Page 76 of Inevitably Yves

My phone ringing through the silence of the club startles me. I pull it from my pocket to see Vivienne’s name flashing on the screen.

“Are you okay?” I answer.

“I’m great. I’m on my way with Viper. Are you guys still good?”

“Yes. Why are you coming here? It’s not safe.”

“Got to, boss. I’ll explain when I get there, but don’t worry. I’m all kinds of protected.”

“Very well. See you soon.” I end the call, turning to my brothers and Dami. “The girls are on their way over. I don’t know why, but Viv said it’s necessary.”

“Dude,” Thorn whispers. “Should I go meet them? It’s not safe out there.”

“She promised she’s protected,” I answer.

“Imma go anyway,” Thorn says, already heading for the door.

“Wait, Thorn,” Damiano says. “It might be less safe if you go. You could be a target.”

His face falls, but he nods. “Fuck. You’re right.”

“It shouldn’t take long,” Syn notes. “Our Vivienne is tougher than she looks.”

Thorn blows out a breath, nuzzling his nose into his mate’s hair. The rest of us pace or sit around anxiously waiting until there’s a light tap at the door and the two witches enter, unharmed.

I’m on my feet and in front of them in a flash. “Gods, I was worried.”

Vivienne smiles, reaching out to touch my cheek in a rare act of intimacy. “It’s true,” she whispers, searching my eyes. “Wow.”

“What’s true?” I ask.

Viper grins, nearly bouncing on her toes. “Viv, your spirit guides are the bomb.”

“Care to explain what you’re talking about?”

Vivienne nods. “Sorry. We were sitting there with Hemsley—who is okay, by the way—and I just felt called to connect with the spirit world. I tried to ignore it, but the feeling wouldn’t go away, so I did it.”

Her hands move to my forearms, sliding down and then holding my hands.

“I received a message,” she continues. “It’s a little choppy for me, but it probably makes more sense to you.”

“What message?”

“It seems the universe has been waiting for you to realize something. Something major. It shifted your reality. I was moved to make this tincture for you and encourage you to drink it. After meditating on it, Viper and I decided it has to be related to your maker.” She smiles again. “And now that I see your face and feel your aura, I know what it is. You’re at peace now.”

“No. Hadrian still lives.”

Viv shakes her head as Viper moves closer and puts her hand on my chest. Warmth radiates from her, spreading through me until I actually sway.

“No, Yves,” Viv says. “Your heart and your soul are at peace. You’ve finally found what you spent your life searching for.” Her eyes flicker to Damiano watching us. “Am I right?”

I nod, putting my hand over Viper’s. “Yes. He’s my fated mate. He always was, but we were kept apart.”

Vivienne’s eyes well with tears as she smiles. “It’s overwhelming to feel it wafting off you.”

“It feels amazing,” Viper whispers.

“It’s so clear now how I need to finish the tincture.” Vivienne steps back, glancing at all of us. “I need a drop of blood from each of you. All the mates, the brothers.” She turns to Damiano. “The lover.”

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