Page 33 of These Deadly Dreams

He winks at me and I shake my head, but really, I’m glad Sterling thought of that. If we’re stuck in this cabin for the time being, the tight quarters are bound to lead to some sexy time.

“Okay, but is there real food?” Ellis asks, rubbing her stomach.

“Of course there is.” Sterling grabs the bags from Drew and places them on the table with mine. He digs around and pulls out some bread and lunch meat. “Sandwich?”

“Yes, please. A big one!”

He grins at her and I don’t fail to notice her cheeks turning a faint pink. Those two need to work out their differences. Just imagine the fun we could get into with all four of us.

Drew steps forward and holds out a hand to Ellis. “Hey, I’m Drew.”

Kai stiffens as Ellis places her hand in Drew’s. His gaze never leaves the crow shifter and his stance is poised, ready to strike.

“Ellis. It’s nice to meet you. And thanks for the supplies.”

“Not a problem.” Drew turns to Kai and appears to notice the predatory intent in Kai’s posture. He pales and raises his hands, taking a few steps back.

“Kai,” Ellis whispers, placing her hand on his chest. “Calm down.”

This is really the first time we’ve seen Ellis interact with someone other than one of us—or an enemy. While I’m protective of Ellis, as a mage, I don’t have the possessive instincts Kai and Sterling do. This will be a good experience for them.

He rolls his shoulder and gives her a sheepish look. She stands on her toes to place a soft kiss to his lips, and just like that, I see the tension leave his body.

“Here,” Sterling says to Ellis, holding out a plate with a massive turkey sandwich.

Her eyes light up and she goes straight for the sandwich, grabbing it off the plate and taking a huge bite. “Mmm, fank yoo,” she says around the food in her mouth.

I snort. “Such a lady.”

She gives me the middle finger and takes another bite at the same time.

“Thanks, Drew,” Sterling says. “Let me know how much I owe you.”

“Don’t worry about it. Hey, I saw your mom and brother the other day.”

Sterling’s head whips up from the second sandwich he is making. He looks like he’s barely breathing as he slowly sets the bread on the table. “And?”

“I told her you would be close by with your mate. And dammit, the hope in her eyes almost broke me. I told her I’d sneak you in to see her.”

Now he really wasn’t breathing. Fine tremors work through his hands as he grabs the edge of the table, closing his eyes tightly.

“Is that safe?” he rasps.

“Probably not, but Noah is gone for the week. He’s dealing with some shifter bullshit on the other side of Lustros. We could do it, but it’s up to you if you want to risk them.”

The wooden table groans under Sterling’s grasp and his muscles flex in his arms. “Fuck!” He releases the table and runs his hands through his hair. His chest rises and falls with rapid breaths. “I should say no. It’s not worth it to risk them. But …” He closes his eyes again, and his shoulders slump in defeat. “I haven’t seen them in so long.”

Ellis takes a step toward him, sandwich forgotten in her hands, but she stops herself from going to him.

“Say the word, Sterling, and I’ll make it happen.”

“Do it,” he says, looking at the ceiling with his hands fisted at his sides. “Fuck me. I’m going to end up regretting this.”

12. Sterling

I couldn’t say no. How could I, when I haven’t seen my family in almost 150 years? Drew has helped me stay in contact with my mom. Mostly letters that could be burned after reading to reduce risk of being caught. But there had also been occasional phone calls that were the most precious things to me. Being able to hear my mother’s voice had been a balm to my aching soul.

Now, sitting on the steps outside the cabin, all I can think of is all the horrible ways this could go wrong. I already regret my decision to meet with them, but I can’t make myself call Drew to cancel the plans. Another opportunity may never arise, and despite the risk, I really want to see my mom. I need to make sure she’s okay. I need to see how big my little brother has grown.

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