition is worrisome.
I’m trying to convince the Russians to pick a new leader, but they’re difficult. I don’t believe there’s anyone left in South America. At some point, we’ll have to figure that out.
Jack’s clan is impossible. I’ll likely have to deal with them in person. I’d love to have you by my side when that happens.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our last twenty-four hours. It was beautiful and worth every moment I spent with you. I fear you have regrets and probably guilt. I would tell you not to, but you won’t listen.
So, I’ll tell you that I love you. Yes, I know I’m not allowed. It’s not your choice, so accept my affection and text me when you finally roll your sexy ass out of bed.
Always yours,
Braden
At some point during his letter, my hand clamped over my mouth and tears threatened my eyes. I’d never received a letter from anyone and this one was so ‘Braden.’ I didn’t even know what to think.
The sound of the coffee pot gurgling as it spit its last drop into the carafe drew my attention. I slid off my stool and poured the caffeine goodness into the plain white mug Braden left on the counter. A domesticated vampire who said he loved me. Yep, didn’t know what to think about that.
I pulled open the refrigerator and sure enough, several takeout boxes filled the top two shelves. I sorted through them while my mind tried to wake up enough to think about what I’d do next. On top of the list? Stay away from politics. I wanted a break.
A smile crept across my face as I opened a box of fried rice. A day at the beach would be fabulous, but I didn’t want to go alone. Did I? I glanced at the patio door. Yes, actually, I did.
After scarfing down my pork-fried rice, I raced to my bedroom to find some clothes. My cell phone blinked at me from the night table indicating I had messages. Probably a ton of them. Clothes first, then messages. I slipped into another pair of way-too-expensive slacks and a billowy shirt.
The edge of my bed sagged as I sat and picked up my phone, unlocking the screen. Four missed texts from Braden and over a dozen missed texts from Kellen. A wave of guilt nearly knocked me over. I should’ve texted Kellen hours ago to let him know I was okay.
My conversation with Göksu resurfaced from the day before. He said to leave Kellen alone, but ignoring him completely was just wrong.
I scrolled through the messages and cringed. He went from worried in the first four to pissed off in the next three, then back to worry and threatening to call the police. The last text happened an hour ago. He said he was doing a missing person’s report.
Rather than text back, I just called. He picked up on the first ring.
“Where the hell are you?” he snapped.
“I’m safe and feeling sort of rested,” I replied, trying not to react to his anger. “I know I should’ve called you earlier. I’m
sorry. The battery died on my phone and then I fell asleep.”
His loud exhale filled the silence between us. “Can we meet for dinner?”
I opened my mouth to say yes, then thought about my conversation with Göksu. Screw him. Kellen was my only friend, except Braden, and I didn’t want to be alone.
“Sure. Where to?” I replied.
“Can you get to my estate?”
“Yep.”
“I’ll meet you there in fifteen minutes.” He disconnected the call, and I stared at the little words on my screen telling me the call ended.
We’d have to talk about our future. Göksu was right. I needed to learn about the fae, and I had to leave to do it. I went into the bathroom and tried to tame my hair and brush my teeth. When I found a pair of sandals and the little purse Kate gave me, I pictured Kellen’s training room and wished my way through the realms.
Chapter 29
I only had to wait five minutes for Kellen and spent the time at my favorite bar stool tracing the marbled swirls on the countertop. His quick steps down the hall warned me he was coming, probably from the portal room.
He stopped just inside the door and stared at me. He looked good in the burgundy button-down shirt tucked into his blue jeans.
“You okay?” he asked, taking tentative steps into the room.
“Yep. Where we going for dinner?” I gave him my best smile.
He pulled his fingers through his hair as he crossed into the kitchen. “Victor has prepared a feast in your honor. I sort of promised him we would be there tonight.”
My smile faded. “Why would you make plans without talking to me first?” I asked, barely containing my anger.
“I didn’t realize you’d drop off the face of the earth for three days,” he retorted. “You scared the shit outta me.”
“I slept for the first eighteen hours after the battle,” I snapped. “Using butt-loads of magic tends to do that. Then I had to fulfill my blood oath, which took up the entire next day.” I took a deep breath. Why did I even need to explain this to him? “That was even more exhausting and put me in bed for another… I don’t even know how long.” I glared at him, hating that we were already fighting. I should’ve listened to Göksu, I thought.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” He leaned on the counter and pressed his palms against his eyes. “It’s not like you tell me anything.”
A barked laugh erupted from my throat. “Wow. That sounds familiar.”
Kellen raised his head and narrowed his eyes at me. Yeah, I went there. I shouldn’t have, but I did.
“Will you join me at Victor’s?” he all but growled.
“Have you already forgotten how he reacted to me last time? Braden’s blood hasn’t faded. I’m not walking into the shifter’s compound smelling like a vampire. I’m stupid, not suicidal.” I wasn’t about to tell him Braden’s blood would never fade.
“What am I supposed to tell him?”
“I’m with the fae,” I replied. “Cell phone service doesn’t exist there, so you couldn’t reach me if you wanted to.”
His dark eyebrows raced to his hairline. “You’ve been there?”
“Once before the battle, and I need to go back,” I replied. “So you wouldn’t be lying to Victor if you told him I came back long enough to tell you I was leaving.” I swallowed hard. Admitting the truth hurt more than I expected.
“Will you stay with them?”
