Page 25 of Kisses at the Crossroads

“Oh, darling. Come here. I hugged your brother, maybe?—”

I launch myself at him and breathe in my brother’s scent lingering on Pike. “It really is him.” There’s even a hint of my mother’s perfume beneath my brother’s masculine scent. I let the tears free as a sob rips from me. “It’s been so long. Can this nightmare really almost be over?”

Pike wraps me closer, even his tail coils around my ankle. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but you’ll be free.”

“I’ll do my best not to anger Drake. No guarantees, though,” I mumble the last part. Sometimes I just can’t help it.

“You do what you can and I’ll do my part. Hopefully, we’ll have you free by the new year.”

“That’s only a few months away.” I nibble my bottom lip. It’s already early October.

“I’m confident we can do it.” Pike scoots us to my nest. “Right now, let’s just rest because in the coming days, we’ll have to fight.”

Just the thought of being in his arms all night again makes my heart flutter. “What about Frankie?”

“She’s with Van. If she gets bored, she’ll join us.”

“Sounds perfect.” I cuddle closer as Pike gets comfortable. My eyes droop. Pike’s soft breathing lulls me to sleep.

Chapter 15

Pike

Drake glares at me and puffs out his chest. “I’m not doing karaoke night. This is a strip club.”

I shrug. “But can you imagine karaoke with the dancers? And drag night?”

Drake’s eyes seem to bug out of his face. I keep throwing out ideas he thinks are ridiculous. It’s been a week of antagonizing him, then spending the night with Trick in my arms in that dank basement. Just sleeping. Barely even talking, but we both take comfort in being in each other’s arms.

“Trick needs sun today and if you don’t have anyone else to put him on his leash, I’ll do it.” One thing I can do is make sure Trick gets the sun he needs.

“Fine. Ava’s busy, anyway.” Drake throws Trick’s leash at me.

I’m in the basement at a thought. Trick is exactly where I left him, curled up against Frankie.

“Come on, my loves, it’s time to sun our pretty Fae.”

Trick snorts as he rolls over to face me. His eyes are so bright, his wings flutter in the binder. I wish I could take the damned thing off, but it’s spelled so only Drake can do the removing.

“What if I got Drake to let me bring you something to do? Like hobby supplies? You have to be bored.”

“Before, I was skilled in many things. I don’t think I’d pursue any of them now if I had the choice.” Trick stays in bed and trails a finger along the edge of his next. “Ava sews though, and I’d love to learn how, but I don’t think Drake will let me have needles.”

“Why does Ava get more privileges than you?”

Trick shrugs. “I used to try to run every day. Haven’t done that in years, but still…” He wiggles his shoulders, probably to get comfortable with the binder.

“I’ll see what I can do. I think I’m working my way to getting you out of the basement all day.”

“You know, I used to have time out at night, but I’m not the headliner anymore. I don’t have anything to do.” He dramatically puffs out a breath and falls back.

“Oh, hadn’t thought about that. Sorry.” I swipe a hand through my short hair. My tail wiggles and Trick tracks the movement.

“It’s fine. At least I’m not getting beaten for not glowing.” He pushes to his feet and the top of his t-shirt slides down over his shoulder.

I swallow back a moan. “Ready to go to the roof?” I hold out my hand. He takes it and we’re on the roof.

Wind whips around, sending his hair into a mess, but he laughs as he jumps around with his arms out beside him. He spins and the joy on his face etches into my heart.

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