Page 24 of These Deadly Dreams

He runs his fingers through my curls, and even the movement of my hair on my scalp hurts. I groan and sink back into the cushions, cuddling under the blanket. “Don’t you guys have a party to get ready for?”

“I really don’t feel comfortable leaving you when you’re like this. Especially since I can’t find any reason for it.” Cade scans my face as if he could see inside me to find the cause.

Kai sighs heavily. “I’ll tell my dad you can’t make it. Prior plans and all that. Sterling?”

“Yeah, I’ll come to the party,” he says, resigned. “Someone needs to make sure you stay out of trouble.”

“Like I need a babysitter to look after me,” Kai mutters as he pushes up from the couch. “Fucking hell, tonight is going to suck.” He heads for the door, clutching his stomach and moaning.

Sterling follows, leaving me and Cade alone in the library. If only I was feeling better, this would be the perfect opportunity for some one on one time with my mage. Unfortunately, I shiver violently and Cade clenches his jaw.

“Lay down, Ellis.”

I do as he says, and he drapes two blankets over me, tucking me in snugly. He places his hand on my forehead and his magic warms me as he sweeps my body again. Frowning, he shakes his head before grabbing me a bottle of water from the minifridge and a couple of aspirins.

“Take these,” he says, and sits on the floor next to me with his laptop.

Again, I do as he says, before I close my eyes and doze off. I’m awakened when the library door opens. I open my eyes and gasp.

“Holy shit, you guys clean up good.” I grin at Kai and Sterling.

Both are wearing tuxes, tailored and cut to fit them perfectly. Kai’s is black with a black button-up underneath. It sets off his pale skin and gray eyes perfectly. Sterling’s is charcoal gray with barely noticeable white pinstripes, and a navy blue button-up underneath. His silver hair is down and brushed, and I've never seen it gleam so brightly in the light before. I desperately want to run my fingers through the strands.

Kai grins at me, fangs on full display. I shiver, and not from the fever. He chuckles as he walks to the couch and fists Cade’s hair in his grasp, tugging his head back roughly. Kai gives Cade a chaste kiss, for all his actions are possessive and incredibly sexy.

“Take care of our girl,” he mumbles against Cade’s lips.

“Always.” Cade grins.

I huff and cross my arms over my chest under the blankets. Kai smirks at me before bending forward and kissing my forehead.

“Be good for Cade. If you are, you can have a reward when you’re feeling better.”

Even feeling like crap, his promise makes my toes curl. I can’t wait for that reward.

“Yes, daddy,” I joke, but as soon as the words are out of my mouth, I realize how much I like calling him that.

Kai’s eyes darken, and I know he likes it, too. “Save that for later, baby girl,” he says, his voice deep as it brushes over my skin.

Before they leave, I catch Sterling's gaze and we stare at each other. There is so much I want to say to him, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I’m not ready yet, and I won’t force it just because we’re mates. He hurt me, and I need to heal from that first or our relationship will start on the wrong foot.

He breaks eye contact first, turning to the library door and following Kai out. I sigh and let my head flop onto the pillow.

“Why does it have to be so hard?” I whisper.

Cade brushes a finger down my cheek. “You’ll figure it out. Maybe you two should spend some time together again and just talk. No expectations besides that.”

“Couldn’t hurt,” I reply.

I doze off again, and when I wake next, I’m drenched in sweat. I kick the covers off and sigh as the cool air hits my heated skin. Cade glances at me from his position on the floor.

“Have you been sitting there this whole time? And speaking of, how long was I asleep?”

“About two hours. And I’ve just been digging into this school and trying to get as much information as I can.” He places his hand on my forehead. “Your fever broke. How are you feeling?”

“I feel fine,” I say. I sit up and stretch, no achiness in my neck or shoulders. “Nothing hurts, either.”

“That’s good. Weird, but good.”

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