Page 61 of Shattered Illusion

“You know what? I think I changed my mind.” Bailey wrinkles her nose as she spies the panties. “There are better places to buy from. Thanks anyway.” She turns on her heels and heads toward the door, leaving a gaping, fuming saleswoman behind her.

“Is that bit?—”

“I wouldn’t finish that sentence if I were you,” I growl, taking a menacing step in her direction. She shrinks back, her knees shaking in fear.

“Are you coming, babe?” My head snaps around at Bailey’s silky tone, the sound going straight to my groin.

“Not yet, but I plan to later.” I wink, making my way toward her. “Such a little minx,” I murmur down to her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder and guiding her outside.

Bailey giggles, the sound more carefree than I’ve heard all day. But then she stops the second the door closes behind us, and she looks back, lifting her hand and flipping the fuming sales lady the bird. I crack up, unable to stop myself. That was just freaking priceless.

“I don’t want that stuff anyway. Not from someone like that. I swear she’s a kunt with a capital K.” She slaps her hand over her mouth, staring up at me with wide eyes like she can’t believe she just said that out loud.

"Definitely a kunt with a capital K,” I snicker, so damn proud of my mate for standing up for herself when someone less than her was looking down on her. “So… food?”

“Gods, yes. I’m starving.” Her stomach grumbles, seemingly in agreement.

“I’ve got something you can eat.”

“Lu!” She smacks my chest again, giggling as she flushes in embarrassment. “Not what I meant.”

“Then what did you mean?” I raise a brow, a smirk on my face.

“Cheeseburgers.”

Fuck yes. Cheeseburgers I can do.

The familiar purrof a car engine catches my attention, and my lips curl into a smile when I see Axel pulling up out front of the restaurant Luka and I just ate at. A warmth percolates in my tummy as he hops out, flashing fang as he grins at us.

“My two favorite people,” he murmurs silkily, leaning down and planting a chaste kiss square on my lips before he turns to Luka and pulls him in for one of those ridiculous man-hug things. The one where they pat each other on the back, ruffle each other’s hair. The sight of the two of them acting like this makes me giggle, drawing their attention.

“What’s so funny, goddess?” I shake my head, rolling my lips between my teeth as I try not to giggle again. Nope. I’m not touching their bromance with a ten-foot pole. “Fine. Keep your secrets, but I’ll work them out of you eventually.” Why does the sound of that threat make my belly swoop and panties wet? “Alright, goddess. I gotta jet. You two have fun.” He wraps me in his arms, where I’ve been most of the day, and leans down, pressing his lips to mine.

It’s not a sweet, chaste kiss like I just received from Axel. No. This kiss is all-consuming, like he’s trying to suck my soul from my body. And I’m more than a willing participant. My hands fist his shirt, holding him as close as possible. He’s the air I need to breathe. The one that got me out of my funk.

I really don’t want him to go. The night is still so young, but during dinner, he received a phone call that seemed rather important and has to dip out to take care of it. I was more than okay to go back to the academy, but my mate—holy shit, I still can’t believe that little tidbit—didn’t want to send me back when things have been going so well. Which they have. My mood really brightened after putting that bitch at the lingerie store in her place, and since then, I haven’t worried about those around me. Because I know my mate can keep me safe. He’s amazing like that.

Luka pulls away too soon, way too damn soon, and I chase after his lips, not wanting it to end. But he just stares down at me with remorseful eyes, knowing he needs to go.

“I’ll miss you, goddess,” he murmurs, brushing his lips on my forehead. I close my eyes, just living in the moment with him.

“I’ll miss you, too, Lu.” He groans like he’s in pain as he sets me on my feet, and then, with one last look, he disappears from sight.

My mood plummets now that he’s not here, and going back to the academy is starting to sound like a good idea again.

“Hey, now. None of that,cor meum.” Cool fingers grip my chin, tilting my head back. I stare into Axel’s blood red orbs, and it only hits me now that he watched Luka and I make out like teenagers. Heat creeps up my face, wondering what he must think of me. Especially since I did that right after he kissed me. “You’ll see him soon. I don’t think anything could keep him away.”

His words knock the breath from my lungs.

“How are you okay with this?” I sputter, taking a step back and wringing my hands. “You… you kissed me, and then he and I…” I shake my head. “I don’t understand.”

“Cor meum, you may not see it, but you have a huge heart. And I know there’s enough room in there for both of us. If you’ll have us.”

Us? The both of them?

“And,” Axel smirks, pulling me into his cool embrace and trapping my hands between us, “it was hot as fuck to watch.” He rubs what feels like a piece of steel against my clenched hands caught in the middle of our bodies.

Oh. My. Gods.

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