“I don’t know.” I tugged at my sleeve, trying not to twist my finger into the fabric. “I need to find out who I am. What I am. It seems like they’re the only ones with answers.”
He reached across the counter and pulled my hands to his. “You are whoever you want to be, AJ. You don’t need them to tell you.”
A smile tugged at my lips. I knew he was right, but so was Göksu.
“I didn’t say I’d let them change me,” I said. “Thank you for accepting me when no one else would.”
“It’s what partners are for,” he stated, his own smile not reaching his eyes.
“We’re not partners anymore,” I murmured, “but I hope we’re always friends, Kellen.”
His gaze dropped to my hands, so small and pale against his, reminding me of the first time I made that comparison.
“I can’t have more than that, can I?” he asked.
“No,” I whispered, hating the word as it escaped my lips. I forced myself to watch the emotions flicker across his handsome face. Even if my elementals didn’t help him find a new partner, Kellen would find someone to give him a family and a future.
“Be careful and look me up when you get back,” he said, pulling his fingers from mine and stepping away from the counter. “You’re welcome here anytime.”
“Thanks. Don’t be afraid to find your happiness.”
I skipped around the counter and wrapped my arms around his waist. He hugged me back without hesitation, resting his cheek on the top of my head.
“I love you, little girl.”
“I love you, too.”
He released me and walked out of the kitchen, never looking back as he disappeared into the hallway. Tears ran down my cheeks and a dull ache swelled in my chest. It was better for him to walk away, but it didn’t stop the pain.
“Why did you give him to me, only to take him away?” I asked, knowing my elementals could hear me. “You did the same with Logan, except you took him permanently.” I pressed my lips together, letting my anger stamp out my grief. “If you’re planning the same shit with Braden, just do it now and get it over with. I’m really tired of everyone playing games with my life.”
They didn’t answer. Of course not. Why would they explain themselves?
My phone buzzed in my purse. I rubbed my hand across my face and dumped the contents on the counter. Braden wasn’t just texting; he was calling. I tapped accept.
“Hey old man,” I said in my most cheerful voice.
A deep inhaled breath was all I got for several seconds.
“Are you rested?” he finally asked.
“Yep.”
“I’d like to see you.”
Did I want to see him? Duh. I was drawn to him like the proverbial moth to a flame. But Göksu said Braden would know someone to teach me about the fae. I’d focus on that and nothing else. Right, because I was so damn good at staying focused.
“Good. I need to make a deal,” I said.
“Do you? Then meet me in London.”
“At that lovely apartment looking over the city?” I asked, hoping to convince him to give me a tour. I needed a vacation. Maybe instead of pursuing the fae, I could go see the Seven Wonders of the World. Yep. That was so happening. Add that to my previously planned ‘beach day’ back in LA, and I’d never find the fae.
“Why aren’t you here, yet?” he asked.
I chuckled and hung up on him, then stuffed my phone, debit card, and ID back into my little purse. A picture of the guest room in his apartment appeared in my mind, the wall of windows consuming most of it. My hopes of seeing London carried me to Braden.
I arrived in the dark bedroom, trying to guess what time it was. The city’s bright lights shined against the night sky. The door opened, and the light from the living room spilled through, outlining my vampire.
“It’s about time,” he whispered, closing the space between us. Shadows fell across his face making it hard to see his expression. I didn’t need to. I could feel him.
It wasn’t just sexual desire coming from him, but a longing so fierce it made my knees weak. He’d seen every part of me—my insecurities, my pain, my desires, and my darkness—yet he still wanted me. Everything in my life seemed a little lighter and less foreboding with Braden. Could I really take a break and enjoy just being me? Why not? I did what the elementals wanted and survived. Screw the rest of the world.
I waved at him and smiled. “It’s not like you missed me,” I said, determined to make light of everything. I was done being serious. Done having the weight of the world on my shou
lders.
He grabbed my wrist and pulled me against his hard body. I tried not to react, but damn him and his perfect... everything.
“You know better,” he hissed. “I thought I’d had my fill of you, but apparently not.” His free hand traced my chin, then cupped my cheek. His need for me stifled my attempts to tease him.
“I already told you I won’t be your blood donor,” I said, forcing myself to stand still even though I really wanted to lean into his touch.
“I’ll gladly be yours,” he countered.
So much for not getting serious. His lips grazed mine and I shivered. Oh shit. Heat and desire flooded through me. Damn vampire. I took a step back and was relieved when he let me. I couldn’t resist him for much longer.
“Then maybe we shouldn’t see each other for a while,” I quipped. “I’d hate for you to get too sappy from an overabundance of emotions from me. I get needy when I’m bored.”
He growled, wrapped his hands around my waist, and tossed me on the bed behind me. I squealed, then started laughing. I couldn’t help it. He was so fun to irritate, and I’d learned so many ways to do it during our little soiree. Being told he was soft was first on the list. For some stupid reason, I loved his reaction.
He hovered over me, his hair falling around his face and tickling mine. “What’s so funny?”
“Look at us,” I replied, running my fingers through his oh-so-soft hair. “We’re like a couple of horny teenagers.”
His intensity softened and he rolled to his side. “Tell me your demands. I’ll not be compared to a young boy.”
“I want to see the world,” I whispered, rolling on my side to face him. “I want to live carefree without responsibilities or expectations. I want to find out what makes me happy and completely ignore the needs of everyone else.”
Even in the faint light from the living room I could see his frown. I reached out and traced his bottom lip with my finger.
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