Page 57 of Their Offering

“You belong to us, little one. You’ll live with us. No more arguing.” Aiden had my face in his hands, and when he finished speaking, he planted a rough kiss on my lips.

The drive to Katie’s house was silent. I don’t think any of them knew what to say to me, and I didn’t really feel like talking anyway.

Katie flew out the door and tackled me once I stepped onto her lawn.

‘Where thefuckhave you been, Lil?” Her tone was angry and worried, and I felt awful for ghosting her these past few days. Her eyes went wide when the brothers got out of the car, and I winced. I was hoping I had convinced them to stay hidden, but clearly, they didn’t want to listen. “Oh. My. God.”

Nicholas gave me a wink. “Seems to be a common confusion.”

At the same time, Aiden said, “Nope. Not God. Better, actually.”

Nicholas laughed and elbowed his twin. “Nice to meet you, Katie. We’ve heard a lot about you.” He took her hand and kissed her knuckles, and I practically watched Katie swoon.

The brothers introduced themselves as we walked inside. Keir was still in his broody mood, which stung even though I tried to not let it bother me. I really thought we had made progress.

Katie and I went back to her bedroom while the brothers stayed in the living room. It took some convincing, but I was glad they at least gave mesomeprivacy. I was sure they could still hear me though, so I wasn’t convinced it was truly privacy.

“So?” Katie asked.

“So?” I knew what she wanted. She wanted me to confess about where I’d been the past few days, what I’d been doing, and why I showed up here with three princes from Hell. Surprisingly, though, I couldn’t make myself start. I didn’t even know where to begin.

The irritated look she threw at me let me know she wasn’t going to patiently wait for me to get my shit together. “I don’t even know where to begin.”

She scoffed. “Maybe start by telling me where you’ve been?”

“In a cabin.” I smiled; I couldn’t help it. “With the princes.”

A moment passed before Katie laughed and hit me on the shoulder, which made me laugh with her. “You’ve been holed up for days with those sexy creatures, and you couldn’t at least tell me you were safe? I’ve been worried sick! I should hate you right now.”

“Youshouldhate me. I’m sorry. Just…so much has happened. It’s been crazy, Katie.Reallycrazy. I mean, unbelievably crazy.”

“Well, out with it. Tell meeverything. Spare no details.” She wiggled her eyebrows, and I rolled my eyes.

“Strap in, bitch. It’s one hell of a rollercoaster.” We sat cross-legged on the bed while I told her everything. I didn’t leave anything out, not even the spicy bits. I knew for sure the brothers were listening, because Aiden coughed when I told her about theimmenseamount of sex.

She didn’t interrupt me once. She just sat there, soaking it all up. “Wow,” was all she could say after I finished.

“Yeah…”

“I have so many questions. Where’s Austin now?” She gave my knee a comforting squeeze.

“Honestly, I have no idea. Keir, um, took care of him while the twins brought me home that night.” I made a mental note to ask about Austin. Was he alive? Had Keir killed him?

“Oh, okay. That’s good, right?” She shrugged and I mirrored her, not knowing the answer.

“I think so? I mean, he can’t hurt anyone else, so, yeah, that’s good.”

She just nodded. “Next question.” She gave me an apologetic look, but I understood her. This whole situation was crazy, and I’d just poured it all into her lap and then topped it off by saying I was going to Hell forever. “So… I take full responsibility for sending you after those guys, but isn’t this all a bit fast? I mean, you just met them, and now you’re leaving with them?”

I rubbed my arms. “I’m not just leaving to be with them. Ihaveto close the portal. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened because I refused to close it. I don’t have a choice.”

She nodded.

“Please don’t hate me. I have to do this. I wish there was another way.” Tears streamed down both our cheeks.

“I could never hate you, stupid. You’re a fucking superhero.” She hugged me, and I was surprised she’d accepted the news so easily. “But don’t blame this all on needing to save the world. I can see it in your eyes. You’d go with them anyways.”

I laughed uncomfortably. “What are you talking about?”

---