Chapter 12
Rafe
I woke up because my ass was hanging off the bed.
I blinked up at the gauzy canopy, remembering why Skye had left it open just as Aiden snored so loudly, it could’ve woken the dead.
I slowly turned onto my side to find that Wyatt had somehow found his way into Skye’s bed. He was awake, his hazel eyes watching our Key between us before flashing up to me. Aiden snored again from his other side, and a vein pulsed in Wyatt’s temple.
Funny. I distinctly remember Wyatt falling asleep in the cuck chair last night.
Or…I eyed the small poofy stool thing in front of Skye’s vanity. What the hell was that thing called, anyway?
Good morning, I said cheerily.
Wyatt only rolled his eyes, then snuggled back down next to Skye.
She looked like an angel. Dark eyelashes fanned out across her cheeks, which were a little flushed as she was probably warm while sharing a bed with three men. Wyatt leaned in, shamelessly breathing in the scent of her hair, and I snuggled in closer to do the same.
We stayed like that for several minutes, the two of us trading looks between each other and the beautiful woman between us. Every few minutes, Aiden would snore, and we’d both fight the urge to laugh. All the while, I kept our mind-link open, waiting for Wyatt to address the mammoth in the room.
The fact that he not only sent me away first while I was uninjured, but then almost killed himself for practically no reason.
I wanted to be angry, and I was…sort of. But now I was only feeling relief that he was alive. I would kick his ass later, when I was sure he was completely healed. Or maybe I’d finally give him one of those sucker punches I owed him.
You want to kick my ass, Wyatt said finally.
I grinned, but then it melted off my face.
Stupid, I whispered, not trusting my volume even in our minds. That was so stupid.
Wyatt watched me, then nodded slightly. It was, he agreed.
She could’ve held it, I argued, since I was in the mood for it. I hadn’t been there, but I trusted Skye. If she said she could’ve held it, then she was telling the truth.
She already was, Wyatt said. She would’ve caught it. I didn’t have to do what I did. I just…panicked.
Did you learn anything? I asked shakily. Or are you still a stubborn asshole just with new bones?
Skye groaned, and we froze, watching as her brow furrowed slightly, like even in her sleep she knew we were arguing.
Wyatt kissed Skye’s temple, and she turned her head toward him, seeking him out. He rested his cheek against her forehead before speaking again.
I don’t think her confidence is misplaced, Wyatt said quietly. I think she could’ve lifted the entire building.
That wasn’t a surprise, and neither was Wyatt’s deflection.
Anything else? I hedged.
I told her I trusted her. Did I lie to her? Or did I just lose it in the moment? That’s all I keep wondering.
I nodded, thinking that over. Wyatt did trust Skye, whether or not he’d been aware of it, so he hadn’t lied to her. But his panic may have cost some of her trust in him.
Wyatt followed my train of thought.
I think…my panic hurt her. Not just because she watched me get fucked up, but because it just proved I didn’t trust her like I said.
Bingo, I said, sighing deeply.
Skye’s eyelashes fluttered, and the moment her silver eyes locked on Wyatt, she sucked in a breath, then lurched toward him. She threw her arms around him, burying her face in his neck while Wyatt sat frozen. His wide eyes met mine over her shoulder, and I barely held in my chuckle.
“I’m still so mad at you,” Skye whispered.
“I’m beginning to think that’s just how things will be between us,” Wyatt replied, also in a whisper.
Skye huffed a laugh, pulling back just enough to look Wyatt in the eye. She said something to him telepathically, and a moment later he leaned in and kissed her without a single care that Aiden or I were here.
Well…Aiden was here physically, at least. He was still passed the fuck out in dream land.
Watching Skye and Wyatt together, finally, was…weird.
I didn’t feel any jealousy, other than the fact that Skye was fussing over him and I desperately wanted to be fussed over. Hopefully I didn’t need to have my bones crushed to dust inside my skin for that to finally happen.
I shuddered at the thought. Zephyr was a godsend. Marion would’ve never been able to heal Wyatt on her own.
Skye felt my movement and pulled back from Wyatt. She turned in his arms, then took my hand and kissed my knuckles.
Good morning, she told me.
Good morning, darling.
How long have you been up?
