Page 108 of Princess Avenged

The sun has already turned the eastern sky pink as we turn onto the street where we’re staying. We’re going to make it back to the house before dawn. Barely. I’d suggest running, but as I lean into Phil, I sense his fatigue, his lingering pain. And Crusher went through a hell of a lot too.

Blade and Flame are waiting on the steps of the Paris townhouse, and both rush toward us.

“I knew you could do it!” Flame grins as he walks backward in front of Phil and me.

“Is the demon really gone?” Blade falls in next to Phil on the sidewalk, eyeing him with more than a little skepticism.

“Nice to see you too.” Phil shakes his head.

“How can you be sure?” Blade asks.

“It’s fucking gone,” Phil says gruffly. “You think I wouldn’t know?”

Phil stumbles, his weight becoming heavy against me, and Crusher grabs him, from behind us.

“Let me help,” he says. “So we can get inside before sunrise.”

Phil nods, and I step to the side as Crusher drapes Phil’s arm around him. Then he rushes toward the townhouse steps, supporting Phil so fully his feet barely touch the ground.

Blade and Flame drag me into a group hug, stealing my ability to watch Phil and Crusher climb the front steps.

“Guys,” Ember says from outside the hug. “Sunrise?”

Flame lifts me into his arms, and we run the final few hundred yards to the townhouse.

Once we’re safely in the foyer, Flame kisses me, lighting a massive fire, and then Blade pulls my face away from Flame’s toward his. My heart fills with joy. But it’s Phil who needs my attention right now.

I break away from the kiss.

Phil is slumped against the large round table in the center of the entry room, looking depleted, exhausted, and I’m not used to seeing his powerful form like this.

Flame sets me down, and I slide my arm around Phil. He rewards me with a smile but stays leaning heavily against the foyer table.

“Can I help?” Tipping my head to the side, I offer my throat.

Crusher, Flame and Blade step up beside us, and then Ryker, Zuben and Axe leap down the stairs to greet Ember, pulling her into their collective arms.

“Hey guys,” she smiles at her mates. “How about we do a little daytime exploring in Paris, and leave these five alone for a bit?”

“Paris in daylight.” Ryker kisses the top of her head. “A new one for me, little dove, but I’m always up for adventure.”

“Paris has wonderful museums and libraries,” Zuben says, and Axe grunts.

“We can settle our plans,” Ember says. “Once we’re out of Ana’s hair.”

“You don’t need to leave,” I tell her. “The house is huge.”

Ember smiles softly, and she pats Ryker’s hand, now low on her belly as he holds her against him. “Actually, I’m super excited about exploring the city.”

“Then, I am too,” Axe says, his voice low and gravelly.

“Let’s go.” Ryker steps toward the entrance, and the four of them slip out, taking care not to let in the sun’s morning rays.

Standing in front of Phil and me, Blade folds his arms over his chest, shaking his head.

“What is it?” I ask Blade. “Don’t you believe the demon’s gone? Because, if you had any idea what we’ve been through…”

Blade holds up his hands in surrender. “No, I believe Phil. But there are things I don’t understand. I need more details about what happened on the other side of the portal.”

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