“Someone say my name?” Callum looked up from the bowl of mashed potatoes, spoon in hand, where he’d been moments from stealing a bite.
“Probably only to banish you like the evil spirit you are,” Quincy said, the scar on his face twisting at the end as he flashed a shit-eating grin.
Once dinner was ready, we went into the main dining area, pushed tables together, and sat together to eat. Laughter and conversation filled the room, and I was reminded again just how fortunate I was to have all of them. A found family and a love so deep it could fill countless oceans.
Neither Maddox or Briar could stay the night. Maddox needed to return to the barracks, and Briar had documents from the magical academy he needed to read.
The academy was where people trained to become alchemists, physicians, and herbologists, all with a focus on healing magic and enchantments. Briar assisted in their studies and sometimes traveled to do guest lectures and small training courses. Physicians from neighboring kingdoms also sent inquiries when faced with an unfamiliar sickness or medical question, and he advised them.
“Want me to draw you a bath before we go?” Briar asked. “I can make you tea too.”
“Nah, it’s okay. I’m gonna tidy up in here first. It’ll make my life easier for tomorrow.” My throat tightened as I looked between the two of them. “I miss you both already.”
Maddox’s hard expression faltered. “I can always throw you over my shoulder and take you with me. What better way to end the day than between the sheets?” His hand slid down my side. “Though, very little sleep will be had.”
“And then I’ll bake you fig bread,” Briar said. “Or lemon, if you prefer. Either a midnight snack or for breakfast.”
“Stop trying to bribe me with sex and food,” I responded with a laugh. “I promise I’ll be okay.”Maybe. “I’m a working man now and have my own place. All independent and shit. One night alone won’t kill me.”
They exchanged a look.
Though it took a bit more convincing, the two of them eventually accepted my decision to stay but made me swear to lock all the doors and not go outside no matter what—like I would. They kissed me good night and left with Callum and the others.
I stood at the door and watched them get on their horses that had been kept in the small clearing beside the cottage. They glanced back at me, and I waved before shutting the door and locking it. Then checked the lock to make sure it was secure.
“No biggie.” I faced the interior of the quiet cottage. It seemed much bigger now. More places for things to hide. “There’s nothing creepy at all about being here by myself. At night. In the middle of the woods.”
The mountain of dirty dishes needed to be tackled, and despite me running out of steam after the busy day, I went into the kitchen, flipped on the water, and got to scrubbing. Keeping my hands busy helped distract my mind.
That was… until a light thud came from outside.
I flipped around to the window, heart rate skyrocketing. The golden light that had filtered through the trees earlier had darkened, creating ominous shadows; reminding me once again that, while pretty during the day, the forest was scary at night. A creepy forest that surrounded my cottage… where I was currently alone, armed only with the coffee mug in my hand.
I froze at the sink, hoping whatever horrible creature stalking the back yard would fail to see me if I didn’t move. Everything outside stayed still too, not even a breeze to ruffle the leaves. I scanned the dark trees, and the longer I stared, the more things began to take shape.
And it was then, as unsettling thoughts began to creep in, ones starring all the demonic monsters Callum had been so kind to tell me about once upon a time, that I caught a flash of silver near the glass.
Shrieking, I dropped the coffee mug into the soapy water and bolted from the kitchen. I ducked behind the bar in the main dining area, feeling like the biggest chicken in the world. But being a chicken was better than being like those dummies in horror movies that went to investigate the noise in the creepy woods.
I could’ve been in bed with Maddox and Briar right then, getting steamy between the sheets and having mind blowing orgasms. But no. Instead, I was hiding from a maybe-monster.
My words from earlier had tested the fates: one night alone would mostdefinitelykill me.
I then thought of Ayden, the main protagonist from my favorite fantasy book series I’d read in my old world. He was a total badass who wouldn’t have been caught cowering behind a bar. My legs wobbled as I forced myself to stand.
Movement from outside snagged my attention, and I glimpsed another flash of silver beyond the window. And a pale face.
I screamed and fled the room. But as I reached the stairs, I stopped.
Silver. A pale face. And purple glowing eyes.
Before I could think twice about it, I rushed toward the back door and flung it open, bolting out into the night.
“Lake?” I called out, scanning the dark trees behind the cottage. A warm breeze rustled the nearby leaves and nocturnal insects chirped as they came out for an evening of debauchery. Or whatever bugs did.
A twig snapped.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I searched the forest. Had it been a deer? A rabbit? Maybe even Kuya. My cat-boy bestie enjoyed sneaking up on me and pouncing.