“We’ve been watching you sleep for about thirty minutes or so,” I replied out loud.
Skye snorted softly. Wyatt groaned. Aiden snored.
The three of us tried to stifle our chuckles. Aiden had just been asleep for several days, why was he so exhausted now?
How did you sleep, my love?
Skye stretched, languid like a cat. Good, she replied.
Really? No soreness? I asked. Maybe you’re up for another round? Since Wyatt’s finally come around.
Wyatt scowled at me, but Skye giggled.
“Maybe later,” she whispered. “We need to help with the café.”
“Darling, I don’t think your brother has expected you to help with anything since you were sent to the academy.” I replied.
“Force of habit,” Skye said. “Let me talk to him.”
Then, as if she’d summoned him, Zephyr’s voice entered our minds via Skye.
Hey, so, tell me to fuck off if y’all are in the middle of a fuck fest– Skye made a gagging sound, which Zephyr didn’t hear but probably felt, –but there’s an official-looking dude here that says he’s supposed to summon the Prince back to the Palace.
I sighed deeply as Skye turned back to me. “How do they know where to find you?”
“My mother knows who you are, darling, even if she’s never met you. Either this courtier is a simple messenger or one of her scouts.”
Skye scowled at me before she teleported out of bed, and Wyatt gave me a look that promised death if I kept pissing her off. I was grinning back at him as Zephyr’s voice slid back into my mind.
He’s getting really annoying, Zephyr said. Should I kick his ass or not?
We’re coming out, I snapped. Don’t kick his ass too hard.
Don’t kick his ass at all, Skye snarled as she pulled on a sweatshirt. I frowned at the loss of her bare skin, and Wyatt shoved me unnecessarily hard as he climbed over me, because he was a dick.
Still in dick mode, Wyatt pillow-swatted Aiden’s head with such force it caused Aiden’s red waves to fly into the air. Aiden only groaned and turned over, covering his cheek with one arm while the other snuggled under his pillow.
Wyatt reached out to grab at Skye’s ass as he passed, and she batted his hand away with a less than playful glare before she bent down and murmured in Aiden’s ear, waking him up immediately.
Warmth bloomed inside my chest. This was a scene I never dared imagine. My Chain – together, happy, finding our own peace in this world.
The future was uncertain. But this easy happiness we were finding…I knew things would work out. They had to.
We arrived in the café only ten minutes later.
Zephyr stood in front of the checkout counter, his arms crossed like he was some kind of security guard. Lana Iykos was behind the checkout counter, wearing a sticky-looking apron. She had a streak of flour in her bangs.
Skye stared at Lana for several seconds, like she’d completely forgotten the girl was staying in her apartment.
Come to think of it…
Nah.
I wasn’t opening that can of worms.
Zephyr took a step to the side, so he covered Lana from view of the courtier.
Ugh. Skye was going to hate that.
The courtier dropped into a low bow upon seeing me, distracting my Key before she could realize what was going on.
I cringed at the sneer Zephyr sent toward me. I rubbed the back of my neck.
“Can I help you?” I asked, sounding less harsh than I preferred now that Zephyr was judging me.
“My Prince,” the courtier said, his voice surprisingly even. “My name is Jorge. I’ve come at the request of the Crown.”
“Okay,” I dragged the word out, feeling Skye shift closer to me.
“Your presence has been requested at the Palace for an urgent matter,” Jorge went on.
“Jorge,” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “My father knows I don’t just come when called, and my mother–”
“Ah, of course, my Prince, I understand. I am unendingly sorry for your loss, but–”
My heart actually stopped beating for a moment.
Literally skipped a beat.
Sorry…for my loss.
But my mother had summoned me.
It wasn’t–
“What’s happened to the Princess?” Skye demanded. Wyatt sucked in a breath, his sharp mind moving nearly at the speed of my own, coming to the same conclusion.
“I…I am so sorry,” Jorge looked genuinely apologetic. “I thought…I thought you knew. Her Grace assumed you’ve been grieving privately.”
Skye’s eyes widened. Lana gasped softly.
I turned, looking at Skye without really seeing her.
Oh, Rafe, her sweet voice floated into my mind.
“We’ll return to the Palace at once,” I whispered. “No need to inform Her Grace. I’ll see her within the hour.”