Page 43 of Degradation

“They’re going to be late for work,” Edmund said. Everything about him radiated annoyance, but I knew better. I could feel what he was feeling. Lust, pure and simple.

“Have you decided how you’ll make me scream louder?” I asked, smirking at him.

“Trouble,” he said softly. I knew he wasn’t saying my pet name but acknowledging what I was doing.

I grinned unrepentantly and rolled off of Daemon.

“Out of bed, both of you,” I said. “I won’t be responsible for your tardiness.”

They made sounds of protest but collected their discarded clothes and left the room. Edmund left with them. Garron lingered.

“Speak your mind, Garron,” I said as I motioned for him to turn around.

With his back to me, he said, “You fell asleep before the sun set and woke after it rose. That’s not like you.”

I left the bed, quickly slipped into my shift, and shook out my dress.

“You ask for answers I don’t have, Garron. I slept because I was tired. Whether due to your brothers or the casting, I cannot say. What I can say is that I feel fine now. However, I know that does not put your mind at ease, and I’m sorry for that. Would you like to help me finish dressing? You can look for signs of fatigue.”

While I was serious, I could feel his hurt that I might be teasing him for his concern.

I crossed to the doorway and wrapped my arms around him from behind.

“Thank you for caring about me enough to worry. I have no one else in the world to care for me now except for the seven of you.”

“And Eloise,” he said.

“Yes, and my sister. But I know I won’t be spending the rest of my life with her, now, will I?”

He pried my arms loose and turned to hug me close.

“No, you’ll spend it with us. Are you truly well?”

“I truly feel well,” I said. “Irritated and frustrated, but not tired.” I tipped my head to look up at him. “I’ve been taking your desire for me without realizing it. It’s frustrating to be so uneducated in a skill that could potentially hurt those I love. Why hadn’t your amulets stopped me? Pogwid’s surprise at what I can do is unsettling, considering her experience and abilities.

“Am I so odd? It’s upsetting to be different. It feels as if I will go my entire life set apart from others, never truly belonging.”

He kissed my forehead. “You belong. Here. With us. Always. What you can or cannot do won’t ever change that.”

“Until the neighbors hear me having my way with all of you.”

He flushed and looked away as he cleared his throat.

“I dare any of them to speak against us,” Edmund said from the hallway. “Dress quickly, or you won’t leave the house today. Breakfast is waiting.”

His footfalls retreated, and Garron gave me a sheepish smile.

Once he finished lacing my gown, he led me downstairs where Eadric and Edmund waited for me with a breakfast of boiled oats.

“Where are Brandle and Liam?” I asked.

“Errands,” Edmund said as he drew me to sit on his lap. Eadric fed me as Edmund gently fondled my person. I didn’t mind either.

“What will the two of you do today?” I asked after I ate my last bite.

“We’re to go to the sheep market to shear for coin,” Eadric said. “We’ve helped Andrew with it before, so someone should be willing to pay us. We will see you at dinner.”

The pair kissed me goodbye and sent me off with Garron.

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