Page 60 of Spike

"Jack's head is mine, though," Spike reminded his friend, and then he glanced at me. "Too much?"

"No, I don't mind your bloodthirstiness. Besides, the world would be a much better place without Jack in it," I said.

Up until that moment, I didn’t think I was capable of being vengeful, but Jack Roth had done too much damage to those I had grown to love and care about.

I wasn’t about to let him ruin my future with my mate and newfound family.

"See? Match made in heaven," Nitro remarked to Tommy, who only laughed.

As dinner came to a close, Spike asked for seconds, a good sign I thought. After we finished eating, I cuddled next to him in bed, seeking the warmth of his embrace.

Spike pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me, and I nestled into his chest.

I breathed in his familiar scent, felt the reassuring rhythm of his steady heartbeat against my ear.

In that moment, all the worries and fears melted away, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment.

With Spike beside me, holding me close, I felt safe and loved.

I closed my eyes, letting myself relax in his arms, knowing that as long as he was with me, everything would be okay.

Eventually, the steady rise and fall of Spike's chest lulled me to sleep.

In that blissful state between waking and dreaming, I found solace in the knowledge that when I woke up, he would still be there, by my side.

17

GRAY

“I’ll see you later, after work?” I asked Spike.

He nodded and I could tell he was restless to leave this place.

Despite his protests, I had spent every night at the clinic with him since the incident in Blue Vale Valley.

It seemed like he appreciated the gesture, even if he didn't say it outright.

Today marked his last day at the clinic, and we had plans for dinner at my place.

"We'll have dinner," I assured him as we parted ways. "Carbonara, your favorite.”

Spike kissed me, and I savoured the slow and sweet kiss.

“Looking forward to it,” Spike said, grinning.

With that, I left the clinic and made my way to my car. The drive to town was uneventful, and as I found a parking, I caught sight of a familiar raven.

Still in my car, I waved to Julian, perched on a nearby tree.

Spike had insisted I take a watch with me, a precautionary measure that I only accepted to ease his worries.

I doubted anything would happen to me, especially with the heightened security around town.

Even Jack wouldn't risk another attack on Moon Burrow, not after the last debacle with the mercenaries.

At least that was what I had been thinking, before the sky darkened. I wondered if it would rain soon.

As I peered out of my car window, my heart lurched in terror. Above me stood a monstrous creature of nightmares—Jack's dragon, its wings outstretched and scales glinting ominously in the dim light.

---