Page 76 of The Night Hunting

He groaned again. “You’re not making it easy.”

“What can I do? I like seeing how much you want me.”

“You have no fucking idea.” He entwined his fingers with mine, brought my hand to his lips, and kissed the top. The strings around my heart tugged hard. “Now let’s go before I lose control.”

Hand in hand, we walked the rest of the way. The village came into view and I took it all in—several old-style houses lining a square grid with cobblestone streets. Streetlamps and lights from house porches illuminated the village at this time of night. A lake made a thick C around the village. Beyond the lake was a winery, but half of it had been destroyed years ago.

I glanced up at the moon, half-hidden behind fast moving clouds. It was almost full, and if Dot didn’t agree to break Shane’s curse, we would soon have to lock him in a cell.

I didn’t want that for him.

Shane steered us into the manicured front yard of one of the bigger houses I had seen in the village so far. We could see lights on through the window. As we approached the front door, my heart squeezed.

The door flew open and Dom stared at me, his eyes huge.

“What the …?”

Before I could step into the house, Minsi and Tyren appeared beside Dom. Behind them were Rue and Lucille.

“Oh my heart,” Rue whispered.

But my attention was on Minsi and Tyren. The teenager’s face paled and he went completely still, while the younger girl started trembling from head to toe. She scooted back, her breathing coming in shallow gasps, her hands coming to her face.

The first signs of a panic attack.

I let go of Shane’s hand and rushed inside the house. “It’s okay, pretty girl.” I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her to me. “It’s really me. I’m here, and I’ll take care of you.” I pulled back and bent down at the waist so I could look at her at head-level. “Take a deep breath.” She didn’t do it right away. “Come on, follow me. Like this.” I demonstrate it. She inhaled deeply, her breathing interrupted by gasps. As she exhaled, her gaze locked on mine, tears brimmed in her eyes. “Oh, sweetheart.” I wiped the tears away and embraced her again. “I’m so sorry for scaring you.”

Her face pressed on my chest and she clutched at my clothes, as if afraid I would disappear again. I held on to her and looked around the room. Rue, Lucille, and Dom looked at me as if I were a ghost, but wonder filled their eyes.

“Hi,” I mouthed.

Tyren though stared at me as if I was a nightmare. “How is this possible?”

“It was one of Paimon’s many tricks,” Shane said. He told them a quick version of how Paimon faked my death, erased my memories, and played with us all.

“I thought you would be happy to see me,” I said to Tyren.

“I am, but …” He gulped.

“Just come here.” I hooked one hand around his neck and pulled him to me. He didn’t resist. He melted into me, one hand around me, the other around Minsi. A whimper came from his throat, letting me know what he couldn’t say with words.

I looked at Shane and he had such a bright, satisfied gleam in his eyes, it warmed my heart.

Lucille clapped her hands. “This calls for a celebration!” She ran into the kitchen.

Rue gasped. “We need food!” And she ran after Lucille.

Dom gestured toward them. “I’ll just … yeah.” He went to the kitchen with Rue and Lucille.

Shane stepped into our embrace. The four of us, together. Forever.

“I love you all,” I said, my voice breaking.

“Damn, you beat me to it,” Shane said with a chuckle. “I was about to say it.”

“I love us too,” Minsi said.

I stilled. Shane looked at me with wide eyes. She never said anything! This was amazing! I laughed.

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