Page 37 of Unveil
Then I cut through a few alleys, a side street, and a courtyard garden before finally reaching my destination.
The Nyx Headhunter SUV chirps as I approach, doors unlocking and engine rumbling to life thanks to the proximity start Hatch helped me set up.
Balancing Luna against my chest, I open the back door and lay her on the pillow I packed for our long drive home. I’d take off her restraints or tie her wrists in front of her if I could. But I have a feeling she’s gonna want to kick my ass the second those pretty eyes open, and I can’t risk her blind rage careening us off a mountain.
She whines softly as I reach for the seatbelt.
“Shh, it’s okay. Just sleep.”
“My… dad?”
“He’s safe. I promise. Your dad got your dose, and he’s a big dude. He’ll be up and furious in no time.”
“Mydose?”
“Uh… okay, yeah, fair question. I’ll explain later.”
With Sol down, I might have a couple of hours before he can come after us. My goal is for my bride to be safe in my bed on Fury land before her father can catch up.
After buckling Luna in, I tuck the blanket tight around her.
“By the time you wake up, we’ll be home.”
“But… I am… home,” she murmurs sleepily.
I shake my head, brushing her hair back before stealing a forehead kiss in a second I can’t afford.
“I’m your home now, baby.”
I shut the door, lay my crossbow in the front passenger seat, and slide behind the wheel. Adrenaline and satisfaction race in my chest as I look in the rearview mirror and see my future, right where she belongs, tucked into an adorable, sleepy ball.
My reckless, hellion of a wife will hate me in the morning, but she’s finally fucking mine. That’s all I need for now, at least until I can convince her to love me back.
My hand surfs the waves of mountain air as we drive. We round each bend and switchback up and up to the peak, where we’ll picnic after this long ride. Momma and Daddy tucked me and Nox into the back of the car late last night, so when we woke up, we’d be in a different world, one that feels old in my bones and untamed in my blood. Now mist kisses my palm, crisp and light despite the same heavy humidity that feels like a thick coat back home. Pine and maple trees pass in rows or tangled thickets until the road curves and a valley of mountains dips and rises in layered blue hills. A deep, low croon fills my ears…
…in time with the rhythmicthumpsagainst leather. I smile at the handsome voice singing along with the folk music on the radio and snuggle into a warm blanket and pillow that smells like maple, bourbon, and pine.
But my eyelids scratch like sandpaper as I try to peek them open. It takes several blinks before I can see the tattooed fingers drumming against the steering wheel. The driver leans back, one arm resting on the center console, slowly bobbing his head tothe murmured lyrics. His five o’clock shadow might as well be midnight, and the guy’s strong jaw is free of scars like my dad’s.
His hands tell a different story, though. Red and glossy scars peek between the webbing of each finger. A cool skull glares out from the top of his hand, and I squint at the black letters rolling beneath the knuckles on his long fingers.
F
U
R
Y—
“Fury!” I bolt upright, and a blaring headache pierces me behind my eyes. My arms hang uselessly at my back, but fiery pins and needles explode as life pours into them again. “Jesus, what the hell?”
“I guess that answers my question as to whether you’re feeling okay.”
“I actually feel enraged, thanks for asking,” I hiss.
“Well, good morning to you too. Or afternoon.” Orion Fury’s stunningly mismatched, two-toned gaze locks on mine in the rearview. “We’re almost there. Just a couple hours left.”
There?
