“Shouldn’t you, or we, be out hunting your rogue vampires?” I asked, trying to rein my thoughts back in.
Cian frowned, then spoke again. “I’d rather not go looking for a fight today.”
“What?” Aveline asked. “Did something happen?”
“I got stabbed,” Indra explained, standing next to her. “By a vampire with a fancy blade.”
“I can make you something to help,” my cousin offered. “If you’re still feeling the effects?”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m really a shitty person for not seeing if you need anything. Do you need anything?”
“I’ll be fine by tomorrow,” the hellhound promised.
But I looked at him, studying his face carefully. His eyes were tired, dark circles giving him a worn out appearance. He caught my gaze and smiled.
Why hadn’t he hidden out at his own place to heal, instead of coming over here to warn me about the vampires? Last night I’d been sure they didn’t care about me getting attacked, but now I wasn’t so sure.
Our eyes stayed locked for a few moments longer. Finally I blinked, brows furrowed as I looked away.
Now I felt even guiltier about my going all snarling-wolf in his face.
“You can stay here, if you want,” I said finally. “Whatever’s easier for you. When are you leaving for work, Av?”
She checked her phone. “Now, honestly,” she admitted. “But I can be late if you want me to make you something...?” Cian was shaking his head and Aveline snorted. “Right. Goddess forbid I step on the pride of an elder vampire like you.” She rolled her eyes at him.
“It’s not personal,” he said. “And if I felt worse, I’d take you up on the offer.”
“Right.” She grabbed her purse from the table by the door. “Well you guys are welcome to whatever, obviously. Show them the gym, George.” She flashed a devious grin in my direction and I rolled my eyes.
“Text me if you need anything,” I shot back. “And when you’re on your way home.”
“Later, Aveline,” Akiva called, and she returned the sentiment before closing the door behind her.
The lich turned to me with interest. “The gym?” he repeated. “What’s so special about the gym?”
“Do you see that door?” I pointed at the door at the end of the hall. “Go open it. That’s the gym.”
“Is something going to attack me?”
“Yes.”
Akiva went anyway, going to the door and opening it slowly as if he was worried about what awaited on the other side.
I could hear his amused snort from the recliner as I got to my feet and headed towards the kitchen.
Indra was still there, leaning on the counter to look out the window to the street beyond.
“You okay?” I asked, opening the fridge and grabbing a can of Vanilla Coke.
“Just tired,” he admitted. “It’s been a long few days.” He accepted the can of soda I offered.
“Surprised someone else likes these,” I said skeptically when he opened it and took a long drink.
“I’m not picky.”
“Do you want to take a nap? We have an amazing couch, or you can go to my room.” I found I didn’t mind the thought of him sleeping it off in my bed. If he did, his scent would linger for days and secretly, I was more than okay with smelling him every time I buried my face in my pillows.
“It’s okay. I’m fine.” He yawned, disproving his own words.
“Then help yourself to all available sources of caffeine.” I swept my arm towards the fridge, making him laugh as we walked back to the living room.
Akiva smirked at me, lounging more comfortably in the recliner with his feet on the ground. He’d stolen my seat, and the look on his face absolutely told me he was not about to give it back.
While I could’ve poured my half-full drink on his head and have been very smug about it, I chose the mature route and let him have the spot.
“Here.” I dropped the remote onto his lap. “We have reality tv on demand.” In my opinion that was the holy grail of on demand television, and no other option was needed.
He didn’t complain. By the time I sat down on the far end of the sofa with Indra curling up beside me and leaning on Cian, he was flipping through options.
“May I recommend Little Children, Large Crowns?” I asked sweetly.
“You may not,” Akiva replied as he turned on some paranormal investigation show.
“If we’re going to make a battle plan or something, I’m down,” I informed my guests. “Just let me drink this to wake up a little more.” I was sleepy, and needed to ingest more sugar before I could function at an acceptable level.
“Take your time,” Cian said, running his hand through Indra’s hair and over his ears.
It was nice of him to say, but I really only needed a few minutes. I just needed a little bit of rest. Settling onto the sofa more comfortably, I even went so far as to lean against Indra. He didn’t turn me away and Cian looked at us with a fond smile. Only a few minutes.
Chapter 14
Breath tickled my wolf ear and the blanket slid against my arms as I started to move. My head rested on someone’s shoulder, and my ears barely picked up the hushed whispers in the room. This was strange; I very decidedly did not remember closing my eyes, let alone laying down, or getting a blanket.
Indra breathed out against my ear again, causing it to twitch, and I glanced up at him finally, lips nearly brushing his jaw.
“You’re up,” Cian’s voice was quiet and he still occupied the same spot on the sofa. “You guys fell asleep pretty fast earlier.”
“Sorry,” I mumbled, Indra’s eyes opening at my words. I pulled away, blinking up at the television. “What time is it?”
“A little after four,” Akiva replied.
“Shit.” I loosened my hair from its ponytail and ran my fingers through it. “I’m sorry. You should’ve woken me up.”
Indra only
