Page 33 of The Crown of Nyx

I used to roll my eyes at Lazarus, thinking he was a dramatic asshole, but now I thanked him silently and promised to find him and the rest of them. Because if there was anyone who was going to be loyal to my girl, it was going to be them.

I swallowed hard; Ivy’s eyes softened, her fingers tightening around mine. “We’re going to rescue them.”

“That’s if they’re not dead already,” I replied quietly. “But that’s the last thing we need to worry about.”

Based on her expression, she didn’t believe me. Her dark eyes searched mine, the purse of her lips revealing that she wasn’t just worried about them—she was worried about me, too.

“I’m okay,” I murmured, cupping her cheek with my free hand. “I promise.” My heart warmed at her concern, at the love radiating through our bond. I loved her more than I’d ever loved anyone, and feeling that same emotion from her settled some of the fear within me.

“I love you,” she said, bringing her hand up to cover mine. “So much. You’re allowed to worry about them, Adrian. They’re still your family.”

It was hard, reconciling the idea of the family I’d had growing up with the one I had now. Ivy, our mate circle—they were the family I prioritised. But I was still loyal to the one I once resented, too.

Which was why I had to find a way to stop Dante. He might have been my brother—one of the few people I’d ever trusted—but I vowed to be the one who took him down.

Rowan cleared his throat, drawing the attention to him in a way only he could achieve. Ivy rolled her eyes as she leaned into his touch. “Something wrong?”

“Never,” he replied, lightly kissing her cheek. “But it was getting pretty heavy in here. Oh, and you didn’t tell me you loved me, too, so…”

Shaking my head, I chose to ignore him and instead took the bowls of forgotten stew and teleported them back to the kitchen. The anticipation of reaching the Underworld felt like a high that was now coming to a low, one that left me more than just exhausted. Eventhough I desperately wanted to close my eyes for even just a few hours, my mind was too awake to let me sleep.

From the small bed, Ivy stretched her arms over her head and yawned. “Do I really need to stay cooped up in here?” she asked, looking between Ro and me.

He and I shared a look. There was a deep understanding between us, one that I could trust, even when I wasn’t in the greatest mindset. And we wanted to keep her safe—even if that meant cooping her up in this cabin.

Rowan nipped her earlobe, smirking. “I can think of a few things that might keep your mind off of what’s going on above our heads.”

Ivy stiffened in his arms, eyes widening as they found mine. “What?”

I crossed my arms and shrugged. “You haven’t given your magic a chance to recharge.”

The realisation of what we were insinuating hit her, and her cheeks turned a dark shade of crimson as she ducked her head. “I don’t really know if I feel comfortable having sex here. You know, where anyone could hear us.”

“One charm could solve that,” I replied, as Rowan skimmed his fingers over the swells of her breasts. Her breath hitched. “Another could keep the door locked. And the others will understand what it is we’re doing.”

Rowan cupped one of her breasts in his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Come on, let us take care of you.”

“You already are,” she whispered, though she arched into his touch. “Guys?—”

I prowled towards her and cupped her cheeks. “Just for tonight. Let us take care of you, and then you can worry about everything else. Okay?”

Her eyes shone with uncertainty; she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and chewed on it for a longmoment, before sighing. “Okay,” she breathed, covering my hand with hers. “I’m all yours.”

That was all it took. Rowan’s magic rose in the air as he took away her gear, leaving her naked in his arms. Ivy sucked in a sharp breath, dropping my hand.

My eyes roamed her delicious body, from the peaks of her hardened nipples all the way down to her thighs, which she pressed together. I couldn’t decide which part of her I wanted first: her mouth or her pussy.

When I swept my gaze up to meet hers, her eyes darkened, and she licked her lips. “Is this what you meant about sharing?”

I smirked. “Absolutely.”

Rowan and I shared a look.

Tonight, she was ours.

15

Ivy

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