Page 29 of From Frost to Flame

“He’s wearing Death’s Compass. I’m going to keep checking on him.” There was more of a growl to his words than he planned, but his patience was running thin.

“We can help with whatever he needs,” Mora snapped back.

“I don’t understand why you’d rather be petty than let me keep him safe.”

“For fuck’s sake!” Lex tore away from Julian and closed his eyes. “I’m dying. If these are my last days, I’d rather not die listening to you three argue like children. I can’t ask any of you for help without you making it a big deal because you all have ego problems. If you want to help me, grow up.”

Silas wilted as Lex stomped off alone, his family hurrying after him. A dull stab spread across Silas's back as Lex put more distance between them.

“Real nice,” Castor said sarcastically once the trio was far enough away and they couldn’t eavesdrop. “You need to talk to him about more than the compass and his probable death. It’s not exactly romantic.”

“Why do you insist on intruding on my love life?”

“Because, thanks to your stubbornness, I have roughly six months to get Lex to take you back and agree to be claimed.” Castor bent over, heaved up a fallen moss-covered log, and tossed it aside as if it were a twig. “You are making it difficult by not even trying to court him.”

“If you must know, I’m taking your advice and trying to mend things.” Just saying the words aloud made him anxious. Resignation was where he had lived for nearly fifty years. Hope and desire were terrifying to step into.

“Excellent news.” He smiled brightly, then laughed. “You’re doing terribly.”

Silas groaned and looked up at the tapestry of towering citrus trees black against the deep blue sky. The full moon and stars glowed but provided no insight. “I’m lost. I thought we rekindled a spark during the feeding. But between him pulling away after and his family hating me, I’m doubtful.”

“You two definitely rekindled something if the sounds from the room were to be believed,” Castor teased. “Don’t give up yet. The stars may not be giving answers, but they are on your side.”

“Always the optimist,” Silas muttered.

“One of us needs to be. Can’t you read his thoughts since he’s your mate? Take a peek and see where you stand.”

“I really try not to do that with him if I can help it. It’s invasive without his permission. I want to avoid most bond-related urges until we can talk about it.”

“Oh please, like you weren’t reading his thoughts when you were flirting and cleaning wounds. It was written all over your face.”

“I said I try not to. Not that I was always successful.” Truthfully, he had caught a few of Lex’s dirty thoughts and did little to dissuade them. “Sometimes his thoughts are loud.”

“Good excuse. Well, if you’re morally opposed to using your bond, you have to talk to him the old-fashioned way.” He nodded with determination. “Now, you just need to get past his family.”

“They hate me, if you haven’t noticed. Arguing with them is only making Lex more upset with me.”

“They hate you, but they like me.”

Before Silas could question what that meant, Castor was already walking to keep up with the trio.

“You three should stay closer to us. The forest is dangerous,” he said, sliding in between them and Lex. “I’ve already counted a dozen species of poisonous spiders and snakes in the trees.”

“You did?” Julian clutched Mora’s hand tighter. His eyes darted around the dark. “This place gives me the creeps.”

“I’ll protect you.” Mora brought Julian’s hand to her lips and kissed it. “Though I’m sure the snakes aren’t interested in hurting you.”

“You two are so sweet with each other. How does a couple stay in love for centuries like that?” Castor said, gripping a low-hanging branch of a peach tree. He held it up out of their way while plucking one of the ripe fruits. “I’ve never met vampire couples who met each other as humans.”

The couple fell into telling Castor their love story, and Silas used the distraction to move to Lex’s side. Just being closer to him eased the pain in his chest. “I know how annoying it must be to have others arguing over your health. I will do my best to pull back.”

“Thank you,” Lex said, smiling up at him. “I know my family is a bit much. They’re just extra protective of me when it comes to...other people.”

“They want to keep you safe. I can understand that.” Silas nodded. As irritating as he found them, he saw the love behind their actions. He had hurt Lex, which meant they didn’t like him. It was fair, as much as it stung.

They walked quietly side by side and Silas struggled to find the right words. They used to talk with ease, but now he wanted every sentence to be the right one to bring Lex home. The pressure made it hard to speak at all.

“So,” Lex said with a weary smile, “what have you been up to for the past fifty years?”

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