Page 34 of Shadow of Death

He didn’t need to specify who he was talking about. It seemed like he wanted to hear from Death more than I did. Meeting his brother, I was beginning to understand. If his father was the more problematic of the two? I didn’t know how long I wanted to stay either.

“Nothing.” It meant nothing other than our being in limbo for an indeterminate amount of time. It shouldn’t have been that alarming, but it was setting my nerves on edge.

She’d told me to come to Scotland, so she’d show up soon enough. It wasn’t like she could die or was out sick. She’d turn up soon enough, whether we wanted her to or not.

What if it was months of waiting, or even worse? Kicks would have to get back to the pack. There was no doubt in my mind that I could survive on my own. It wasn’t just that I could kill, either. Right after Death Day happened, I’d sat there in that apartment, waiting for my father to step up and save me. He hadn’t, so I’d eventually gotten up and found another way. That way had been finding other people to lean on. I’d found Duncan and his pack. When that had gotten tough, I’d moved with Kicks.

But now? I wasn’t looking for anyone. I could get by in this world on my own. That didn’t mean it wouldn’t break my heart to leave Kicks, but there was no doubt that I didn’tneedanyone.I’d handle whatever life threw at me, and I’d survive. The only thing I didn’t know was who I’d be on the other side.

“If this drags out, you can—”

“We’re not having this discussion yet again. If it’s your life, it’s my life,” Kicks said.

I nodded.

“It won’t always be like this,” he added as I looked away.

I wasn’t sure if that was for his sake or mine. Who was he trying to convince?

He grabbed my hand. “I’m not going anywhere, no matter how many times you tell me to.”

He wassayingthat, but there was one thing that had certainly spooked him. “And what if I can get pregnant? Then what?”

Fear flashed in his eyes. Kicks, who was scared of nothing, looked like he’d seen a hellish monster looming over him.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he said, pretending that hadn’t terrified him. “That’s still highly unlikely.”

I nodded, completely aware that he hadn’t answered the question.

A knock at the door saved us from awkward silence.

“Yes?” he called.

“It’s Didi,” a young girl said. “I have some clothes Elara sent up for you.”

“Come in.”

Didi was a cute girl in her teens with a shy smile. She almost tripped on her way to lay her items on the bed while staring at Kicks.

He gave me a nod and then headed out.

I walked out of the bathroom, and Kicks was waiting for me, adjusting his cuffs. He had on a black shirt and slacks. It might’ve been the change that threw me, but I was a second away from tripping over the rug like Didi had.

His eyes widened slightly, and there was a flare of heat there that set something off in me. I felt a blush creeping up my neck and shifted nervously.

“You look…stunning,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

I took a deep breath, smoothing down the fabric of the dress Elara had dropped off for me. It was a deep shade of red, elegant and much finer than anything I typically wore. It was long, but the silk slithered over my skin, showing off all my curves. Most days I was in jeans and a sweater, and for the last two weeks I’d been in thesamejeans and sweaters over and over again.

“Thanks,” I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. “You look nice as well.”

He offered me his arm, and I took it, feeling the warmth and strength of his muscles through the fabric of his shirt. We walked down the long corridor, our footsteps echoing off the hardwood floors.

The huge dining room was filled with long tables and a fireplace at one end, which could fit a loveseat inside of it. Pack members were already seated, their conversations creating a low hum. The room quieted as we entered, and at least fifty pairs of eyes turned to watch us and not one smile in my direction.

Kicks’ arm went around my waist, making something clear. I just wasn’t sure if he was claiming me or declaring protection. Perhaps both?

He led me to the main table, where Varic was seated in the center. A small brunette was sitting beside him and giving me the evil eye.

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