Page 66 of Ashes

“A hex?” I inch to the edge of the bed. Tanner eases his arm from beneath Nova’s head and joins me.

“She also said the Bureau’s sending agents to scour the woods.”

“We should reinforce the obscuring spell.” Tanner springs up and grabs his clothes. “Let’s wake Luther.”

Downstairs, however, Luther is already awake. In fact, he looks like he hasn’t slept at all. On the couch, Sam is snoring lightly. His arm is up over his head, a blanket slung over his middle, exposing a scarred torso.

Last night, after we explained the prophecy and everything that’s happened since Nova arrived in Phoenix Falls, he sat back with wide eyes and simply nodded. “Okay,” he said. “That makes sense.”

Got to hand it to the kid, he’s resilient as hell.

I nod for Luther to join us outside. When Mack explains Rev’s update, Luther agrees we should check the spell. But as we stride out to the edge of the mask, he seems distracted.

When we’re finished, heading back inside, I catch Luther’s arm and tug him to one side while the others return to the cabin. “Hey, man, are you okay?”

He hesitates, then leans against the nearest tree and rubs his face with his palms. “Fine. Just didn’t sleep much last night.”

I study his face. I move closer, my chest inches from his. I force him to meet my eyes. Something flickers in them. A darkness laced with fire. “Shit. Did you and Nova? The two of you—”

“No.” Luther shakes his head. “We didn’t.” He puts his hand on my arm. “I swear. We didn’t.”

I fold my arms and wait for an explanation.

“We didn’t, but would you care? If we had?”

I consider the question. Sharing her with Tanner and Mack is easy. It feels right, like it absolutely has to be that way. Watching her with them, being with the two of them while I’m with her, it’s the best fucking sex I’ve ever had. But Luther? Does he fit? “I don’t know.” I shake my head. “Do you have feelings for her?”

“Would it make it okay? If I did?” Luther asks. There’s a sharpness to his voice, like he’s furious with himself and can’t figure out why.

“Yeah,” I nod. “It would, but if it’s just cos she looked sensational in a corset…”

Luther’s eyes narrow.

“She sent us a picture. I wouldn’t blame you—”

“She sent you…” Luther looks disappointed.

“You’re sad you didn’t get that image all to yourself?” I thump him on the shoulder, trying to lighten the mood. “Come on, man. You’ll be okay. Just jerk off and get her out of your system.”

“Tried that,” Luther mutters. “Didn’t work.”

“Didn’twork?” I look down at his crotch. He’s never had that issue before.

“No, I mean, it didn’t get her out of my system. It barely touched the sides.” He waves his hand at the surrounding trees. “All this going on, and the only thing I can think about is her cunt on my face.”

Hearing those words come from Luther’s mouth, about Nova, a jolt of hunger stiffens my muscles. My eyes flash with anger. Luther notices.

“Don’t…” I tell him.

“It’s okay for you three to share, but not me?” Luther squares up to me. Is he trying to provoke me?

“We care for her. You care about your dick.”

“Is that what you think of me? I’m incapable of caring? Because none of you have a great track record with relationships either.”

“Don’t push me, Luther. Nova’s different. She’s our girl now. You know that.”

Luther’s jaw twitches. “Okay, so maybe I’ll just ask her? Ask if three’s enough or if she wants one more?” Luther pushes past me as if he’s intent on going straight inside, finding Nova, and fucking her right this minute. “The prophecy saysfive,right?”

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