Chapter 28
Valens
She blinked a few times, using her other hand to take another fortifying sip of coffee. “I suppose that’s true. And since it’s magic, there’s no telling exactly how it comes to be, I guess.”
“Exactly. It’s fate, or the Goddess, or… the magic itself. Who knows?” He shrugged, not put off by the uncertainty.
I didn’t let myself think about the tingle I’d felt when I touched that tree-bark sigil, the way it seemed to draw me in. No, I didn’t want to think about that at all.
Goddess, he was just so calm, no matter what life threw at him. It made me wonder what happened when it all did become too much and he broke. Everyone had their breaking point. We were only mortal, after all.
“I think you’re right. We have to go. As Lucien’s second, you’re the most obvious choice for a delegate, anyway. And apparently, I’ve been relieved of my guard duties until after my heat.”
I was bitter. And still angry, though there was less heat behind it than there had been before Valens had kissed me senseless.
His touch really was affecting me; there was no way to ignore that. Heat was coming, my hormones were spiking, and his pheromones helped calm the beast in the meantime.
“So it’s settled, then. I’ll let Lucien know to make the call, and we’ll go.” He squeezed my fingers, happily unaware of my tumultuous thoughts.
“Sounds like a plan.” I forced a smile I didn’t feel. “I guess I’d better head back to my cottage.”
Was it even still my cottage, or had they slid Dakota right into my bedroom, just as they’d given her my job?
“Or you could stay here tonight.”
The words stopped me in my tracks. “What? I don’t think that’s a good idea. Your sister—”
“Definitely isn’t hanging around to listen to you two bone.” Savannah walked in, hair fixed and makeup popping, wearing a tight black minidress that barely covered her ass. “I’m going to the club and to stay the night with Steph. Text me when it’s safe to come home.”
“Be safe,” Valens said. He didn’t look surprised.
“She go out clubbing often?” I asked after the door swung shut behind her.
He sighed. “Only since she found out she was betrothed to a whoring son of a bitch. I was hoping that with him gone, she might settle down some. But apparently not.”
I could see the indecision warring in his features, worry, big-brother overprotectiveness, and resignation.
“You’re a good brother. It has to be hard with your parents gone since she was so young.”
He nodded, and I liked that about him. There was no denial, no macho denial that he’d been through something difficult.
“It’s hard to know how to take care of her now.
Are we siblings again now that we’re both adults, even though I helped raise her?
I’m not her father or her keeper. I just want her to be happy and well.
That’s all. At least I know she’s capable of handling any situations that may arise with the humans in the clubs. ”
“True,” I agreed, stifling a yawn. I was suddenly exhausted, the long, busy day sneaking up on me. “This coffee is defective.”
He laughed, pouring his own mug down the sink, rinsing the cup, and then reaching for mine to do the same.
“Come on. I’m putting you to bed. You need sleep, and I need to sleep next to you.”
Why did that sound so incredibly sexy?
“You’re bossy, you know that?”
He chuckled, recapturing my fingers with his.
“I think you like someone else being in charge every once in a while.” He led me down the hall by our joined fingers into a dark, cozy bedroom.
He flicked on a lamp, revealing a very masculine room.
A low bed with a simple wooden headboard, dark gray covers, and a simple patterned rug on the floor.
It smelled like him, cozy campfire and sweet brown sugar, and my mouth watered as I turned around, taking in his space.
“The bathroom’s through that door if you want to shower.”
I did want to shower and usually always did before climbing into bed, but I was so, so tired. My limbs were heavy as I sat on the edge of his bed, groaning at the soft give and smooth sheets.
He twined his fingers into my hair, tipping my head back for a gentle whisper of a kiss, leaving my lips wanting more. “Sleep. I’ll take care of everything.”