Page 60 of Villainous Greed

Sebastian gestured toward his brother. “This idiot hasn’t been asleep since he discovered you were alive weeks ago. He looked God awful walking around, but at least he cleaned up a little before meeting you.”

“Let’s call it for now,” Isabella said.

“Grab her, Izzie,” Sebastian said, and his mate latched onto my arm, and I stiffened. “Sorry, Nova. You can’t go off on your own. August would kill me if I lost you.”

I exhaled, letting my shoulders relax. “I wasn’t going to.”

Sebastian just stared. “Well, thank you.”

“What for?”

“For not leaving him. You could have killed us to get away. I’m aware of how freakishly strong you are, so thanks.”

I averted my gaze. Those interactions with the Reapers were making me uncomfortable.

“And to make things more awkward, thanks for keeping us alive.” Isabella nudged my shoulder with hers.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Nova

Once we were inside the castle, Sebastian flung August on the bed and left the room. I stared at August while he slept. He never flinched or moved. If not for the slight rise and fall of his chest, I would have assumed he was dead.

The floor might have permanent markings from my constant pacing. I couldn’t stop tugging at the cloak I wore, and it drove me crazy. Tossing the material onto the floor, I rose from the chair and moved toward the bed.

Before sitting down, I ran my hand over the sheets. I kept my boots on and laid down beside him, bringing my feet up. August was still wearing his boots. Maybe I should remove them, but I was content to stay there beside him instead.

A sensation of tightness and warmth enveloped my chest, while an intense feeling coursed through my bones. Inhaling deeply, I shifted my gaze toward August and rested my head on my hand. It wasn’t enough. My hands needed confirmation that he was there, too. I leaned forward and laid my palm over his chest. His steady heartbeat and warmth through his clothes eased my worry. Without reason, I moved closer. I rested my head against his chest and boldly placed one of my legs over his.

It still wasn’t enough. The restless energy within me felt like an insatiable hunger. I followed the contour of his nose and then his lips with my finger. His breath softly brushed against my hand. I experienced a thrilling sensation that traveled down my legs, leaving me immobile. There was throbbing in my body for a few seconds, and it was uncomfortable. I had the urge to rub my thighs together. Adding to the severity, I had the urge to rub myself against him.

August Reaper gave me a hunger that terrified me and made my body feel weird. It made me feel as if I had experienced a lifelong deprivation, not just of food.

There was a knock on the door, and I jumped to my feet.

“Nova?” It was Isabella.

When I opened the door, my shoulders relaxed. She smiled. “August is likely going to be out for a while, so I wanted to invite you to hang out with me?”

“Hang out?”

“Yes, I want you to meet my coven.”

“Other witches?”

The only witches I’d met in my life had been proxies. And all of them died before they reached puberty. There were so many spells I didn’t know. I could destroy things easily, but it would be nice to learn if I could save as well. A coven might be the perfect place.

_____

The building Isabella brought me to was dark. Lanterns floated alongside the walls, casting an eeriness to the place. Witches scrutinized me. Some peered down over the banister from the second floor as I walked beside Isabella. Others whispered in darkened corners.

“Is it true you ripped Grim’s world apart?” one dared to say before another shushed her.

“Yes.” Isabella grinned. “Nova’s magic was glorious, but don’t worry, we fixed her mistake. The woods are like new again.”

I felt my forehead wrinkle. “Glorious?”

“Yes. I’d love to do what you did to Harvest. You kept crushing him with that debris flying around.”

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