But honestly, I pitied the fool who even considered crossing me. My magic was begging for something to burn.
Unfortunately, that hadn’t cured me of my anxiousness. As I walked out of the elevator and into the lobby of the lavish penthouse apartment, panic surged inside. There was nothing for me to do, either. The house was literally spotless. There was food in the kitchen for them when they arrived – if they were hungry. I even made sure we had Fruit Loops and popcorn for Tegan, and bagel bites for Tenn. Their favorite snacks.
The school was as ready as it was going to be tonight. The plans for the ball were running smoothly so far. Claudia and her pages were handling the décor – along with the small group of students who were referring to themselves as the Party Planning Committee. Chef Jones was giving us an updated menu in the morning, and once we agreed on some basic foods to add, I was positive it would be great. His food earlier had been delicious.
So there I stood, in the foyer, with nothing to do.
Where is Deacon?
My soulmate had been on the phone when I left but the silence that greeted me suggested he was finished with that. His text I’d gotten halfway through the park had just been to check on me. No indication of anything else.
I pulled out my phone and dialed his number. It rang about ten times before his voicemail picked up. Damn it.
Then I opened up a text thread with Royce and Henley, and sent, You haven’t by any chance heard when Tennegan are arriving here, have you?
Sorry, baby girl. I tried to put a magical tracker on that boy, but everyone told me no.
Ignore my brother, as usual. Henley said with an eye-rolling emoji. However, I spoke to Tegan a bit ago about some spells but she only said that they were going to you tonight. No specific time.
If they’re not there already, then they stopped to eat. Royce sent a GIF of a fat guy eating a ton of junk food. So I’d bet after dinner you’ll see them.
I groaned. Any suggestions on what to do to occupy myself in the meantime? Going stir crazy with anxiety right now and Deacon is working.
Go for a swim, Royce sent immediately.
OH, yeah. Good idea. There’s an indoor pool in their apartment. Go passed Deacon’s room then turn left when you get to his parents’ suite. Follow that hallway until you dead-end at the pool.
I pursed my lips. I suppose that’s better than nothing. Is there a hot tub?
YUP. Just don’t ask who’s been in it.
ROYCE.
I rolled my eyes. He’s had girls in there. I’ve assumed that for every location in this entire city at this point. Honestly, I’m over it. Whatevs. I’ve got bigger concerns now.
That’s my girl, Henley said with a winking emoji. I’m sure Heather supplied you with a swimsuit, even if you weren’t aware of it. So go on.
Okay. Thanks y’all. TTYL.
I sighed and stomped my way up the stairs. When I walked into Deacon’s room, I prayed he was in there, but the lack of heat in my chest told me he wasn’t. I wasn’t necessarily in the mood to go swimming, but I could sit in a hot tub for a bit and see if that calmed me down.
When I went into the closet and pulled open the drawers…I couldn’t tell if I was surprised or not to find that Henley was right. Heather had bought me a swimsuit. It sat there nice and pretty at the top of the drawer. It was a sparkly, ivory one-piece with crisscross straps on the back and a deep scoop neck in the front. GUCCI was written in a dark gold across the chest with the designer’s double-G and red and blue logo stripe below it.
“Well hello, pretty,” I whispered to the swimsuit like a total weirdo.
Once I had the swimsuit on, I walked over to the wall-sized mirror. The sparkly material looked rather lovely against my tan skin and pale blonde hair. Which was good, since the damn thing fit me like second skin. But I didn’t allow myself to linger there with my reflection for more than a few seconds so that I wouldn’t start picking my body apart. Or lose any of the confidence I had left in me at the moment. I skipped over and plucked an ivory silk robe off the hanger, then slid it on.
It wasn’t until I was turning the corner by his parents’ suite that I realized I hadn’t brought a towel. Sometimes I forgot this place wasn’t a hotel. Then again, if they didn’t have towels by the pool – which I suspected they would – then I’d just wait there until someone found me. Afterall, Tegan was coming and therefore I was incapable of hiding even if I wanted to.
