The Dark Calling (The Arcana Chronicles #5)(108)

“I didn’t make any decisions about him or you, but it felt wrong to oust him from his home.”

“For true.” Another glance around the room. A rueful exhalation. “Nice place to visit . . .”

Despite everything, Jack made me want to smile. “When Aric brought up his idea, I just kept my mouth shut and went along with it.”

At the same time, we both said, “Kick the can down the road.”

I gave a weak laugh. “Yeah.”

He took my hand in his. “But now we’re at the end of the road. Castle or no, ousting or no, how’re you feeling?” He took a step closer. “Just so we’re clear about how I’m feeling . . .” He leaned down to press his lips to mine. The tender kiss told me more than words ever could.

I love you. I desire you. I need you. He drew back to gaze down into my eyes, leaving me breathless.

“Jack . . .”

“Pardon me,” Aric said from the doorway, his expression stricken, his lungs heaving. With his hair disheveled and still wearing Jack’s careworn clothes, he looked as far from the perfect nobleman as I’d ever seen him. “I heard a gun go off.” His brows were drawn, his eyes searching. “And your scream.”

I said, “Only got a nick on my arm.”

Grave nod. “Very good. I am relieved to hear it.” He swallowed hard and his gaze dipped to where Jack clasped my hand. “I will gather some supplies and be on my way.”

I hadn’t even noticed we were holding hands.

Jack frowned. “What about your armor and swords?”

His eyes flickered over what was left of Paul. “You will need them more than I will. To protect her.” With a last glance, he left us.

Jack whistled low. “He would truly give up everything for you. Everything.” He muttered, “Fucking stand-up Death.”

I said, “That armor belongs with him.”

“I sure as hell doan want it.”

Gabriel rushed into the room, his gaze frantic. “Empress, I’m so sorry! Your babe? The avalanche! You lost so much blood.”

“I’m still pregnant.” I needed to reach Aric. I would hear his anguished roar for the rest of my days. What must he have thought? I absently said, “You saved me, Gabe. You saved us.”

Gabriel put his head in his talon-tipped hands, then slid down the wall, losing a couple of black feathers. “My God, my God. I would have stabbed you.”

Jack released me, hastening to the Angel’s side. “Easy, podna. Just breathe.”

“And I nearly killed you, Jack. I was a hair’s breadth from slitting your throat.”

“But you didn’t.”

He grabbed Jack’s arm. “Where is Patrick?”

“With the Chariot. They were okay as of a few days ago. But we got separated. I think they might be in the DC area.”

“I threatened him.” Gabriel curled his wings around his body, seeming to hug himself. “Would have killed my best friend. How will I find him?”

Jack turned to me. “I got this, Evie. Damn it, go stall Domīnija.”

I nodded, then hurried after Death.





52





By the time I caught up with him, Aric had already changed his clothes and was using his supernatural speed to unload all the supplies Jack had transported from the cave. Staples, fuel, and a ton of baby things.

Baby things. Because Jack was committed.

Aric had opened one of the garage doors, was stacking boxes against the wall. I asked him, “Are you in a hurry?”

Curt nod.

“Why?”

“Even my willpower has its limits.” He carried another box inside.

“Thinking about reneging?”

His shoulders stiffened, and he slowed. “Before, you would never have asked that, would have known I am a man of my word. If nothing else . . .”

“Oh, I think you’ll give up ownership of the castle. I was just hoping you were having second thoughts about leaving me and our kid behind.” There. I’d said our kid.

He set aside the box and turned to face me. “It’s become clear that you and Jack belong together. I saw the emotion between you two when you stared into his eyes.”

“And what about my relationship with you?”

He crossed to me. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you. I’ve realized I was wrong about us. I belong with no one. It was always my fate.” A ruler, forever alone.

“Forever alone, Aric? Too late.” I pointed at my stomach. “Too late.”

He pulled off a glove and cupped my cheek. His lids went heavy from the contact. “Es tevi mīlu.” I love you. “But my soul is too tainted to be with another.”

“I disagree.” I didn’t know what I was here to fight for. I just knew I wasn’t ready to lose Aric.

Still had no idea where that left me and Jack.

Aric dug into his coat pocket and handed me the red ribbon. “Give this to him.”

I stared down at it in shock. Jack must’ve told him its significance. Seeing it sent my unruly emotions into overdrive, but I needed to be rational about this. I pocketed it, clearing my throat to say, “You can’t leave, Aric.”

“He’s not.” Jack strode into the courtyard. “I’m the one heading out.”