Page 14 of Laid Bare

Better.

Jasper raises a stone brow in my direction, but I shrug my shoulders, pointedly ignoring his questionable stare. He should know I have my reasons if we’re here to protect her.

“Ready?”

The gargoyle slams a heavy fist on the door without waiting for our reply, and my heart does a triple thump and then stops as it creaks open.

Holy hell’s bells. We’re in trouble.

Morning light streamsthrough the open windows around my circular room, and I grumble my displeasure, burying my face further into Axel’s cool neck to block the cheerfulness of the day.

A chuckle greets my ears from behind, but the only reply I can give is flipping him the bird. Luka’s way too fucking happy for how early it feels.

Chilled fingers trace a path up and down my spine, relaxing the hard set of my shoulders that I didn’t even realize I had. It makes me wonder if I was at ease at any point during the night, or if I carried the tension from the gala throughout my entire slumber.

“Not ready to start the day,cor meum?” Axel murmurs, pressing kisses to the top of my head.

My head barely moves as I shake it, giving him all the answer he needs.

The bed shifts behind me, but I still refuse to get up, even as the door to the bathroom closes. Axel makes no move to leave, content with holding me in his arms while I try to get myself together to face whatever fresh hell is waiting for me.

And fresh hell I know it’ll be. My babysitters arrive today, two unknowns in a world that hates me. Will they feel the same? Are they going to throw nothing but animosity my way while my back is turned? Will they allow those who wish to harm me to hurt me?

So many questions roll around in my head, but no answers. Because even if I ask, I highly doubt I’ll even get the truth from them.

There’s also my crumbling friendship with Marion to worry about. Thaddeus’ new relationship status because of what I am. And let’s not forget, the fucking lying ass rock bird.

My magic flares at the thought of Headmaster Stonewell, but I tamp it down. All I have to do is avoid him and he’ll be one less of the worries hanging over my head.

The bathroom door opens, and soft footfalls greet my ears before the bed shifts once again. Lips press against my shoulder, and I let out a contented hum. I could get used to waking up between these two, without all the drama being the reason it happens.

“Come on, goddess. There’s a conversation that needs to be had, but before that, we need breakfast and coffee.”

“Coffee?” I mumble, perking up a bit at the thought of Mr. Tall, Dark, and Steamy. It feels like it’s been ages since I had a cup of frothy deliciousness, even though I just had some yesterday.

My mates chuckle, knowing they have me pegged. I’ll always get up for coffee.

I attempt to scramble off the bed, but my foot snags the damn sheet, halting my escape. My elbow plows into Axel’s stomach, his oomph one of pain as the breath wheezes out of his lungs. Luka stifles his laughter as he helps untangle me from the fabric shackle, and the moment I’m free, I dart toward the bathroom, slamming the door closed behind me.

A squeak of dismay expels from my lips when my eyes find my reflection in the mirror. I’m a gods-damned mess. And that’s really saying something since I’m practically a mess every morning I get up.

My hair resembles that of a rat’s nest, and dark circles linger under my pink eyes, drawing attention to the lack of rest I obtained during the night. Dryness coats my lips, and I’m pretty damn sure I’m rocking dragon breath this morning too.

Gross.

Before tackling my hot mess self, I do my business and wash my hands, immediately moving on to brushing my teeth and gargling some minty mouthwash. A quick huff in my hand and a sniff tells me I’ve at least avoided one disaster this morning.

Tangles snag in my brush as I wrench it through my hair, but the slight sting of pain seems to center my focus on the task at hand instead of all the bullshit that could be clogging my thoughts. When it’s relatively tangle-free, I quickly plait my hair in twin braids, one on each side of my head. Today just seems to scream a pigtail braid kind of day.

Okay. Not really. But anything to prolong the hard truths coming my way.

I briefly debate throwing on some concealer under my eyes to cover my lack of rest, but what’s the point? These are my mates. We’re bound together forever, and it won’t be the last time they see me like this.

I can guaran-fucking-tee that.

The bedroom is devoid of my men as I leave the bathroom and head straight for the closet. The familiar blacks and grays greet my eyes as I debate what to wear today. Comfortable. That’s a given. It’ll be a cold day in Hell before I dress up again like I did last night.

I grit my teeth as I try to shift my thoughts away from the gala for the time being. We’ll be discussing that more than enough today. I don’t need these few precious moments to be clouded with horrid memories of the fact that I almost died last night.

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