Page 67 of Magic and Muffins

“It wasn’t his fault,” I said. “It was Effora’s. She had that sex relic there and used her powers with it. We didn’t stand a chance, and I’m just grateful I can walk.”

“No, it’s my fault,” Shepard agreed with Cross. “I should have never taken you there, Everly.”

“Are you saying you were willing to go by yourself and be Effora’s sex puppet?” I asked.

Cross lifted me and started through the apartment.

When Shepard went to follow, Cross paused and softly snarled a warning. Worried that Cross was already mad at Shepard before he even knew about the ring, I lightly grasped Cross’ chin and turned his head toward me.

“Shepard wasn’t mad at you when you bit me. Be nice.”

Cross’ gaze swept over my face.

“I was careful.”

“You weren’t under the influence of a sex relic at the time.”

“When I was, I knew not to bite you.”

He turned away from Shepard, and I motioned for him to wait there. I’d talk to Cross first and calm him down before Shepard told him about the ring.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Cross setme on my feet the bathroom and helped me remove my shirt. His gaze raked over me, taking in every light bruise before settling on the mark on my shoulder.

“Shepard’s already feeling guilty. Please don’t make it worse.”

I saw the moment Cross relented in his anger. With a defeated exhale, he kissed my red, injured skin gently before sucking. The sensation almost made my knees buckle. Cross held me upright as he took one more sip and closed the wounds. The pain subsided nearly instantly.

He kissed the skin again and pulled back to look into my eyes. The black had receded, only leaving his beautiful amber eyes.

“Thank you,” I murmured. “You know that bite would have happened eventually, right?”

“I know. But I wanted to be there so I could make the pain go away. I never want you to suffer.”

“I was too out of it to feel much pain,” I said. “Are you still mad?”

“No. I love you and only want what’s best for you. Shepard and I know we both have a piece of your heart.”

He reached over and started the shower.

“Did you get the portal relic?” he asked as he helped me remove the rest of my clothes.

“No. Every word out of that woman’s mouth was a lie. Shepard wants to kill her, and I don’t think I would stop him.”

“Did she hurt you?” Cross asked, black slowly consuming his eyes.

“Physically? No. Mentally. I’m not sure yet.” I made a miserable sound. “Vena’s right about me avoiding what I don’t want to face. And I don’t want to face Effora’s part in what happened in that room, but I think I need to so you understand why Shepard was out of it.

“Do you remember how it felt when that fae controlled the relic? Well, with Effora controlling it, I had no hesitation. None. I didn’t care that she was there, talking to us, giving us suggestions. Or touching me.”

My face flushed scarlet, and Cross made a soothing sound.

“I’m sorry you went through that. I will not rest until I’ve dealt with her. Until then, I think after what you’ve been through, you’ll feel a fraction better after a hot shower.”

It sounded exactly like what I needed. I’d scrub off the sweat and Effora’s touch.

Cross took off his clothes as well and followed me inside. He gently washed me, giving me soft kisses whenever he saw a bruise from Shepard’s grip on me.

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