Chapter Eighteen
Sage
Yeah. So much for not getting entangled.
Maybe it was his scent—leather, cedar, cologne, and something that makes my knees go stupid.
Maybe it was his voice—commanding, calm, laced with power so he never has to shout.
Maybe it was the certainty. The way he said it like a fact: I'll give you orders. You'll obey.
Maybe it was the way I wanted that.
Maybe all of the above.
Either way, it led to that kiss. The damned kiss that drowned me.
Asher's kiss is gravity. Heavy and steady. It doesn't steal your breath, but anchors it. Makes you think you could live there. That if you just leaned into him, he'd hold the weight, all of it, no questions asked.
It's the opposite of Kayden's kiss. He kisses like the world's ending and it's your last chance to feel anything. Like everything else is ash and this spark between you is the only thing that's ever mattered. His kiss says, Burn with me. And somehow you want to.
So here I am, running from my feelings for one vampire… only to crash into feelings for two. And the fact that they're both okay with this situation, still messes with my head.
I shouldn't overthink it. I shouldn't plan ahead. Not about this.
I'm supposed to leave once I have my shiny anti-satyr necklace.
Right?
Right.
I try to hold on to that thought, but Asher's waffles make it harder than they should. Almost as hard as forgetting the kiss.
"By the way," he says, disturbingly casual as I'm polishing off the last bite. "Astrid called this morning. She located the crystal."
I blink. "Wait—really? And you didn't lead with that?"
He shrugs, unapologetic. "Because it's in a town six hours away. If I'd told you, you'd have skipped breakfast and bolted."
He's not wrong. Still, I narrow my eyes and lean back in the chair, cradling the half-finished coffee. "So you delayed essential mission intel for the sake of waffles."
He raises an eyebrow. The closest thing to gloating you'll ever get from Asher.
"It's a small magic supply shop," he adds. "No delivery. You'll have to go in person."
"Fine," I say, already pushing back the chair. "I'll go. Today."
As I start to rise, his hand rests lightly on my shoulder, firm enough to still me.
"You don't have a car."
"There are buses."
"You don't have money," he adds smoothly. "Or a phone."
I scowl. "I ditched mine. Traceable."
Not like I have anyone to call anyway.
"You're not going alone," he says, and this time, it's not a suggestion.
I open my mouth to argue, but Kayden's voice beats me to it, cutting through with lazy amusement. "Did I hear the word road trip?"
I turn. He's leaning in the doorway like sin and sarcasm, arms crossed, smile dangerous.
"Nobody said that," I snap.
"Didn't have to," he shoots back. "It's implied."
"Only one of us needs to go with her," Asher interjects, his tone perfectly neutral.
But from where I'm sitting, I see the faintest tug at the corner of his mouth.
He's baiting his brother. Kayden takes it.
"Oh, like hell I'm letting you two go alone," he says, pushing off the frame. "Especially after you came back yesterday smelling like weed and full of unresolved sexual tension. Nah. You can stay here, big brother. Light a candle. Align your chakras. I'll handle our girl."
Our girl.
He says it so casually, but it lands like a thunderclap in my chest.
I don't comment, but something twists inside me.
"I figured as much, Kayden," Asher says, still calm, but this time there's steel in it. "We're all going."
And just like that, it's an order.
Kayden scowls. "Fine. But we're taking my car. Faster and with more style."
"Then you're driving first," Asher replies.
They lock eyes, both deadpan, both entirely too entertained.
There's a whole silent language passing between them—sarcastic, competitive, laced with history and heat. I feel like I should be charging tickets.
"I'm so glad we all contributed equally to this discussion and reached a healthy consensus," I mutter, finishing off the last of the coffee.
Not that I'm actually complaining. A six-hour ride with them beats a grimy bus seat and stale vending machine snacks.
"Consensus is rarely the most effective course of action," Asher says.
I glance up to fire off some sharp little comeback, but he leans in and presses a soft kiss to the corner of my mouth.
His tongue flicks out, tasting the last trace of syrup from my skin. It's warm, gentle, and intimate in a way I don't expect. My body stills, breath catching as I blink at him, stunned.
No smirk, just that quiet, deliberate claim.
"Let's get a move on," Kayden calls, already heading down the hall.
I sit frozen for another beat. Then I exhale, stand, and grab my jacket.
This is going to be one hell of a ride.