Page 104 of Court of Evil

“So . . . a puppy pile?” Fang says with a huff. “But I told them if they touch me, you’ll kick their ass.” She heads over to me. “I’m going to borrow some clothes.”

I nod and watch her go before turning back to the others. The TV is on, and Addeus and the fae play with it, seemingly amazed.Shaking my head, I step over the blankets and sink into the huge bed. Tem and Ronan dive to be next to me, and I let them, wearing a small smile on my lips.

How did they know I needed this to replace those memories?

I never would have trusted my previous unit enough to sleep out here before, but I trust these monsters with my life.

Addeus turns back and rolls his eyes as he walks over and simply drops on Tem and Ronan until they have to drag themselves from under him. He lies back, grinning widely at getting the spot next to me.

Jarek rolls his eyes and climbs next to him, Zeev lounges across my legs, and Tem and Ronan fight for snacks on the side.

There is a huff and shuffling sound, and I glance back as Fang walks from my room, her hair knotted on her head in a bun.

As Fang saunters over, she tugs down a pair of my shorts. “Babe, you’re way too fucking skinny.” She huffs. “My ass barely fits in your shorts.” I nod because when she turns to show me, I nearly swallow my tongue. The bottom of her ass is hanging out, my oversized shirt isn’t down to her knees like it is on me, and she tied it under her breasts, showing her golden stomach. Possessiveness fills me.

“Everyone, look away,” I bark.

She turns, shaking her head, but she grins when she realises I’m sitting up, watching her. I pat the space next to me I saved for her, placing me between her and the others. She prowls over, her powers making everything she does seductive, and when she sinks down next to me, I debate ripping those shorts down and discovering if she’s bare underneath, but instead I cover her with the duvet. When her eyes widen, I push her back and tuck her in up to her chin.

“Nobody else needs to see what’s mine,” I mutter.

Her smile is so wide, dimples flash.

“What?” I ask.

“Most would have pounced on me, but you tucked me in.” She bites her lip adorably. “You’re so cute.”

Rolling my eyes, I lie back, and she scoots closer, pressing her face into my side. I lift my arm and let her lie on it, even as I lean my head into Addeus, my legs acting as pillows for Zeev. They all seem to move closer as the lights dim, and when I glance over, Jarek winks. “Magic, beautiful.”

“Handy.” I grin before I focus on the TV and the film they put on. I soak in their warmth around me, their comfort. They said they were doing this for them, but I know it was for me, and I can’t even explain how grateful it makes me feel.

In this place, where I should feel alone and unsafe, I feel comfortable and protected enough to drift off to sleep, surrounded by my new family.

CHAPTER 43

Ihave lots to do, so I’m up before sunrise. Black’s and his team’s heads have been spiked on the wall. A macabre idea, yes, but I hope it reminds them of Tate’s and my promise. I spent my morning reassuring the commanders that as long as they are not doing anything wrong, they have no reason to worry, and they should get back to hunting and training.

It seems Tate has everyone on edge. One woman has the ability to topple this empire, and I couldn’t be prouder, so I seek her out. I checked in on her using the cameras a few times during the night, and what I saw warmed my heart. She was surrounded by her new team. I don’t know if she’s even aware that they took turns keeping watch over her and the area to protect her while she rested. She didn’t order them to, but they did it without asking.

She might have built this team for revenge, but it seems a bond has formed.

I wonder if I’ll fit at all. I don’t plan to let her go either way, but I need to find a way to fit in with them. They are clearly important to her, as she is to them. I need to earn their trust as well as hers because Tate Havelock means everything to me.

Her location shouldn’t surprise me when I find her, but it does. Most would hide after that declaration or be planning or resting, but not my angel. She strides into the gym like she owns it, uncaring about the others training there. The fact that she chose the basement floor gym speaks volumes. She wants to show them she’s not afraid, and the monsters tailing her only add to that.

Leaning into the observation platform above, I can’t help but watch her. She is magnificent. Every eye is on her, but she doesn’t care or even look their way. She wanders through the gym like she owns it as she heads to the machines at the back.

I watch her as she warms up and then jumps on the treadmill. Her eyes remain stoically forward as she runs. Tem runs on the one next to her, keeping pace and grinning at her as he does. The big guy, Addeus, picks up the weightlifting machine and starts pressing it rather than the weights, as hunters stumble away in horror.

Ronan floats around grinning, and the fae lounges on the mats, watching Tate’s ass move with Fang at his side. Jarek does squats near Addeus, all of them ignoring the looks and hatred thrown their way.

It finally boils over, and a brave hunter heads their way, slamming his hand into the emergency stop on Tate’s machine. She slows and stops, turning her gaze to him. I can’t hear what they are saying from here, but she smirks and turns her back on him, heading to the mats in the middle.

Ah, he challenged her.

I knew it would happen, and I settle in to watch Tate Havelock kick his ass. The only reason Black and his team won before is because they took her by surprise. Otherwise, they would have lost as well.

Tate does not give up, and it’s not conceited to say, but she is the best fighter the hunters have. She’s even better than I am . . . well,almost.

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