Chapter 18 #2
I move my lips inches from his and hear his breath hitch. His fingers move from my jaw to a piece of hair, tucking it behind my ear. While he’s distracted, just like any stupid man would be, I slowly lower my hand to the slit of my dress.
The knife Bronwyn gave me touches my fingers, and I work as discreetly as I can to unhook it from the holster strapped to my thigh without alerting him. My fingers trip up, and I softly turn my head to avoid his awful lips pressing against mine.
“Oh, you lovely tease,” Lowell says. “It’s been a while.”
My heart races, and I try once more to unhook the knife to plunge it directly into the spot where his heart lies. He moves in closer this time, but the burns on my back don’t allow me to bend as much as I need to get the knife free.
Fuck. Fuck!
I can’t reach it.
His hands wrap around my waist, pulling me closer, and I fight the insane urge to thrash against him. His hand presses against my burns, and he doesn’t care. My last attempt comes, and I can’t get the grip I need to drive the blade into his chest swiftly.
I whimper from the pain, and he pushes harder, digging his thumbs into my back.
At the last moment, the office doors swing open, and a dark fog creeps into the room, followed by Carver and Crew Bannermin entering like winged shadows.
Oh, thank God.
Lowell releases my waist and steps back as the guests arrive at the perfect moment, and I exhale in relief. The two men enter the room dressed similarly to Lowell in tuxedos, their dark, towering frames demanding attention—as if they can suck the souls from everything around.
Crew’s typically messy hair is slicked back, and even though his outfit screams elegance, there is a casualness about him, as if he couldn’t care less about being here—that makes two of us.
His tattooed body peeks out from the tailored fabric, and the wings of his butterfly show on his neck, as if they’re trying to fly off his body.
I stumble backward, spinning to avoid unwanted gazes, flinching from my back’s proximity to the flames.
I’ll remain this way as long as I can, ensuring they don’t see the horrible burns covering my back.
Crew makes eye contact with me, and his brow raises at the sight of just having been in Lowell’s arms.
“Lowell,” Carver says. “Apologies for interrupting. We are a bit early to make up for our tardiness last time.”
He laughs. “Oh no, apologies needed, Elder. You weren’t interrupting a thing.”
Crew smiles and bows his head toward me as I backpedal toward Lowell’s desk.
“Mara,” Carver turns to me. “You look absolutely radiant this evening.”
“Thank you,” I reply. “Lowell gifted me this dress.”
Carver’s eyes wander before quickly landing on mine again. “He did not disappoint.”
Lowell glances between the three of us and points toward the sitting area around the roaring fire. “Should we sit for a drink before we make our way?”
They nod, and I step sideways toward the nearest chair, sitting down to avoid their eyes on my back. Carver sits across from me, Crew next to me, leaving an open chair for Lowell to sit once the drinks are made.
Crew and Carver watch me while Lowell tends to the alcohol, smiling as if I’m a piece of meat before a group of hungry wolves. Lowell speaks to Carver while making the drinks, and Crew leans over toward my seat.
“Shot anyone lately?” Crew asks. “I had a great time last night.”
I furrow my brow. “Oh, fuck off.”
He laughs. “I enjoy seeing you for some reason.”
“Because you are insane, I suppose.”
“I suppose.” Crew leans back in his chair, throwing his ankle over his opposite knee, studying me. “You sure are extra grouchy tonight.”
“Because I don’t feel good, Bannermin,” I hiss. “Quit speaking to me.”
“But I like talking to you,” he responds, and I roll my eyes.
Lowell arrives with a few drinks, placing a fresh one before me and handing the others to our guests. I quickly take a sip, letting the fiery liquid travel down my throat. They do the same, and Lowell sits before clearing his throat.
“I’d like to apologize for the events of last night, Carver.” Lowell glances at me. “Actions have been taken to ensure such recklessness doesn’t happen again for the remainder of these assignments. I want you to know Crew is not in danger around us.”
Crew's eyes snap to me as I watch them travel over my body, not to gawk but searching for anything out of place. From the front, I’m perfect. His head tilts, and his silver eyes meet mine in confusion.
