Page 2 of Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones

I fell into step with Casimir. He was a bit taller than me, so I had to lengthen my stride to keep up with him. “Why don’t we find something fun to do? We could drop into Tartarus. You always did like the screams of the damned.”

Casimir grunted.

“Ooh, what about we go hunt some Harpies?” Nox said as he joined us, falling into place on the other side of Casimir. Harpy hunting was always entertaining. Vicious little winged creatures that liked to steal things, but I could sense from the grim set of Casimir’s jaw that he wasn’t in the mood to do anything with us. It worried me. Sensing my unease, Korbin fell into step next to me and threaded our fingers together. He had always been good at reading people, at reading me in particular. I could never get away with shit with this guy. We’d been together for centuries and he was the one thing that had settled me when I was going through the same thing as Casimir was now. That restlessness and unease. Maybe that’s what Casimir needed. Someone to ground him again, to guide him back to where he needed to be.

“Forget I ever said anything,” Casimir said sharply. “I’ll see you at home later.” There was a zap of energy, followed by a pop, and then he disappeared into thin air.

Nox pouted. “He didn’t even say goodbye.”

I huffed a laugh. “I’m sure you’ll get over it.”

He rolled his lip ring between his teeth, chewing his bottom lip. “Now what are we gonna do? After a hunt we always celebrate. Together. Cass pissing off has ruined the vibe.”

I swear to the Gods that boy was one second away from stamping his foot. “Why don’t you go skin a murderer or something? I’m sure that’ll perk you up.”

He shrugged a shoulder. “I guess. It’s just not the same when we don’t all join in.”

“Here.” Korbin pulled his blade from his belt. The wickedly sharp, will slice you just by looking at it, blade. “You can use this.”

Nox fist pumped and let out a ridiculously high-pitched squeal. “Yes! You’re the best. I’m going to enjoy this so much.”

He was so easy to please. Give him something gory and violent and Nox was in his element.

“I expect it back in one piece, Nox. Or I’ll skin you with it and turn you into a new pair of boots.”

And there went my cock. I fucking loved it when Korbin went all dark and threatening. He was usually so calm and quiet, but ya know what they say about the quiet ones…

“Now fuck off, Nox,” I practically growled. I took a step closer to Korbin and wrapped my hand around his waist. I placed my nose at the sensitive spot behind his ear and dragged a deep breath into my lungs. We didn’t really need to breathe, not being alive and all we only did it to blend in, but fuck did I love smelling my man.

“Alright, you don’t have to tell me twice. I’ll see you at the rise of the Blood Moon.” There was another pop and then nothing but the sound of Korbin’s soft gasps as I made love to the side of his neck. His fingers wound through my hair, gently caressing the back of my skull.

“We don’t have time for this,” he said on a moan as I sucked the spot where his neck met his shoulder.

“We do. We absolutely—”

His hand tightened in my hair, and he yanked my head backwards. “Baby boy, no, we don’t.”

A moan tumbled from between my lips.

Korbin stared down at me sternly. His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, his face a picture of pure dominance. “We need to prepare for the Blood Moon.”

“But the others have gone off to play. Can’t we play?” I whined while trying to grind my hips against his.

“You’re such a needy little thing.” Korbin licked his tongue up the side of my throat. “Always wanting. Always needing.”

“But only you,” I gasped.

I felt his smile stretch against my skin. “We’ll see. Now come, we need to head home.”

What the fuck did that mean? We’ll see? Korbin had the gift of foresight and often dropped little nuggets like that peachy morsel. What was I supposed to do with that information?

Korbin went to walk off but stopped when he realised that I wasn’t following. His gaze was fixed on a point just above my eyes. Gods, he was gorgeous. His face was all sharp lines and angular planes. He had a straight nose and skin the colour of honey. And that hair. Soft silver waves that brushed his shoulders and caught the glimmer of the setting sun behind him, making it look like a halo. We were the furthest things from angels, but in that moment, I was ready to fall to my knees and worship.

“Come on, Rook. If you’re a good boy, I’ll let you fuck my face before dinner.”

Aaaand that was why I was glad he wasn’t an angel. That dirty mouth of his was one of my favourite things in the whole world.

Chapter Two

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