Page 30 of Deadmen's Queen

I felt a little sad at the idea that at the end of the school term, all this would end. Although I’d just moved in, I had spent so much time with the three of them over the last month, it felt like we were actually dating, and I liked their company. I sighed, and dragged myself up and out of bed. I also liked Kate's company, and I needed to get ready.

***

Five hours later, I was exhausted and my feet were sore, but happy and more relaxed than I’d felt in days. Weighed down by more shopping bags than I was entirely comfortable with, Kate and I made our way to one of the pubs on the high street, desperate for a drink and a sit down.

Settling into a plush booth, Kate ordered two pints of cider while I surveyed our shopping conquests. Bags of every size and colour cluttered the space around us, filled with all manner of clothing - jeans and tops, dresses and underwear. It was an eclectic mix of styles and designers that made my heart sing. Clothes that I wanted. Clothes that I had chosen. This was my first taste of independence from my mother's stifling control over my wardrobe, and, God, it felt good.

“I think we did well,” Kate said as she returned to the booth, sliding one frosty pint towards me. “Between your taste and my negotiating skills, we’ve made quite the dent in Bast’s bank account.”

I laughed at her assessment, taking a long swallow of the sweet apple cider. She was right; between the two of us, we had found some incredible deals on some very stylish outfits. And it was liberating to know I wouldn't have to wear another tight pencil skirt or uncomfortable heels unless I wanted to.

“It was fun,” I admitted. Shopping had always been a chore for me; what with having to please my mother’s tastes and her constant criticism hanging over my head. But today... today was different. With Kate by my side it felt more like an adventure.

Kate chuckled softly, raising her drink in toast. “To new experiences,” she proposed.

“To new experiences,” I echoed, clinking my glass against hers before taking another sip.

Kate sank back against the velvet covered booth with a sigh.

“I forgot how exhausting shopping can be.”

“I can't believe how much we bought,” I said, glancing at our bags piled haphazardly on the floor. It was more belongings than I'd owned in a long while. I felt guilty for spending so much of Bast's money but Kate shook her head when I voiced my concerns.

“He wouldn't offer if he didn't mean it,” she told me. “Bast takes care of his own, and he told me to make sure you spent a decent amount.”

A thrill went through me at the thought of being one of 'his own'. I wasn't sure exactly what that meant to him, or where I stood with Tristan and Nate, who were both parts of this strange arrangement, but the idea that they all cared enough about me to want me safe and happy was more than I ever could have hoped for when I'd left home.

“So tell me, just how much of a drag is it living with three insanely gorgeous sex gods?” Kate asked with a smirk.

I nearly choked on my cider, the liquid going down the wrong way as I spluttered out a response.

“It's... uh... not exactly boring,” I admitted while wiping at my watering eyes.

“Figured,” she replied, grinning at me mischievously from across the table. Her eyes were twinkling with curiosity and delight. “So, who's the best in bed?”

“Kate!” I yelped, my cheeks burning hot.

“It's Bast isn't it?” she guessed, her grin never faltering.

“I'm not telling,” I huffed, crossing my arms and trying to look sternly at her.

“Just a little hint!” she pleaded, her hands clasped together in an exaggerated begging pose.

“No!”

“I suppose Tristan has the experience, or maybe Nate? Tell me, Paige, is he all in proportion? Cause if so, I‘m amazed you can still walk!”

“You're incorrigible.”

“And you love me for it.”

“I do,” I grinned. I reached down for my bag, rifling through it to find my phone.

“What’s the matter?”

“I thought Bast might have called me by now. He thinks I might be in danger from this creepy stalker guy, and he said he’d check in over the day, but I’ve not heard anything… Kate, you don’t have my phone, do you?”

“No, why?”

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