“Nonsense, Lowell,” Carver responds. “I’m sure my son said something that warranted a bullet in his shoulder. I found it comical when I heard the news. I guess Crew was too embarrassed to tell me himself.”
Crew takes a long drink and looks to Carver. “I just didn’t want to waste your time. It was late, and I was fine. Mara missed everything vital. She’s a terrible shot.”
I watch him and notice the slight shift in his chair. His father makes him uncomfortable, and if Crew didn’t tell his dad about what happened, then who did? How would they even know?
“Either way,” Lowell says. “Mara needs to learn to be a team player. Isn’t that right?”
“It won’t happen again.” I nod. “I apologize, Carver, for my blatant disrespect.”
Crew grins from ear to ear, realizing that I apologized to his father and not to him. The constant amusement this man experiences is both annoying and exhausting.
“I’m okay, by the way,” Crew whispers. “Thanks for checking on me.”
“I don’t care.”
He leans forward. “I think you do.”
I huff a sarcastic laugh, but wince from the pain. “Then that makes you stupid.”
“Stupid for you, little angel.”
I take a sip of my drink, letting the liquid burn my throat once more as the pain rattles my back.
“Hey.” His gaze falls, noticing my distress. “Are you alright?”
“What would you do if I said no, Crew?” I crane my neck to meet his stare. “Because I’m not okay.”
“Mara,” Crew whispers. “Fuck. Did Lowell hurt you…”
“Thanks for checking on me.” I cut him off.
The Elders fall into a hushed conversation, but Crew doesn’t peel his eyes from me. I can sense that he is searching for any imperfection, but I shield my exposed back from his gaze even more. His silver stare bores into me, and my heart flips from the continuous attention.
“Where did he hurt you?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“…Mara. Tell me.”
I cast my eyes to him and fight the urge to let tears fall from the pain and embarrassment I feel in this moment. Crew stills.
“Don’t cry,” he whispers. “Please.”
“I’m not.”
Crew’s brows furrow, and I sense an anger growing around him. He opens his mouth to speak, but is interrupted.
“Now that we are all together, we should discuss why we are even here to begin with.” Carver stands, swirling his cup and stepping by the fire. “As you can assume, the Grim Reaper will follow death. Anywhere and everywhere. So you two need to draw it out.”
“Lucky for us,” Lowell cuts in, “this means we can continue to give you two assignments, and we will be killing two birds with one stone.”
“So, what are we doing next?” Crew asks.
Lowell walks to his desk, rearranging a few folders before finding the correct one. He crosses the floor, and I reach for the folder, only to be rejected. Lowell places the documents in Crew’s hand and joins Carver near the fire.
“Everything you need to know is within that folder: the people needed to be taken out, the information we have on the Grim Reaper, and other things that could bring you success,” Carver says. “You’ll start tomorrow, and this assignment is in the town over, so you two will be traveling together.”
I choke on my drink, drawing their attention to me.
“Is there a problem, Miss Castten?” Carver tilts his head.
I open my mouth to speak, but Lowell beats me to the punch. “Mara has sustained an injury that leaves her wings out of commission for a few days. Traveling will be…difficult for her.”
I grip my glass so tightly that I fear it will shatter.
There is no way Lowell didn’t know how his actions would affect me, and fury rises, desperate to break free.
However, I send a wave of calm through me, earning a glance from Lowell.
He smiles at my response, then returns his gaze to the Bannermins.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Carver says. “But Crew will be able to assist you with any struggles you encounter during this assignment.”
With my newfound calmness, I smile and look directly at Crew.
“That will be just great. Thanks.”
My off-putting friendliness jolts him, making him sit up straighter in his chair.
This entire interaction is awkward, and even though I know what’s coming, I pray we can leave this office in the next few minutes.
The sweltering heat from the blazing fire threatens to chase my calm away, so instead, I slam my drink down and stand, keeping my back away from the men.
A sharp pain causes my face to scrunch, and I glance back, finding Crew’s stare delving into me.
He knows I’m hurt.
Badly.
The others finish their drinks, placing their glasses down, and Crew keeps the folder tucked under his arm.
