Page 40 of Gathered Sparkle

I close my eyes, swallowing hard.

“I have to try,” I murmur and feel him relax behind me.

The silence stretches between us, broken only by the hum of Jinx’s purring. My breath slows, settling into a rhythm that doesn’t feel like it’s going to choke me. Exhaustion takes over, and my body sinks into the mattress as my mind finally quiets.

Sylus

The weight of Alaric’s steady breathing against my chest finally lets me relax. He’s out, and thank fuck for that. The guy needs the rest.

Jinx, curled on the bed near us, lets out a chirp while stretching, her green eyes going to the closed door. She stands, tail flicking with impatient grace, and pads toward it before giving me a look.

I huff out a quiet laugh, then carefully shift out from behind Alaric and slip away. His brow furrows in his sleep, but he doesn’t wake.

Good.

Jinx lets out another soft meow, staring pointedly at the door. I reach for the handle, easing it open just enough for her to slip through, and she disappears into the hallway without a backward glance.

I hesitate for a second, glancing back at Alaric’s sleeping form.

Now that he’s at least somewhat fine, I need to see my girl and make sure she is too.

The hallway is dark, the wooden floor cool under my feet as I descend the stairs, the faint murmur of voices drawing me toward the living room. I round the corner and stop dead in my tracks.

Levi is awake, which is good. He’s sitting on the couch, talking softly with Koen. His face is pale but alert, and I can already see the familiar glint of sarcasm in his eyes as he leans back.

But it’s the scene next to them that makes my blood boil.

Sparkle is draped across Nicholas’s lap, her head resting against his chest, her eyes closed like she’s sleeping. Nicholas’s hand is in her hair, stroking it, his expression almost fucking dreamy. His other arm is wrapped around her waist like she’s his.

Yeah, fuck that.

“Didn’t I tell you to look after her?” My voice is sharp, cutting through whatever they are whispering about.

Koen looks up, startled, his brows pulling together in confusion. “I—”

Before he can say another word, I’m standing in front of Nicholas. His gaze snaps up to meet mine, his grip on Sparkle tightening slightly like he knows what’s coming. Without hesitation, I scoop her out of his lap. The blanket that was covering her slips to the floor, leaving her in her bra and stolen uniform pants. Her injured arm looks better, cleaned somewhat, but the dried blood still clings to her skin—a fucking reminder of how much she’s been through today.

“Really, Koen?” I snap. “You couldn’t even make sure she had a shirt on?”

Koen has the decency to look sheepish, his mouth opening like he’s about to explain, but Sparkle stirs in my arms. “Hottie?”

Her head lolls against my shoulder, and I press a kiss to her temple. “I’ve got you, baby.”

Koen stands. “I was waiting to see if Alaric could treat her wound or—”

“Alaric needs a fucking break. And she needs a damn shower,” I cut him off. “And fresh clothes. And something to eat. Make yourself helpful and get food going, goddammit.”

Koen blinks at me, then nods, rubbing the back of his neck as he heads to the kitchen. I shouldn’t snap at him. He had a fucking bad day, too, but I’m too on edge for apologies. Between Veronica getting her claws into Levi, Alaric’s meltdown, and now finding Nicholas playing white knight with my girl, I’m done.

I glance over at Levi, who’s perched on the edge of the couch next to Ezra. “Good to have you back, idiot. Next time, tell me in advance if you’re planning to go on a suicide mission.”

“Yes, sir.” Levi rolls his eyes, his grin widening despite the faint bruising on his face.

Without another word, I carry Sparkle up the stairs and into my room, shutting the door firmly behind us. The en-suite light clicks on automatically as I set her down on the edge of the closed toilet. Her head lolls forward. She’s still half asleep.

“Stay with me.” I brush her hair back from her face as I crouch in front of her before turning on the shower, adjusting the water until it’s warm but not too hot. “You know I love it when you’re like this, but right now, I need you to help me here,” I say softly, brushing my knuckles against her cheek. “Can you do that?”

Her eyes flutter open, glassy and dazed, but she nods faintly.

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