Page 41 of Conquering the King of Storms

“Well, you’ve been trapped in an underwater cave and inhaling dead-monster-stench for ages,” Ivy teased.

Her lips tilted upward in a grudging smile. “Flood put it there to block the tunnel. It prevented almost all of the monsters from getting through.”

Huh.

That was actually kind of genius.

“So who were you, back on Earth?” I asked her. “If you’re comfortable sharing.”

She sighed. “I was about to apply for medical school. Had the damned applications filled out and everything, so I could submit them on the day they opened. You’ve got to apply ASAP for those schools.”

“Hot damn. You’re a genius, then?” Ivy whistled.

She rolled her eyes. “No. I’m just intrigued by how our bodies work, and willing to put in the time to learn the shit.”

“Out of our ex-human group, you’re the genius, though,” Ivy countered. “I was almost an artist. Harper was almost an elementary-school teacher. Margo was…” she glanced over at me. “I don’t think I ever asked Margo what she was.”

“You got roasted when we were rescuing her,” I reminded her.

“Right. Damn.” Ivy made a face.

“Margo was a librarian,” I explained. “It doesn’t seem to fit her personality when you first meet her, but after you hear the passion in her voice when she talks about books, you see it. Part of the reason she’s so pissed about getting brought here is because of the many incomplete book series she’s been waiting for closure on for so long.”

Ivy grinned. “I can see that.”

“So she’s not happy to be here? You both seem… happy.” Ayla glanced between the two of us, a little uncertain.

“Oh, I’m thrilled. Have you seen my mate? Pretty sure any woman would be happy getting that dick anytime they want,” Ivy teased.

I rolled my eyes. “Ivy’s happy because she and Earth life didn’t get along. She likes to draw and paint in a society that doesn’t put monetary value on most types of art. I’m somewhat happy and somewhat not, because being here is a fresh start. I needed that, but at the same time, it’s hard to adjust.” I lifted a shoulder lightly.

“I get that.” Ayla sounded tired. “I think I’m going to call it a night, if you guys don’t mind.”

“Of course not.” Ivy smiled at her. “You can sleep too if you want, Harper. I’m used to sleeping while hanging over my man’s shoulder at this point.”

I nodded. “I think I will.”

“Good night. I’ll let you know if anything creepy is coming our way.” She winked at me, and I shuddered a bit at the reminder of the monsters Sirus and I had seen on our way to everyone else.

I carefully made my way over the sharp rocks, and noticed Ayla settling down beside a sleeping Flood. He was between the other two men, and when she got comfortable next to him, her body not really touching his, it put her head only a few inches from Sirus’s.

The possessiveness that welled up in my abdomen nearly took my breath away.

She was close to him—too close to him.

What the hell was wrong with me? I didn’t own him, and he definitely didn’t own me. We weren’t a couple, even though our friendship was pretty much required considering our connection. If he wanted to lay next to her, that was fine.

My chest was getting tighter, though.

Panic was sort of welling up inside me.

What if he wanted her?

What if the two of them got together, and I had no one again? The other human girls would forget me, and—

I cut off those ridiculous thoughts.

I was panicking; that didn’t mean my feelings were correct.

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