Page 96 of The Bodyguard and the Alpha
“You need to rest,” Marguerite said. “All of you.” Her eyes pinned me, then Caly, before moving to her mate. They returned to me. “But you especially. Bastien won’t want you running yourself ragged. You’ll need time to recharge your energy before you cast spells tonight.”
She was right. But I didn’t think I’d be able to rest. I wanted to go over the plan another few times. I wanted it to be perfect.
Caly yawned. “I’ll second that. I’m ready for a nap.”
“But—” I began.
“No buts,” Caly said, pushing back a lock of hair that had fallen loose from the messy bun she favoured. “Chances are, something will happen that we haven’t planned for and we’ll have to adapt our plan.” Her eyes were soft with understanding. She knew what I wanted to say. She knew I wanted it to be perfect. “Life’s not perfect, Elie. It’s messy and chaotic and unexpected.”
I heard what she wasn’t saying. I didn’t have to be perfect. I didn’t have to put that burden on myself anymore. I didn’t know if I could truly let go.
But I could try.
I nodded. She smiled.
And the funny thing? When I returned to Bastien’s suite and the bed where he’d put my broken pieces back together… I pulled one of his shirts over my head then I fell onto the bed and was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Chapter 79
Electra
Bea knocked on the door of the suite at five, rousing me. My mind and body felt better for the rest. Lying on sheets that smelled of Bastien, covered in his shirt, I checked my magic. My well of power was full and accessible. And the pings from my pre-cog were still absent. Since I’d announced that I planned to help Bastien break out, the ability had gone silent. I found it hard to believe that there was no risk at all in our plan, but perhaps anything was better than the situation he was currently in. While I didn’t regret that my head was clear and pain-free it seemed too good to be true. I didn’t trust it.
As if he sensed me waking, Bastien’s voice rumbled in my mind.Only three hours until I see you again, my little Pixie.
When I told Bastien to be ready for us at eight, I contemplated whether he would stick to the time he’d set. It was possible that he’d implement his own plan earlier, simply to avoid the risk to me. But I had heard the genuine wish for compromise in his voice. He could do this himself, but he had agreed to accept our help.
In fact, he’d seemed almost pleased at the chance that he might have to punish me. My body had reacted to the threatin ways that surprised me. If his words had been intended to make me hide from danger, they hadn’t worked. In fact, anticipation danced in my chest.
Remember what you said to me before?
How could I forget?
I think it should go both ways. If you get hurt, I get to punish you.
Surprise and delight flashed down the bond. Then scorching desire.You can do whatever you want with me, little temptress. I’m at your mercy.
Holy hells. How did he put so much innuendo into a few words? Another knock on the door interrupted our flirting. “Thank you,” I called, hauling myself out of bed, brushing my hair out of my eyes.
Hold that thought, Mr President, I teased.I’ve got to get ready to bust you out of there.
When did you turn into a brat?
Doubt twisted my stomach. Had I gone too far? Had I misunderstood?
His response was immediate.Baby, breathe. It’s okay. You can be bratty. You can be angry. Be whoever you want. You’re my mate and I love you. All of you.
I rubbed at the ache in my chest. It was hard, letting him see my insecurities. But every time, he made it better. I love you too.
Crossing the room, I pulled out some clothes. There was still no sign of my uniform, but a pair of cargo pants and a black long-sleeved tee were close enough. And for the first time, I didn’t mind that I wasn’t going to be wearing my uniform. I wasno longer the person whose identity… whose worth… was solely defined by my magic. I was more than that. I was Bastien’s mate. I was Calypso’s twin. I was Marguerite and Simon’s daughter-in-law, and Luc’s sister-in-law. I had family who loved and accepted me.
Lightness filled my chest. I wasn’t perfect. But I was perfect for them; flaws and all.
You feel happy, Bastien said down the bond.
I am. You make me happy.
Chapter 80