I glanced down at my phone but there was still no message from Tegan, Tennessee, or Deacon.
Damn it.
I hate not knowing.
For all I knew they were out there right now, walking the same streets I just had. The city carried on around us, a dozen or so floors down. The entire wall on my left was made of glass, so the sparkling lights and chaotic movements were on display. I let my gaze follow the line of the wall until I spotted double glass doors. Behind them, a turquoise pool glistened under the warm lighting. The wall on the left continued on in glass until it hit the edge of the building, and then it connected with yet another piece of glass.
The edge of the pool went right up to the glass walls. I made a mental note to stay away from that. My anxiety levels were high enough.
I pushed the door open and heat exploded in my chest. I froze in place. My breath left me in a rush. My pulse quickened. Where is he? I scanned the room for him…then spotted him beneath the water. Swimming right towards me. I walked out onto the wooden floor then stopped beside a sunken sofa-bed type thing that was more fit for a Greek God than a person’s swimming pool. To my right, lining the one wall not made of glass, was a row of lounge beach chairs equipped with pillows and a little table to sit and drink.
Deacon swam to the shallow end of the pool nearest me, then popped up out of the water like Ariel on that rock. He reached up and pushed his soaked sandy blond hair back, then wiped the water off of his face. He grinned and blinked through water droplets clinging to his eyelashes. “There you are, Butterberry.”
Then he stood.
And my concentration snapped.
It wasn’t my fault. I tried to stay focused on his face but the water running down his bare chest was doing things to me. Or maybe it was the way his swim shorts hung so low on his hips that I saw the cut of his abs. Or the dark lines of our soulmate glyph that covered the right side of his chest, then wrapped around his shoulder and slid down his chiseled arm.
“Emersyn?”
I jumped then shook myself. Damn it, woman. He can feel what you feel! I looked to him and opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out.
“You okay, love?”
I pulled my cellphone out and opened the same text thread with his cousins. You knew he’d be in this pool half naked and soaking wet, didn’t you???
I plead the fifth, Henley said immediately.
Followed quickly by Royce with, New phone. Who dis?
I bit my cheek to stop myself from sighing or groaning or cursing them out. It was too late. They set me up and I fell for it perfectly. I tossed my phone onto the sofa thing, then untied my robe and let it drop to the ground.
Deacon’s eyes widened and his cheeks flushed. His gaze traveled over the length of my body. Slowly, like he may never see this again and he wanted to soak it in. He licked his lips and my heart fluttered.
Okay. Too late to panic. Too late to back out now. Just act normal. Natural.
And then I did the only thing I could think of.
I ran toward the pool…then jumped in the air and pulled my legs close to my body. My cannonball landed right behind him, sending a small wave crashing over his shoulders. I popped out of the water and threw my hair out of my face.
Deacon wiped away the drops of water from his eyes. “Oh, you think you’re cute, eh?”
Mischief sparkled in his eyes and he dove toward me. I squealed and turned to swim away. I kicked out and glanced at him over my shoulder. A wicked grin spread across his face and he wrapped his hand around my ankle dragging me back to
ward him. I slid beneath the water and bubbles rushed from my mouth as I giggled. I thrashed against his hold, trying to get free, but his hands gripped my hips and suddenly I was tossed above the surface. I went airborne not too gracefully.
Water splashed and I sucked in a deep breath, knowing I was about to be under again except I landed in the basket of Deacon’s arms. My breath left me in a rush as he taunted me. He dropped my legs then tried to throw me straight up in the air but I clung to his shoulders. He faltered under my nails just long enough for me to wrap my legs around his hips.
I looked down, ready to talk smack and push him under the water, when I found his mouth just inches from mine. His violet eyes sparkled under the florescent lights. Heat exploded between us, scorching me from the inside out and the energy in the pool turned electric. Smoke lifted off the water all around us. I wound my arms around his neck and sank in closer to his chest so we were face-to-face.
