Page 67 of Revenge of a Queen

We may not have had the best start a few months ago when I came home, but we are slowly finding our way back to each other. He consumes me in a way I can’t explain. His joy is my joy, his pain is my pain. That is how he knew what I needed today when I didn’t. From the shower to Cassie to the sex. It was just the release I needed after the blood shed at the cabin. Marcus and I didn't discuss what happened there, but things have changed between us. I can feel it. I knew he was committed to helping me, that he loved me, but now he is part of me in a way I never imagined. We are entwined deeper than ever before and if I ever lost him again, I don't think I would survive.

I know he is awake before I even open my eyes. I am still encased to his chest where we both fell asleep a few hours ago. He drags his fingertips up and down my back in featherlight touches. When I move his strokes pause as his hands splay across my spine in a possessive touch that is scorching, addictive, and completely fucking obsessive. When I look up, I find him staring down at me, his smile is fucking beautiful.

We take our time getting showered and dressed and that may have something to do with him bending me over and fucking me against the shower door until I came with a scream. His hands never really leave my body, but once we are both ready, we make our way down to the kitchen. I dance ahead of him with a giggle as he catches me multiple times, tickling me before letting me go again. He grabs me into his arms for the last time as we enter the kitchen with a laugh until he halts in his movements.

I turn to find Asher, Logan, Lincoln, and Jace all paused in what was clearly a heated discussion, their grim faces burst my happy bubble. What the fuck has happened now? Marcus loosens his arms allowing me to slide down his body until my feet hit the ground.

"Can this wait until I've had my coffee?" I grumble as I move towards the island and I offer Jace a small smile as he slides a cup filled with the black magic over to me.

"We got this in our inboxes first thing," Linc says as he pushes a piece of paper over to me. I look down and take in the invitation to the Fire and Ice Ball. My mind flicks back to what Principal Lock told me about Hallows High joining forces with Hallows Prep for their winter dance. I snort at the irony of the name. Fire and fucking ice indeed.

"So why the long faces? It's not like we didn't know this was coming," I shrug.

"Does anything ever rile you, sissy?" Logan teases with an amused smirk.

"Your pissy attitude first thing in the morning," I preen back at him, but he just smirks wider, flicking his gaze over to Lincoln.

"Oh, trust me, I am nothing but relaxed this morning," he says with a wink and I see the tell tales sign of a blush creeping up Linc's neck as Asher grinds his jaw. What the fuck am I missing there? I see Jace look at them and then turn to me with a shrug like he hasn't got a clue what is going on either.

"I just think we should come up with a plan," Linc clears his throat and brings my attention back to the invitation. "Prepare for the worst."

"The worst already fucking happened," Marcus seethes at his brother and I slide my hand in his under the table and squeeze.

"Regardless, we should always expect more from my father. He won’t stop until he gets his hands on Elle,” Asher grunts in animosity, his eyes locked on the invitation.

“Well, that’s not fucking happening,” Jace spits in an angry tone and I flinch slightly. I hate hearing anything but his teasing, flirty tone. It just reminds me of the sadness he has endured. It makes me feel the need to avenge his sister even more than I already do.

“Don’t worry about me, pretty boy. I can protect myself,” I reach over and grip his hand, giving it a little squeeze before sitting down and blowing on my coffee while I take a moment to think.

Asher is right, this party screams Elliot and his wicked ways. I know he wants me; I know he is coming for me. He has too. It isn’t just about saving face or me knowing too much. No, it’s more than that. I got away, escaped the pits of hell he created and came out stronger on the other side. He can’t let such a sin go unpunished. Well, unlucky for him, neither can I.

All the guys start talking game plans as I pick up the invitation and note it’s only two weeks away, not a long time really, but enough to ensure we come up with a plan, and cover all our bases. We need to come up with multiple plans for every possible scenario to ensure our safety but first I need something.

“Let’s go shopping,” I say, interrupting all of them.

“Shopping?” Lincoln repeats, pulling his face like I’ve gone crazy.

“Yes, shopping,” I repeat. “I need a dress for the party, and I know just the place,” I smile already thinking about the perfect dress with a gleam in my eye. “Let’s get ready.”

Two hours later, we are pulling into a parking lot on the edge of Havensgrove. It’s two towns over from Black Hallows effectively marking it a safe territory, meaning I am able to have Cassie with me. I drove over with her, Marcus, and Ash leaving Logan to ride with Lincoln and Jace. It’s basically a family day out.

Marcus is getting his first experience of what we call a Cassie concert as she belts out Do You Want to Build a Snowman? from the backseat. To my amusement Marcus tries and completely fails to sing along with her but she appreciates the effort and so do I.

By the time we make it to Havensgrove, Cassie has talked Marcus into a movie marathon of both the Frozen films and insists that we pick up popcorn while we are out. I climb from the car and move to get Cass, but she screeches at me.

“No, Mommy! River get me, River get me,” she pleads excitedly.

I stand back slightly worrying what to do but Marcus doesn’t even falter in stepping up and getting her out of her seat. He easily lifts her up until she is sitting perched on his shoulders. The smile on her face is infectious and I notice Asher also trying to hide his smile. He may act like enemy number one to Marcus and all the guys, but I know how much he appreciates their efforts and discretion when it comes to her.

The guys pull up in the other car and get out and Cassie yells out to them.

“Look, Superman, I’m up high,” she waves her hands frantically in the air at them.

Jace reaches out to tickle her leg, “I thought I was your favorite, little one?”

“No, River and me best friends,” she says proudly.

Jace takes the challenge, “Right, that's it,” he grabs her from Marcus' shoulder and flies her around like she is actually Superman, her giggles pierce the air like a bolt of lightning.

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