Page 31 of Mastering Mayhem

So this was what it felt like to wake up next to your soulmate. My chest warmed, squeezing my heart in a way that felt simultaneously euphoric and painful. I rolled to my side to face him, and he stirred, snorting gently before his eyes opened, his gaze meeting mine.

“Good morning.” I caressed his face, running my thumb across his cheek.

He sucked in a quick breath and rose onto his elbow. “It isn’t morning. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” He pushed to sit upright. “How are you feeling? Is the headache gone?”

“Headache?” I furrowed my brow. “I feel fine. Actually, I feel great. Lay back down with me.”

He rested his palm on my forehead, his posture relaxing with his exhale. “Thank Lucifer. The fever is gone.”

“What fever? I’m fine.” I rose onto my elbow and took in my surroundings for the first time. Massive windows provided an amazing view of the bustling city below, and plush, beige carpet covered the floor. My bedroom floor was hardwood, and I didn’t own anything made of down. We weren’t at home, snuggled into my bed like I’d thought. I scrunched my brow, trying to put the pieces of this puzzling scenario together.

“I’m confused.” I sat up fully and ran my hand down the little black dress I wore. I’d slept in my clothes? Well, most of them. “Where’s my bra?”

“You complained about the garment multiple times, so I removed it when I laid you down. You are fully recovered?”

“Recovered from what? I can’t remember how I got here. Are we in the penthouse? What time is it?”

“Indeed, we are. It’s just past two in the afternoon.” He brushed his fingers to my forehead, smoothing an errant strand of hair into place. “What is the last thing you remember?”

“Two? I slept all day?” I scratched my head, my fingers getting caught on a knot of tangled hair. “I don’t… The amulet. We stole the amulet.”

He smiled sadly. “We tried. The shadow witch Hazel took it and locked us in the vault. Do you remember that?”

“I don’t.” I worried my bottom lip between my teeth, racking my brain for the memories. “I remember Hazel. She was so hot for you, I nearly strangled her, but I…”

The memories came flooding back. She’d let Shade in, and then there was the security breach. And the rift. And… “The fae. Ash! Is she okay?”

“Your sister is fine. She and Chaos helped the others fight. She sealed the rift, and Chaos used his magic to make them forget what had happened.”

“Thank the goddess. And Shade and Miles? Are they?”

“Miles is attending to Shade as he recovers. Hopefully, he’ll wake up soon so we can be on our way.”

“Recovers from what? Why can’t I remember?”

“You and Shade cast an unlocking spell that drained you both. You passed out as the vault door opened, and we carried you here so you could rest comfortably.”

“Oh. Oh!” His description finally jogged the rest of the missing memories into view. “Hazel is selling it to Adrian. We have to stop her.”

I untangled myself from the covers and stood on the floor. My head spun, and I sat on the edge of the bed. “That was one helluva spell.”

“You also channeled more of my magic than you ever have before. It’s no wonder you slept so long.” He sat next to me. “The power I gave you would have killed anyone else. You truly are the most amazing woman I have ever met.”

I rested my hand on his thigh, my heart warming at his words. “I’m your soulmate. You have to say that.”

He grasped my hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing the backs of my fingers. “I love hearing you say that. I love you, Ember.”

“I know.” My stomach did flip-flops as he held my gaze. “I love you too.”

A giggle bubbled up from my chest, and I pressed my lips together, cutting it off short. “I love you too.”

He inhaled deeply, the purple in his irises turning fluid before he leaned in and kissed me. The softness of his lips made me shiver, the slow, purposeful movements of his tongue against mine making me forget the rest of the world existed.

I could have stayed in that moment forever, feeling him, drinking him in, relishing his love. But my brain, ever the strategic bitch, wouldn’t shut up about our next steps. I broke the kiss, pulling back to gaze into his eyes.

“We have to go to Worcester. Good goddess, she could have already made the exchange. I need to scry for her. For the amulet.” I stood, and thankfully the room didn’t tip on its side.

“Your sister and Chaos are following her. They borrowed a car from a rental place.”

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