Thirst (Hellish #4)(31)
Kallus’ warm lips touched the spot between Eirik’s shoulder blades. “Do you think he still has that magic-infused sheet he made for us?” He paused for a moment before adding, “I guess we don’t need it any longer.”
“He still sleeps with it,” Eirik said, trying to lift Kallus’ spirits, even if he couldn’t do anything for his own. “But you’re right, he has that necklace from Celeste now. You’re free to live a normal life with us.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Kallus said, sounding broken. “I don’t think he’ll ever choose to touch me again. When I was at Jonathan’s, I found myself hoping he’d put me down. I’m very tired, Eirik. Baptiste and you are better when I’m not around.”
Eirik rolled. His gaze moved over Kallus’ face. He meant it. Kallus was exhausted. “I’ve failed you too. When Baptiste asked if I’d gone to you, I realized how lacking I’ve been.”
Kallus set his hand on Eirik’s cheek. His gaze moved over Eirik’s face. “No. I had to keep my father’s attention elsewhere. He had to think, if I knew where the key was located, it was nowhere near Baptiste. You’ve already died once because of me. There’s no way you can know how that’s broken me. And my little mouse.” Kallus rolled to his back and stared at the ceiling. “Fuck, where is he?”
“Somewhere believing we don’t really need him,” Eirik said, thinking he might choke on the words.
Kallus crossed his arms over his chest. “If you wanted to feel close to us, where would you go?”
Eirik thought it over—like he hadn’t turned that exact question over in his mind a thousand times. “Not here,” he said without hesitation. “We’ve only been here about a hundred and fifty years. Baptiste preferred this town because his magic was embraced. When I think about our life together, only two places stand out—where we met in Rouen and ?land.”
Kallus shook his head. “I don’t think he’d return to the cabin, since that’s where he left us. Rouen has changed too much since we left. It doesn’t strike me as somewhere Baptiste would go. He likes for things to be silent when he’s upset.”
“Dear Odin, do you remember that flower field? Damn, we must have—” Kallus pounced, covering his mouth with his and swallowing Eirik’s reminiscing. The pain in his chest was almost unbearable. He wanted his life back. The three of them had been so perfect together. He’d been so damn close to having everything again. Eirik was a warrior. He didn’t know how to fix this.
Kallus pulled away and met his stare. “He thinks we don’t need him. How do we prove him wrong?”
A smile that felt evil, even to Eirik, pulled at the corners of his lips. “By needing him.”
“Exactly,” Kallus said, rolling from the bed. “Get up. We have work to do.”
The first hint of hope fired to life in Eirik’s chest. If Kallus had a plan, Eirik was on board. After all, they had nothing else to lose.
9
This is Sweden. We’re in Sweden. Evan hopped in circles around Baptiste, acting more like a fox than a wolf, and making him laugh.
“You said you like it here, and I have a cabin here, so surprise.” They walked through the woods, heading toward Baptiste’s cabin by the river. He could’ve zapped them inside the building, but he didn’t know if Eirik had set the perimeter alarms. Not to mention, this was such a beautiful place. Baptiste had decided that reconnecting with the earth and taking back his Druid origins would be the best thing for his soul. Each day he spent plugged into nature, his powers grew stronger. He’d let Eirik’s death weaken him. For way too long, he’d wasted his magic on minor spells for humans.
Evan ran ahead, pawing at the dirt. A large silver wolf pounced from between the trees, sliding to a stop in front of Evan. He transformed, becoming a large, nude male with silver hair. “What are you doing here, Evan? You were told to leave.”
Before Evan could respond, Baptiste threw off the magic shielding him, revealing himself. “What are you doing admonishing my guard?” Bleidd’s appearance gave Baptiste an outlet for his rage.
Bleidd immediately gave a short bow. “Baptiste. I didn’t see you.”
Damn, he really is gorgeous, isn’t he? I don’t think I can be blamed for my stupidity.
Baptiste bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at Evan’s words brushing his mind. He had to keep a straight face. “You didn’t see me, because I didn’t want to be seen. I brought Evan to the cabin to enjoy some fresh air and to bask in the upcoming full moon.”
“I didn’t know you were coming,” Bleidd said, sounding thoughtful.
Baptiste was really sick of men thinking they had any right to know his whereabouts at all times. “That’s because I don’t need your permission nor am I required to inform you of anything. I have Evan to watch after me. Which reminds me, don’t ever speak to him like that again. As my personal guard, he ranks way higher than you on the food chain. I’m sure you know the punishment for disrespecting the guardian of a god’s mate.” Baptiste prayed Bleidd knew, and also hoped that it was bad, because he honestly had no clue what the punishment was. Damn, maybe Evan had a point about him being too brave. Ugh. He was so fucking angry at everyone. If Bleidd wanted to fight, Baptiste was ready to throw down with the wolf.