Thirst (Hellish #4)(26)
Jonathan nodded. “Good. You can help with patrols.”
Evan brightened, as if the idea of helping made him feel like less of an intruder. “I could do that.”
Jonathan didn’t let up. “In fact, you’d be doing us a huge favor by helping out. We’ve been overwhelmed lately. Not having enough time off has shortened some tempers. Plus, we’ve had a lot of people just popping in and setting off the alarms. That kind of thing.”
“That’s rude,” Evan said, making Jonathan’s smile grow and strengthening his belief this was the right thing.
“So you’ll stay and help?”
Evan eyed his new room and nodded. “I’ll stay.”
“Good,” Jonathan said, determined to get back to Cin. “Feel free to show yourself around. It’s your home now, after all.” He made it halfway down the hall before Evan called out, stopping him.
“Thank you.” Jonathan turned. Evan’s sincerity was in his eyes. “Werewolves fall under the rule of the Norse gods, specifically Eirik. I recognize you don’t have to help me. So, thank you.”
Jonathan dipped his chin, acknowledging his gratitude. “This clan is always accepting good people. You won’t let us down.” Without waiting for Evan’s response, Jonathan headed back to where he’d left Cin. His wings felt neglected. Cin knew how to fix that.
Eirik stared at Baptiste’s front door with a deep line marring his forehead. Baptiste would’ve laughed if he wasn’t so goddamn angry. It couldn’t have been more obvious Eirik couldn’t find a way around Baptiste’s magic. Baptiste stayed hidden behind its wall, watching every move his mate made.
Kallus appeared at Eirik’s side. “The store is closed and there’s already a ‘For Sale’ sign in the window.”
After scrubbing his hands through his hair, Eirik stared up at the sky, as if seeking guidance. Baptiste rubbed his chest and arms, fighting off the withdrawals. “He could be anywhere by now,” Eirik said, dropping his chin and going back to staring at the door. “Or he could be right here, watching every move we make. There’s no way to know.”
“But I’m so goddamn weak,” Baptiste said to himself, sounding childish even to his ears and still not caring. “You’d better figure something out quick. Otherwise, I might die with no real men to protect me. Pssh. Such bullshit.”
Kallus chewed on his bottom lip as he eyed the door. Neither man realized he stood only feet away. Kallus smiled. Pride shone in his voice when he spoke. “He really is amazing.”
“Yep,” Baptiste said, walking past them without being seen. “Too bad you didn’t realize that sooner.” The daylight would keep a normal vampire from dissipating. Baptiste had magic on his side. He didn’t use it often any longer. There was never much of a need, but he was still every bit as powerful. He turned, eyeing his mates one last time. His throat swelled. The loss never got easier, but Baptiste had lost them a long time ago. “May Odin grant you knowledge, may Thor grant you strength, may Loki grant you laughter, and may all the Gods remind you every day that I loved you even when you didn’t feel the same.” Eirik turned at the prayer as if he heard Baptiste’s wishes hurdling toward the heavens. Baptiste’s eyes blurred at the final sight of light, swirling gray irises. He whispered the words that would take him to his next destination. Even though he had nothing but time, Baptiste was ready to be away from here.
Baptiste appeared on Jonathan’s doorstep. For a moment, he blinked at the black wooden surface, trying to call his emotions under control before ringing the doorbell. He’d already looked like a huge fool in front of everyone. Today was a new day. As he pushed the button, a loud musical chime drifted through the air. The door opened, and Lire stood on the other side. His long, curly dark hair fell over one shoulder and his whiskey-colored eyes flashed with surprise at the sight of Baptiste. Of course, Baptiste imagined he probably looked every bit as big of a mess as he felt.
“Hey.”
Baptiste managed a small smile. “Hey. Is Jonathan around?”
Lire nodded. “Come in.”
Before he could step back, Baptiste waved off the offer. “No, thanks. I’ll wait out here. This won’t take long, and I need to be on my way.”
The demon started away before pausing and turning back. “I haven’t had a chance to thank you for what you did for my mates and me.” He looked as uncomfortable as Baptiste felt. Lire cleared his throat. “I also owe you an apology.”
“Please, don’t,” Baptiste said, stopping him. “Just promise me you’ll never walk away from your mates, and we’re good.”
Lire met his stare. “I would rather die than walk away.” He meant it.
Baptiste dipped his chin, acknowledging his promise. He was scared to open his mouth. His shit had been barely held together for three years. Today, his strength was at its lowest point. When Lire started away again, Baptiste broke. “They’re lucky,” he called to Lire’s back. Lire glanced over his shoulder and Baptiste couldn’t help expounding. “Your mates, they’re lucky to have you. I wish you the best.” Lire walked away, saving Baptiste from himself. As it was, he was already feeling more uncomfortable than usual, and that was saying a lot. His anger had smothered some of his usual awkwardness, but it was roaring back with a vengeance.