Page 89 of Haunted Hearts

Kwil snorts as he walks by, heading towards the bathroom. “You didn’t force me to do anything. I wouldn’t have left anyone behind. And I’m pretty sure the plan consisted ofnotgetting caught inside the castle so, really, the plan was botched on all ends.”

Before Kwil’s hand touches the knob of the door to the bathroom I say, “You don’t need to take a shower. I need your help with something this morning.”

Kwil stops as Theo brushes another kiss across my wrist. My Mystery Man turns to look at me over his shoulder.

“Does this task require me to be dirty?”

I flash him a grin and a wink but turn back to Theo. I’m not quite done with him yet. “We’re as prepared as we can be. Try to relax and have a little faith, ok?”

The smoldering smile that Theo sends me is enough to melt panties. Thankfully, I’ve decided to forgo those this morning in lieu of what I knew I’d be getting into once everyone woke up.

“I trust you to guide us, my king.”

Theo grabs me by the face, pulls me down, and kisses me deeply. His tongue slips into my mouth, greeting and caressing mine. I groan, my body growing warmer. It’s almost easy to forget I had something to do this morning. As if he can read my mind, Theo pulls away, breaking the kiss with a regretful sigh.

“Whatever you have planned with Kwil, you better go do it or I’m going to take you on top of this table before breakfast gets here.”

I peck him on the cheek. The worry in his eyes has lessened. Good. Sometimes, all a person needs is someone to talk to. Did he get the answers he was looking for? Maybe not. But while I may not be able to get rid of his darker thoughts completely, it’s clear I’ve lightened his load. Pleased that he’s feeling better, I turn and walk towards the door to the apartment.

“Save us some breakfast?”

Theo chuckles, “Of course.”

With a nod, I look over at Kwil. “I want to practice using my power to defend myself to make sure I’m absolutely ready for anything we run into today,” Our eyes meet as Kwil turns all the way around to face me as I reach the door. “But I need some motivation. Care to be the big scary monster I have to defend myself from?”

Kwil crosses his arms over his chest with mocking suspicion, “What’s in it for me?”

I flash him a grin. Then the door is yanked open and I’m running. Over my shoulder I call, “Anything you want if you can catch me.”

Chapter29

KWIL

There’s a wordless exclamation of excitement going off in my head at the sight of Willow taking off.

“Oh, shit. Kwil, are you going to be ok—”

I’m already moving, forgetting about Theo’s existence just as easily as I’ve forgotten my own name in that moment. My mate wants me to chase her. Hunt her.Scareher. All in the name of practicing self-defense. How could I possibly say no?

We go. Now! The sinister voice in my head demands. An involuntary moan of desperation and delight slips past my lips as I leave our apartment. To my surprise, Willow has already disappeared out of sight.

She really wants to do this.

I go from walking fast to running after Willow, following her scent that weaves through the house. I take my time. The idea of dragging this out has my heart racing. I’m on the stairs when Willow’s giggles of excitement fade away as she flings open the front door and heads outside. I leap the rest of the stairs, charging outside after her.

Willow is out of sight as I step out into the morning light. But her scent is strong. Turning to the right, I make a move to give chase when Brock steps out of thin air, scythe in hand. Our eyes meet, and he blinks in surprise.

“Everything ok?” the reaper asks.

“Willow wants to practice using her powersagainstme this morning,” I tell him through clenched teeth as the monster inside of me roars to keep moving.

Brock’s brow raises.

“Cat and mouse games this early? Willow doesn’t strike me as morning person—"

I can’t stop my hand as I reach out and shove him to the side. There’s also no stopping the animalistic snarl that slips past my lips. My feet really begin to move as I realize how much distance is now between me and my mate.

“Sorry, Willow! I tried to slow him down!” Brock calls after me, his laughter following me.

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