But we all need way more than two hours of sleep, so no one is going to fight her.
People start scattering throughout the house, finding spots to rest, but I follow Sylara and Lumi until Sylara stops at a door.
“I’ve got her,” Sylara says, eyeing me with daggers.
“There should always be two people with her. Your words, remember?” I say.
“Not you,” she snarls.
Lumi holds her hand up between us, trying to stop a fight.
“I’ll be the number two,” Kael says suddenly from behind me, killing the tension.
Sylara rolls her eyes. “Anyone else available?”
Kael smirks. “Nope, Emeric and Talonis are taking a shift outside. Riven and Brax are already asleep. Nyx is off sulking in his room. That leaves you and me, baby.”
“Call me baby again and see if you have all of your toes in the morning.”
“My toes? Really? That’s what you’re going to threaten? Although that seems kind of hot. I didn’t take you for a foot fetish girl,” Kael retorts.
“You’re one of Lumi’s best friends. I figure she won’t mind you missing a toe or two. But I can also settle on some more important appendages,” Sylara glares at his crotch.
Kael chuckles nervously. “I’m going to enjoy sharing a bed with you.”
“The floor. You’ll be sleeping on the floor.”
Lumi has been ignoring this entire exchange, her mind clearly elsewhere.
“We’ll save him,”I speak into her mind.“I need someone to hate and be able to fight to show you I’m the better man.”
She gives me a tight smile, but it’s just to placate me.
“Sleep, the world might feel different after you do,” I say aloud.
She nods and starts to turn toward the room where Kael and Sylara continue to bicker, but stops herself. “Stay with him.”
I frown. “I’m the last person who should be watching him. Talonis and Emeric will check in on him. He’s fine.”
She shakes her head. “Please.”
I sigh. “Okay.”
“Thank you.” She turns into the room, looking like a fucking dream in an oversized white T-shirt that just covers her ass. But I can still make out every inch of her body beneath the thin material. The curve of her breasts, the dark shade of her areolas, and the hint of hair shading between her thighs. I swallow down my arousal, knowing it’s the last thing she needs. But I can’t help but remember how good we were together. The universe shifted when she was with me, making me truly believe in mates.
She stills, and I realize I’ve been sending my thoughts through the bond. “I won’t apologize for wanting you. For remembering how good we are together. For fighting like hell for you. You deserve to be fought for, and I plan on making you want to choose me by the marking ceremony, not just because of some blood deal.”
“I don’t know whether to hope you’re right or wrong.”
I smirk. “I love you, my queen.” And then I lean in and kiss the corner of her lips.
Her face goes pale, her body stiffens. I realize how fucking foolish I was for saying the words that should be celebrated, but cause her immense pain.
Fuck.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
“I’m sorry. Sleep well, Lumi.” And then I run to Nyx’s room like I’m on fire and he’s the key to putting it out.