Page 9 of Fractured Souls
“You sure you don’t want to sleep before we land?”
I’d finished dressing and had moved on to my hair, the brush pausing in midair as I turned. Adriel was standing in the doorway, his brooding disposition back and in full swing.
“I’ll sleep at the hotel, something you need to do also,” I pointed out, resuming my brushing. The star elf offered a sharp nod but didn’t verbally agree. I had no idea what he was running on right now, but I had to assume it was magic. After all, the 6’3” elf, built like an Olympic swimmer, was the literal King of Nightmares.
Lots of power associated with that title, to say the least.
“I’ll probably sleep,” he agreed, “especially if we’re going into the Elven realm.”
“To your kingdom,” I clarified, meeting his gaze in the mirror. His moss colored eyes, speckled with amber, seemed to deepen in color. I think he liked the idea? I couldn’t completely tell, so I asked. “Excited?”
“Am I excited to show off my princess? Absolutely.”
I nearly fucking blushed at his words, wondering how I’d found this man so frustrating for so long…and now we were literally in love.Actually, I knew how that happened. I had always liked Adriel, even if he drove me crazy, and I wanted to tug on his long, pale braid.
I couldn’t exactly help myself with that one—the man was fascinating to look at. He literally looked like he’d leapt from the pages of a fantasy novel. Although I had a feeling he would never let that go if I told him that…
“Show me off.”Right. I didn’t think I was really ‘show off’ material.
“You don’t believe me?” he asked, his warm scent filling the air as he stepped closer, taking the brush from my hand and beginning to braid my hair with gentle fingers. The man had such a surprisingly soft side to him. I mean, he literally chased my bad dreams away while I slept. It made me emotional to even think about.
“It’s not that I don’t believe you,” I whispered, “just not used to being shown off for any positive reason. Any time I’m ‘shown off’ it’s so the media can paint me in whatever unflattering light they’ve decided on that day or because I’m a siren.”
“There are a million reasons I want my kingdom to know who their future queen is.” He brushed his lips against my shoulder in a gentle touch. “And each has to do with how amazing you are, Lorcan.”
Inhaling sharply, I turned into him and scowled, trying to not get ridiculously emotional. “Don’t you freakin’ dare.”
His lips pressed up. “What?”
“You’re being sweet,” I accused, narrowing my eyes. “Go back to being broody.”
“Can’t I be both?” He chuckled.
“No, it’s overwhelming,” I grumbled halfheartedly. Adriel chuckled again and quickly finished braiding my hair for me as I leaned back into him, savoring his touch. I loved being close to him, and I didn’t realize until now, in this quiet moment, just how busy we’d been while in the Demonic realm. It was a nice break to just be alone with my men.
“Food is ready!” Draven called out suddenly. Adriel made a pleased noise and led me into the main cabin. Almost immediately my nose picked up on the scent of food, but also Draven’s smoky scent.
My gaze ran over the man leaning against one of the leather jet seats, noting that the angel looked more casual than usual, his 6’6” frame dressed in black jeans and a comfortable sweater. His lilac eyes ran over me, and I melted a bit to see the smile that played on the edge of his lips. The man was so different than he’d been in Broken House—his once slicked back hair was a bit wild, and there was a lightness to his gaze that had only grown since he’d relinquished his throne to Tomas.
Like me, he’d literally been imprisoned by Black, but I think he’d also felt imprisoned by his role.
“Little lamb.” He swept me into his arms, and I melted into him as he kissed me gently. Pulling back, I stared up at him as he gently brushed a piece of hair from my face that had loosened from the braid. The others were talking and sitting down to eat, but I was more than happy to just stare at Draven like the obsessed fool I was. It’d be even better if his wings would pop out and wrap around me.
Although then there would be black glitter everywhere…which I would also love.
“You need to eat,” he said finally, nodding towards the plate next to his, though he didn’t seem to want to let me go either. We were split into two groups of four by the center aisle, Zander and Desmond already talking quietly in the seats across from the ones Draven indicated.. Sliding past Draven’s seat, I sat down across from Zander and didn’t hesitate to start eating, Draven making a pleased noise and sliding his hand over my leg. The touch had me shivering as I remembered how good his lips had felt on my body…
I stopped, my cheeks turning pink, as Zander’s throat produced a low rumble. I continued to eat, pretending like he hadn’t picked up on my desire, which would be obvious to him even if he couldn’t see specifics. Luckily, no one else seemed to notice so I just ate and listened to Desmond, Draven, and him talk about the Elven realm. Though I was honestly more focused on their dynamic than what they were talking about.
It was odd to think that the three of them had never known each other up until recently, especially since they talked like old friends. I could tell Zander was still a bit on edge though, the primordial siren’s gold gaze studying each reaction that went across their faces, seemingly gauging their true thoughts on the situation. I could have stared into his eyes forever, the rings of purple around the iris perfectly matching the purple streaks in his chocolate hair.
I had never understood what a powerful draw another siren could have for me, and while our magic was a bit awkward—and we were more than a bit awkward, trying to find our footing in all of this—I wanted Zander here.I wanted Zander.I mean, we had freakin’ kissed! That meant something, right?
Honestly, who the hell knew. I swear, sometimes it felt like the two of us were on exactly the same page and other times I felt flustered and insecure……although now that our magic was creating its own connection, it made it far easier for me to gauge his emotions.
That’s how I knew that even though he wasn’t looking at me, his attention was more than partially on me.
Deciding to be somewhat bold, I slid my foot against his under the table and stilled as he tensed. Not saying anything, he left his foot there and continued his explanation of something, my heart beating a million miles an hour—