“Since the assignment is closer to your Order, I think Mara should stay at the Jade Order tonight after the celebrations have come to an end. It’s easier for her since she can’t travel, don’t you think?”
Carver nods. “We can make arrangements for that if she promises to behave.”
Anxiety fills me, but I smile through clenched teeth, feeling the calmness wearing off too soon. I offer him a soft laugh.
These men are awful.
“Amazing.” Lowell claps his hands together. “Should we get going? I’m most looking forward to this. I love a good party. So does Mara.”
Lowell unfolds his wings and looks toward me, as if waiting for me to do the same. I remain motionless, refusing to let the humiliation settle into me further.
“Mara, you will obviously need assistance flying tonight. I think it’s fair to let you choose who can carry you.” Lowell smiles.
I glance between the three men and face an impossible decision. I badly want to storm out of the office and make my way to the Jade Order on foot, but I know I’m on thin ice with Lowell, and another punishment would kill me.
“Very well,” I say.
I walk past Lowell, dismissing his smile, and keep my gaze fixed toward the two demons that fill the space with a darkness that makes my skin crawl.
The room seems to hold its breath as I approach them with purpose.
Crew watches me intently, and I push past him, walking directly toward Carver, exposing my back to Crew for the first time.
Crew’s jaw tenses, and he cuts his gaze to Lowell in disgust.
“Will you be so kind?” I nod to Carver.
A wicked smile forms on his face as he bows, his large black wings commanding the others' attention.
“My pleasure, Mara.” Carver takes my hand as we turn to walk toward the large window.
I jerk my eyes toward Crew, and his face is filled with an emotion I can’t quite place in the brief gaze I give him.
He doesn’t blink, only glaring at Carver as I walk past him, hand in hand with the Elder of the Jade Order.
Carver’s large hand swallows mine, and he places his other hand on the small of my back, sending a pain that nearly takes my legs out from under me.
Carver pulls his hand away and peers his head around toward my back. I hear him let out a deep hum as he notices the wounds, discoloration, and settling scars on my back.
“Your injury, I presume?” he asks, leaning down near my ear.
I straighten. “An unfortunate fight with a torch earlier.”
“I will do my best to ensure you feel little pain.” He nods. “You are a tough one, aren’t you?”
I smirk in response.
Lowell and Crew walk ahead of us, stretching their large wings in preparation for flight. Their broad shoulders effortlessly support their wings, and I wish for nothing more than to compete with them right now.
The night sky resembles a dark tunnel awaiting us, and a thrill runs through me like always before a flight. My true peace—my freedom—but I can’t do this on my own. Lowell has stripped me of that, and I make a silent promise to get my revenge one day.
“How would you like to be carried?” Carver asks. “I’m afraid there are not many positions that don’t require me to touch your back.”
“Dealer’s choice,” I respond. “I can handle it.”
He smiles and scoops me up in his arms, one hand slipping under the bend of my knees while the other gently wraps around my back. A zap of pain makes me grind my teeth, and I retract my shoulders in response, but after a moment, I settle into his hold.
Crew watches us, and I can feel the anger and jealousy radiating from him like crimson heat. For the first time, it’s my turn to be amused. I move closer to Carver’s strong chest, letting his arms wrap around me. I flash Crew a genuine smile, and his jaw tenses.
From the interactions among the four of us, I can tell that Crew dislikes his father—as if there’s a silent competition between them—and I want to know why.
Without another word, Crew shoots into the sky faster than a bullet, with Lowell following close behind. Carver walks to the large open window, expands his wings into the night air, and clutches me tighter.
“You ready?” Carver asks.
“Do I have a choice?” I respond.
“More than you think, Mara.”
I angle my head toward Carver, and he sets his gaze forward.
With one step, he propels us into the night sky as if I’m weightless, and the cool air caresses me.
He pulls me closer to tuck me in, and I have to admit it feels nice being this close to a man, even if it is Carver Bannermin.
He flies faster, quickly catching up to the others and pushing past them at full speed.
The Lyre Order fades into the distance as the Jade Order comes into view on the horizon.