Page 70 of Shadow Bonds

Frowning, I glance down at my body. Okay, maybe I’ve lost a little weight. But I’m more toned now too.

Making sure my block is up and enforced so they don’t feel my conflicting emotions, I head into the shower. Taking the quickest one yet, I get dressed and head back downstairs as my stomach grumbling loudly at the thought of food.

As I hit the bottom step, a delicious smell hits my senses, making my mouth water.

“Something smells amazing,” I tell them, but it only gets grunts as a reply.

I guess it’s going to be a quick meal.

Heading to the table, Knox hands me a plate, and I take a bit of everything before sitting down.

I’m about to dig in when I notice the frowns each of the guys are wearing and that they’re all directed at my plate.

I glance down at it, wondering if I’ve taken too much or taken one of their favorites.

“Why did you only take a little bit?” Knox asks, and I instantly relax and take a bite. “If you don’t like anything, you can tell us.”

I shake my head while trying not to inhale the food. Damn they can cook. “I’m not used to eating this much. I’ve pretty much been living off a meal and a snack or two a day. If I attempt to eat any more than this, I’ll probably be sick. And I don’t want to waste it. It’s far more appetizing than anything I’ve been having the last while.” Home cooked food always trumps canteen food. Or any food for that matter.

Almost feeling the atmosphere in the air change, I glance up as Theon gets up and leaves without a backward glance.

I frown after him and place my fork down with a sigh. “What did I do now? Seriously, just tell me. I can eat upstairs if you all prefer?—”

“Just eat…Please,” Cyrus says, giving me a soft, sad look. “He’s not angry at you.”

I glance at the door Theon just slammed out of. “But?—”

“We’re still adjusting to what we thought we knew,” Malakai says. “Just eat.”

I glance at the three of them, but none of them head off after Theon or even make a move. After of minute, I shake off their strange behavior and dig back into my food. And after another minute or two, they do the same.

Heading up to my room after a meal of silence and strange stares, I’m cornered by Malakai in the hall. He quickly cages me in against the wall.

“If you don’t move, I’m going to break something very precious to you,” I tell him.

He smirks but there’s nothing smug or happy about it. In fact, it looks a little… sad. “Too late. You’ve already broken my fucking heart. Not once but twice now.”

I frown. “What?—”

He dips down and runs his nose up along the length of my neck, breathing me in. Warmth slides down my spine before spreading out to every limb.

“I can smell your desire,” he rasps, and the low throaty sound makes me shiver in heat and want and need.

“Soon,” he breathes before bending down and kissing me hard and fast before walking away with a savage smirk on his face, leaving me standing there completely frustrated and worked up.

“Dick,” I mutter, hearing his loud laugh as I head for another shower. A cold one this time.

CHAPTER 22

Darkness coils around me, dragging me into its abyss. But just as quick, it slides away, revealing a large room.

White walls and drawers, black bedding on a huge king size bed, and a black desk.

“Where am I?” I mumble.

“In my room.” I glance over to find Cyrus leaning against the wall, watching me. “Technically,” he smiles.

I remember falling asleep with Knox so how did I… I glance back at Cyrus. “Is this a dream?”

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