Page 48 of Cathmoir's Sons

I tip my chin and brush a kiss across the tip of her nose. “You could never love me badly.”

She takes a shaky breath.

“Shh,” Luca soothes, wrapping himself around her back. “No more tears tonight. You’re going to be very hungover tomorrow.”

I draw Kellan’s hand down and wrap it around my ribs. I shift so she can pillow her head on my shoulder and sigh with contentment when she tucks herself into my side.

“Luca’s right. Sleep, mate.” I kiss the top of her head. “We’ll be gone when you wake. But I’ll still be with you, watching over you.”

“I’m not sure if that’s comforting or creepy,” Kellan whispers, her voice thin with sleep.

I chuckle. “I’m happy to be your creep.”

Chapter 14

The Naga’s Farewell

KELLAN

Idon’t even have tequila as an excuse.

This hangover is a combination of tears and confusion. What are these boys doing to me? They’re laying siege to my heart. I should be able to ignore them. I have plenty of experience with break-ups and hating my exes. I had it down to a fine art with Mitch. I honestly hated Mitchmoreafter every family event where we were forced together.

With Law and Luca, I can barely hold on to any anger. I look at Law and I think of all the hours he’s sat outside of Jane’s back door, even though I know how much he hates the snow. I think of his unwavering support when I was consumed by rebuilding Ceòfuar. I think of the silly smile on his face when I texted him that I love him.

I may have watched that video a few hundred times.

Looking at Luca is worse, if that’s possible. I look at him and see his profound loyalty. I remember his passion for our research. His relentless quest for knowledge is so like my own. The rising delight on his face when I asked him to come to Italywith me. Being included made him so happy. How can I be angry with someone who feels like the ying to my yang?

Having them come last night reminded me that these boys are all in with me. They couldn’t have been worried about my safety. There’s nowhere on Earth that was safer than that clearing in the Bevington woods last night. That’s not why they were there. They knew I’d be grieving, hurting, so they made sure to be there to catch me when I fell. Can I even be angry with them after that? I grasp at the aching place in my chest, that black hole of hurt the discovery of their lies created.

It's scabbing over. It doesn’t even feel raw anymore.

And they haven’t even brought their ringer to the fight. How am I going to cling to my anger when I’m faced with Rhodes? The last time I saw him, he was dying. All I feel when I think of him is relief. I’m just so, so happy he’s alive.

I push my greasy breakfast around on my plate and brood.

Rachel reaches across with her fork and steals a breakfast link from my plate.

“Hey,” I object. No, I wasn’t eating it but that doesn’t mean anyone gets to eat my food.

She grins and snags the uneaten fruit cup from the edge of my tray.

We’re in the dining hall of Spellman Quad, which the college has opened to everyone attending Carrie’s memorial. There are a few students in the dining hall as well, since Winter Study has started and there’s a class or two taking place today. But Winter Study is notoriously relaxed. Most classes are scheduled for early afternoon so students can ski in the mornings or sleep off their hangovers.

I very much wish I could sleep off my hangover.

I pick up one of the three bottles of water I’ve put on my tray and drink it down. It makes my stomach turn over.

“Better?” Rachel asks. She’s just absurdly bubbly and bright this morning. She’s going to get a smack if she’s not careful.

“No,” I grumble.

“Someone stay up too late and drink too much?” she asks.

I squint at her, understanding Whitey’s death glares better than I ever have before.

“Last night was beautiful, wasn’t it?” She sighs. “I haven’t sung anyone off to the Mother before.”

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