Chapter Twelve
Oleander
The next morning, I wake before Vale. His arm is tightly over my waist, holding my nude body against his. His cock is nestled between my cheeks and it feels Fae-sized. I’m still sore, but I like it.
I bite back a smile. Damn rude possessive dragon.
He had fucked me again, in the air this time, a favorite of his, before we made it back to our flat just as Colette, Rill, Remi, and Chima had arrived, given Vale had invited them over again.
I think just so he wasn’t alone with me and the boys.
So we had hosted a small dinner party while I dripped dragon jizz. He had shot me smirks all night long.
I lift his arm and slowly roll out of our bed. Our bed.
In our room that we decorated together. His paintings. My herb bundles. A shared life. Nearly ten years. Though he didn’t convince me to move in with him for over a year after he moved in here. After he bought the building, or ‘inherited’ it or whatever.
When I make it to the kitchen on silent feet, I put the kettle going. I turn and survey my herb bundles, going to untie several that I want to use for tinctures.
I open the cupboard and pull out my favorite, chipped mug with the silly ‘Visit the Quiet Mountains National Reserve!’ in bright orange text.
I add maple syrup and top it with steaming tea, cupping the mug in one hand as I quietly open the door and slip down the outside stairs on silent feet.
My keyring that I had left in my jewelry box is clenched tightly in my hand.
The big iron key is pinched between my fingers as I approach the front door.
My heart aches oddly. The flowers in the window boxes are still bright and happy—probably thanks to Rill, given my poor dragon has a black thumb.
I unlock and open the door. A fine layer of dust coats every horizontal surface and the sun dances in the windows, catching on dust motes. I take a deep breath and step into the shop I’d poured my heart into.
I jump right into setting things to rights. It seems silly, since I won’t be in Guivre long, but my heart aches to do it.
I find myself humming as I start dusting.
Once that’s done, I turn to the sink and wash some bottles.
The running water is soothing and makes my mind turn to Lo.
And Finn. I’m glad they are getting on well.
And Finn is obviously warming up to Vale.
Not surprising. He’s an asshole but he’s a charismatic asshole.
The door chimes tinkle as it opens and I turn, surprised. I’ve been closed for months. I know there’s a strong gossip mill in Guivre, but I wouldn’t have thought my reappearance would have been clocked already.
“Oleander, love,” Colette purrs, her shimmering hair catching the sunlight.
I dry my hands and wrap her in a hug. We press together, and my eyes close and I lean my head on her shoulder. I had missed her.
Once we part, my eyes wet, she turns and climbs up on a stool, her slender body in a drapey, navy blue linen dress. She sniffs and wipes her nose discretely.
“Whatcha making today?” she asks as I turn back to bring the bottles to my main counter, the wood well-oiled and well-loved.
I spin and open a cabinet, grabbing my grain alcohol as I answer, “A few tinctures. A couple tea blends. Did you want something?”
“Nope, I have been rationing your sleepy tea, so I’m not low.”
I frown at her and turn to grab a couple more containers.
“You know, lack of sleep can drive someone mad.”
She snorts loudly. “I’m already there, love.”
I giggle as I open a tall cabinet and pull out a few jars of dried herbs, stopped by corks. I squint at one, trying to read my label.
As I open the jars and grab my measuring cups, Colette clears her throat.
Oh boy.
“Vale was not alright without you.”
I frown, adding more dusk nettle silently. “I gathered,” I mutter tightly.
She makes a noise low in her throat. “I know, I know, he’s a grown Fae and you’re not responsible for him. And I know you were on some secret mission.” She sighs. “We could have helped, you know. We... all missed you, Ollie.”
I grab my mortar and pestle and start to grind the duck’s skullblade seeds perhaps too intensely.
“It was too dangerous, Colie. It’s still too dangerous.”
“Your other lovers are involved though?” She frames it as a question but I can hear the unspoken accusation.
“My other lovers are dangerous as fuck,” I blow a breath at a strand of hair that’s fallen in my face. “And I would have not involved Finnick if it wasn’t strictly required.”
I add the ground seeds and turn the mixture with my hands.
I continue, “I’m sorry, Colette, I’m trying to protect you all. Vale included. I was... going to let him go. I—”
“Let him go?” she bursts, a trilling laugh escapes her. “Oleander, I thought he was going to pass through the Veil.”
I cork a jar and hand it to her stiffly. “Here. Extra, in case I’m gone awhile.”
Her face softens.
“And if I’m gone a long time, try the healer on Bell Street. They use herbs well.”
Colette blinks, taking my hand in both of hers. “But you won’t be gone a long time, will you?”
I bite my lip, turning my face away as my stomach sinks.
If I die, I’m gone a long while for sure.
If I don’t die, if I kill Alder as I’ve dreamed for years, I’ll be queen. And gone a long while.
“Oleander...”
“I’m sorry, Colette. I won’t be staying in Guivre long. But while I’m here, let’s not argue, hm?”
She nods, tears shining in her black eyes. She squeezes my hand, letting go.
“So,” she starts, forced cheerfulness in her voice, “Those big strapping lads are your spirit mates?”
I arch an eyebrow. She giggles.
“Vale told me. Rather under duress.”
I nod, shaking my head in disbelief. I can’t help the sly look that comes over my face. Kai and Lonan have been keeping me rather stocked up on orgasms.
She giggles, reading my mind.
“And the pretty green-skinned one... he’s ‘merely’ a lover?” She makes finger motions as she says this.
“Finnick. Yes.”
She arches a blue brow. “Vale is still asking for a heart bond?”
I sigh. She knew about his proposals. They had been sweet. He never brought it up outside of that one question, never nagged or pushed. Simply asked. Every month. It had been Colette that had been worried that I would feel smothered or pressured.
Except I didn’t. I felt heartbroken. I had wanted to say yes. I just couldn’t.
“He hasn’t mentioned it.” My tone is clipped.
She frowns. “I’m mucking this all up. I just want to chat with my friend and I’m saying all the wrong things.”
“Oh Colie, it’s not you. I just—”
She stands and hugs me, her tall, slender body molding to mine. I cling to her.
“Alright,” she says, delicately pulling away, “Tell me what to do.” She picks up the alcohol.
I grin and slap her ass. “Fill those small bottles about two-thirds full of that,” I direct.