Steal the Night (Thieves #5)(87)

Dev leaned down to kiss me when he gasped, holding himself against me, letting his fertility flow from him into me. It was perfect. We were together and as I settled down to sleep between them, I hoped it had worked but I wouldn’t mind more trying if we had to.

Dev’s hand came over my belly as he pressed himself against me. He held his hand there like he could feel what was happening. Daniel’s hand found its way there too and Dev moved to give him room. We slept like that, the three of us connected waiting, hoping for what we all wanted.





Chapter Twenty-One





“And you are sure this is the way to go, Your Highness?” Sir Ronald asked as the helicopter thudded.

The sun was starting to set in the background. It was hours later and the time had come to make our way to the crystal prison of Myrddin Emrys.

“We have no idea how long this will take,” Daniel replied. “I think an entire army encamped on a small island off the coast of Wales will garner some media attention. The locals seem to be in on all of this, but someone is going to call a reporter eventually. I worry some vampire might catch a little CNN and mention it to Marini. We’ll be fine. Once we’re back on the mainland, I’ll call and you can come pick us up.”

“We’ll be waiting on the call,” Sir Ronald said.

Dev stepped up, treating Ronald with far more respect than he had before. “Until then, you should ensure that our vampires are comfortable. They’ll be bringing their girlfriends with them. Most of the girls are either wolves or shapeshifters, so the vampire’s dietary needs will be taken care of, but we expect them to be protected. These are vampires who were turned by the king himself. They’re of his bloodline and have never lived in vampire society. You’ll find them very different from other vampires.”

“I look forward to meeting a non-Council vampire. I think I will find the experience refreshing. We’re already renovating the basement complex for them,” Ronald shouted over the hard thud of the chopper. “And we’ve spoken to Henri Jacobs. He’s coming as well. He wants his companion under full Order protection while this war is going on. I also spoke to your butler. He’s a very bossy man and plans to come with the vampires.”

Dev laughed. “Ronald, you have no idea. Albert will be running things before you can blink.”

“Was the butler serious about closet space?” Ronald asked and he looked like he wanted to be let in on the joke.

Dev never joked about closet space. His face was very serious as he replied. “Absolutely. Proper closet space is what sets us apart from the animals, Ronald. You can’t expect us to be improperly dressed for a war. Her shoes alone will require a room of their own.”

Daniel’s head was in his hand as Ronald looked to the king for confirmation. Daniel sighed, obviously embarrassed, but it didn’t bother Dev at all. Daniel could bitch all he liked. Dev wouldn’t budge on the issue of wardrobe. “I assure you he’s serious. Apparently it’s a Fae thing. He’ll have her dressed to the nines and in five-inch heels for the entire war if he has his way.”

I didn’t mention it, but I intended to be pregnant and in PJs with an éclair in my hand and far away from any battle. I would deeply prefer to bomb Marini from afar. As for my previous plans to steal the Blood Stone, it looked like I wouldn’t have to. We had an entire army at our disposal. Maybe everyone had been wrong about all the nexus point stuff. I certainly preferred to think that way.

“I’ll make sure all is ready, Your Highness.” Ronald turned and walked to the last chopper. He hopped on and gave his king a serious salute. “We will await your orders.”

We watched as the helicopter flew away and then the island was quiet again. It was almost too quiet, and I shivered a little in the late afternoon chill.

Daniel looked at Dev, still shaking his head. “Closet space? We’re on the run and you’re worried about closet space?”

Dev shook his head. “It’s very important, Daniel. It could be a while before we gather our allies. We’ll need to entertain them. Appearances are very important. You must look the part, even in exile. Did you intend to meet with your people dressed…well, like that?” He gestured up and down, encompassing Daniel’s T-shirt and jeans ensemble.

Daniel rolled his eyes as we started back to meet with Nim, Stewart, and the wolves. “See, this is why I prefer to just kill things. When you kill someone they don’t give a crap that you’re wearing jeans and boots. I hate those freaking dress shoes you make me wear.”

I whipped my head around. “And the five-inch heels are just heaven on my toes, Danny, but guess who won’t let me take them off even when I get in bed.”

“They’re hot, baby,” Daniel admitted with a grin. “I like the way they poke into the small of my back when you wrap your legs really tight around me just before you come.”

“I enjoy them propped up on my shoulders as I drive into her,” Dev offered with a sigh. “Sneakers just don’t do the same thing for me.”

I hid my smile. “So nobody gets to complain about loafers or the next time we go for some sexy fun, I’ll be wearing my old combat boots. You know, the ones I bought at the thrift store.”

Both men shuddered at the idea, and I knew they would be toeing the line.