Page 43 of Kisses at the Crossroads

Pike

Lark can dance for hours, and he’s beautiful when he’s allowed to be himself. I had glimpses of the real Lark, whatever he gave me before. But this is true Lark. Uninhibited Lark and I love him more and more each second.

Flutter and Fangs fills in with our friends from the coven and when it was Flutter. I haven’t completely gotten rid of the party atmosphere and right now, the more the merrier.

Ava’s on stage singing Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran. She’s embracing her curse as she calls it. Most of us here would call it a blessing, but I can see why she wouldn’t. Several of us have vowed to truly help her during her change rather than chain her up in a concrete room for three days until she’s human again.

Lark’s dancing with his brother. The two have been practically inseparable, and I don’t blame them. While I want to be with Lark right now, Wren deserves to be with Lark after all these years.

Frankie is content to watch. Her keen eyes take in everyone, but she keeps special watch on Lark.

I sent a message to the coven at Lark’s insistence. We’re still waiting for their reply about what the plan for Drake is, but we feel safe with everyone around.

It’s been a hairy few weeks, and I’m ready for a long rest. Perhaps Lark will let me take him to the demon realm. But my heart sinks. He’ll probably want to go home now and he doesn’t need me for transport anymore.

As if he knows my thoughts have soured, Lark turns my way and gives me the brightest smile. He waves me over and I wrap my arms around his waist.

“You beckon, darling.” I kiss his jaw as I wait for him to tell me his thoughts.

“Wren and I have been chatting. I’m not ready to go home yet,” his voice is so quiet. “I want to explore us some more. Then introduce you to mother. Wren says he’ll see when we can schedule a time with her.”

“If you’re sure?”

Wren nods and stuffs a piece of cheese in his mouth. “Mother really is incredibly busy right now with all our celebrations in winter. I’ll be busy as well.” He wiggles his white brows, but I remember what he said about the third prince. “Maybe I’ll land myself a patron.”

Lark snorts. “As long as it’s not?—”

“Oh gods, never him.”

It’s like they have their own brotherly language.

“Want anything to drink?” I ask them.

“Water?” Lark says. Wren shakes his head.

“Be back soon.”

“Already miss you,” Lark says with a grin.

I turn my back for maybe ten seconds when alarm bells ring out from our spells to keep Drake out, Frankie growls, and a scream echoes through the building.

Lark’s scream.

When I face the crowd, Drake has his teeth, now pointed, sunk into Lark’s throat.

It’s like my feet move of their own accord. I’m not thinking when I rip Drake from Lark. My beloved crumples into my arms, eyes wide as his hands clasp to his bleeding throat.

“It won’t kill him,” Wren says as he pats my shoulder. “He’ll heal quickly, but he does need sun.”

I have no idea where Drake is. I just want to keep Lark safe and I can’t. Again, he’s hurt. A flash of blue flames comes and goes and I assume it’s Van taking Drake somewhere. Perhaps killing him, but who knows? I don’t care what happens to Drake as long as he can’t touch Lark ever again.

“I’m taking him to my place,” I tell Wren. Without waiting for his answer, I’m in my bathroom in the demon realm. The sun isn’t out yet, but maybe the threads of magic will do Lark good. “I got you, sweetheart. I got you.” Lark clings to me.

“He… I don’t know where he came from.”

“I don’t either, but I hope whatever Van does is permanent.”

Lark lets me tug off his clothes and get him in the shower. “Why me? I’m not special.”

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