The matching heart-shaped crystals in the middle of our chests shimmered a soft lavender, radiating light like a beacon. I licked my lips. My pulse was hammering through my veins. My breath lodged in my chest.
He dove for me, taking my bottom lip between his.
I melted in his arms. This kiss was hot and wild as our tongues wrestled and danced. I fisted his hair and pulled as hard as I could. He groaned and pushed me through the water until my back hit the wall. I gasped then dove back for his mouth. He bit my bottom lip and I groaned. I wrapped my legs around his hips and squeezed him tight against me. I felt every curve of his body as he pushed against me, pressing me tight against the wall. My fingers went on a little adventure, digging into his skin and clawing at him.
“So, things are going well, I see.”
We both gasped and jumped away from each other at the sound of that all too familiar rough voice.
I spun around with my heart in my throat and found them standing there on the wooden deck beside the pool, both dressed in their standard all black outfits. Though their combat boots looked a smidge less filthy than normal, like perhaps they’d cleaned them up before coming here.
I licked my lips and pulled my wet hair over my chest – for reasons I really couldn’t be sure of, I simply felt compelled to. “T-Tennessee…Tegan…h-h-hi…um…”
Tenn stood there with his arms crossed over his chest looking more menacing than I’d ever seen him. Or maybe I’d been away from him for too long. The golden bands that connected Michael’s sword to him somehow shined through his long-sleeved black shirt as if there were no material covering it at all, which didn’t help alleviate the intimidation factor. Nor did that eerie twinkle in his mismatched eyes. Seriously, I didn’t understand how my sister was so attracted to him. He was terrifying.
Tenn arched one eyebrow at me, and I had to look away before he sensed the disturbance in the force and knew I was freaking the hell out about him being here.
But the second I looked to my sister, I regretted it. She had her elbow perched on Tenn’s shoulder and was casually leaning against him with one foot crossed over the other. She was grinning like the damn Cheshire cat and wagging her eyebrows at me.
I would never live this moment down.
Deacon cleared his throat and pushed his hair back. “Uh, hey. Welcome to New York?”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Deacom
I’d never been more thankful to have Tennessee show up.
Not that I wasn’t enjoying myself in the pool with Emersyn…but I’d promised myself I’d be a good guy and behave. Emersyn wasn’t like any of those promiscuous girls I’d…dabbled with…in my past. She was a nice girl and I cherished that about her. We both wanted to take our relationship slow to make sure we didn’t screw it up. I genuinely wanted to be a better guy for her than I had been in years past. She was worth it. And therefore, I would wait until she was ready – like actually ready.
But that didn’t mean it was easy.
Saved by the terrifying non-human bell.
I cleared my throat and pushed my hair back. “Uh, hey. Welcome to New York?”
Tenn smirked and it was entirely dangerous. “Do I get the same welcome she got?”
Emersyn groaned and her face turned bright red before she could bury it in her hands.
“I’d say yes, but your girl is rather territorial…” I grinned and looked to Tegan. “And scary as hell.”
Tegan pressed her palm to her chest. “Thank you. That’s so sweet of you to say.”
I rolled my eyes.
“And you can kiss him but only if you promise to make Royce jealous about it.”
“Please don’t.” Tenn grimaced and glanced over to his soulmate with a smirk. “What is wrong with you?”
She grinned. “So many things, but we don’t have time for that talk today.”
“But I’d very much like a raincheck for it.” I laughed and made my way to the steps, then climbed out of the pool. The air in here was warm but it still gave me goosebumps when it hit me.
Emersyn cursed right behind me. “Please tell me y’all have towels down here?”
Tenn cocked his head to the side and his eyes flashed…and then every drop of water on my body vanished in an instant. My eyes widened. I glanced over to Em and found her completely dry, even her hair. I ran my hand through my own strands and found them dryer than a desert.
I looked back over to Tenn. “Why is that kinda creepy?”
Tegan wiggled her fingers in front of her and then thick, white fuzzy robes were wrapped tightly around us.
