Page 17 of From Frost to Flame

His family appeared with a loud bang on the stairs in nothing but their undergarments. Some of Mora’s braids covered her breasts while the rest was tied in two buns on either side of her head, but it was clear she was topless. Julian had messy hair and his chest was riddled with hickeys. Just seeing their faces and their familiar state brightened Lex’s mood.

“What do you need, handsome?” Julian yawned, leaning on the banister. “I’ll bite you again if you want, but it’ll cost you.”

“Must you two flirt with everyone?” Lex teased.

“Lex!” they said in unison and teleported to the couch with another loud bang. They sat on either side of him and hugged him tight.

“You slept all day, and you still look exhausted. Poor thing,” Mora cooed as she situated herself under his good arm.

“I’m a little tired still, but it’s not so bad.”

Julian grabbed his cheeks with both hands and turned his face to examine it up close. “Silas said your powers are being drained or something. That sounds terrible. I swear, if you die, I will never forgive you.”

There was a streak of evening light that cut across the room, and Silas left with Castor in tow. The door slammed closed behind them. Lex did his best to ignore his ever-growing anxiety and focus on his family.

“I’m so glad you’re both here,” Lex said, leaning into Julian while Mora snuggled in closer. His eyes grew heavy as they cuddled together. “I need to feed soon, or I’ll fall asleep again. Speaking of which, who came up with the brilliant idea for me to feed on my ex?”

“I told you he’d be mad,” Mora said, nodding to Julian. “It was his idea.”

“I knew it was you.” Lex glared. “Jules, what were you thinking? Was this to get back at me for ruining your night? There were less cruel ways to do so. For instance, you could have killed me.”

Julian looked a bit guilty. “I know you’re upset, but it’s the most logical solution. I wanted you to have access to as much blood as possible so you didn’t die. I figured it was the least Silas could do after what he put you through.”

“Jules.” Lex groaned. “I appreciate that you’re protective of me, but pressuring Silas to do this for me isn’t the answer.”

“I agree with Julian,” Mora said with a yawn. “Also, I don’t care for the king much. He hardly let us near you while you were passed out. He just growled at us while he picked glass out of your hand with tweezers.”

So that’s where the glass went.

Despite everything, the image of Silas tending to his hand by the fire for hours made him melt.

“Lex,” Mora scolded. “You can’t be serious.”

“I didn’t say anything.” It didn’t matter, though. They read his attraction on his face.

“He hurt you,” Julian huffed. “Not to mention he’s uptight, cold, and possessive.”

“He’s not those things when you get to know him,” Lex insisted. “Once he thinks he knows what’s best, he’s hard to reason with. He’s not used to allowing any leeway as an Alpha and a king. Even other Alphas bow to him and his crown.” They shared a look and Lex grew self-conscious. “I’m just saying he acts that way for a reason.”

“You deserve better,” Mora said, rubbing his arm lightly.

“Exactly.” Julian nodded. “Use him as a royal blood bag and be done with him. I know I teased you about thinking about him still, but I was only trying to push you to move on.”

“I’m not thinking about getting back with him, alright? I’m going to keep the feeding platonic.” Sure, Silas was striking, and his kind gestures warmed him. Sure, Lex’s body had a strange reaction to his rumbling voice and mischievous looks. But his head and heart were in full agreement. He could never forgive Silas for what he’d done.

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