“Okay, I know why that’s creepy.” I grinned and shook my head. “But thanks for the assist.”
They both just nodded.
Emersyn narrowed her eyes. “Do either of you do anything without magic anymore?”
“Why would I?” They both said at the exact same time.
“Gotta admit, though...I like their magic.” I pulled the robe around me tighter. “It comes in handy.”
Em rolled her golden eyes but she was smiling. “Don’t encourage them.”
“I’m the Devil, it’s kind of my job...”
Em huffed and playfully smacked my arm. She refocused on her twin. “So, how’d you find us in here anyway?”
“Magic,” they said at the same time again.
They high-fived over their heads.
Em turned to me while pointing at them. “You see? They don’t need temptation.”
I shook my head. “Did Stedman greet you in the lobby?”
Tenn nodded. “Yeah, excellent job describing him, by the way. Spot on.”
“He stole our stuff. I assume you know where he stashed it?” Tegan arched one eyebrow. “Because that dude was not answering my questions.”
I sighed. “He’s been nervous for your arrival. He wants to make sure you’re happy. But yes, I know where he put your stuff. As a matter of fact, why don’t I give you a little tour of the place?”
“That’d be ideal, otherwise she’ll snoop on her own.”
“Babe,” Tegan hissed. “Don’t ruin my fun.”
“Snoop on, my friend.” I chuckled then headed for the door. “Come on, tour time.”
I pushed the glass door open, then held it wide for them to exit after me. Tenn gave me a quick, sharp nod as he passed and Tegan gave me a nerve-wracking wink. Emersyn slid by last and her cheeks were flushed bright pink as she peeked up at me under dark eyelashes.
She hurried to walk beside her twin. “So, are y’all hungry or anything?”
“We had dinner a little bit ago, but I’ve got some serious munchies.”
Tenn nodded and rubbed his stomach. “Is there a convenient store nearby where we could grab something to snack on?”
“There are, but I also stocked the kitchen with stuff y’all like.”
I smiled. She was really quite adorable, always making sure to take care of other people – like a true Empress card. “It’s true, but we’re also not opposed to taking you out to a restaurant if you’d like to do that. Up to you.”
/> Tegan glanced over her shoulder at me and pursed her lips. “Good question.”
“I don’t know, babe…” Tenn shrugged. “We haven’t had a moment to relax. I think I’d prefer to snack on whatever Em got for us while we sit and listen to them tell us about the school.”
Tegan turned to him and grinned. “That sounds great — oh look! Mistletoe!” She stopped right on the corner that led toward the bedrooms and pointed to the ceiling where a mistletoe was hanging.
I frowned. When did that get there?
“Oh, well…”
Tegan grabbed that key hanging from Tenn’s necklace and pulled his mouth down to hers. He wrapped one arm around her waist then reached up and fisted her hair. His other hand slid over her hips before landing on and squeezing her ass. She wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him closer. He went with her, bending her body backwards.
Well, this isn’t awkward.
I glanced over at Emersyn and found her face bright red and her eyes avoiding me.
Yep. Not helping, you two.
I cleared my throat three times before it got through to them. “Riiiiiiiiight. On that note, let me show you to your room.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Caroline
I staggered back a few feet then bent over and rested my hands on my knees. My chest was tight and squeezing my lungs. Each breath burned like acid down my throat. Sweat was dripping everywhere. My hands were red and throbbing from holding this heavy sword.
Marcy coughed, and when I looked up, she was wiping sweat off of her forehead with the back of her forearm. Her chest was rising and falling as fast as mine was, and she was a shifter. Literally a mountain lion. She was used to running for Goddess’ sake.
Turned out no one was in shape for sparring.
Stupid combat training class.
If I hadn’t been there during the Gala when those demons attacked, hadn’t personally almost died from one of them…I never ever would have voluntarily signed up for this bullshit. But I had and so here I was…dying in class so I wouldn’t die like my friends Liam and Scarlet.
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