Page 10 of Darkest Need

I wait for what he’ll say.

Under his breath, he whispered, “Christmas.”

My soul died inside my body. It was one of our favorite holidays. He had been cast out centuries ago, and all I wanted was to have my brother by my side. Instead, he’d been abandoned—even though he was the heir to the throne, given to my father by the Creator of all things.

“Mason!” I yelled, reaching for him.

He shook his head and walked away.

I have only two memories of this past: one where I see into it and witness what my parents did to save him—they gave him Fallen Angel blood to keep him alive. And the second…

Christmas.

Sometimes, I wonder why my nightmares always repeat. Other times, I know it’s probably because of my abilities.

When I asked my parents why I had the gift, they went completely silent.

I still don’t know why the question was a big deal. I have no clue. All I know is that I have something most werewolves don’t, and for whatever reason, it makes me a sort of outlier, even though I’m a prince.

“Hey.” Mason hits me in the arm. “Why do you look like you’re ready to cry?”

“Huh?” I feel like time just escaped me, as if I’m not myself. “Meh. Maybe it’s because a succubus took advantage of me sexually on my favorite couch. But whatever, I’m over it.”

Alex laughs and takes another sip of his beer. “Or were you on it, and she was on you? I just feel like we need to experience the whole seduction. God knows it’s my specialty.”

Cassius sighs. “It’s weird when an immortal’s immaturity goes in reverse. So very strange.”

Timber holds up his hand for a high five, and Cassius actually hits it.

“See,” I point out. “To me, that’s weird. Anubis and an angel, high-fiving. Like that’s not even remotely normal.”

Cassius frowns. “Aren’t high fives a way to show solidarity?”

“Yeah.” Ethan nods.

“Then…” He high-fives Timber again. “See what I did there? That’s called bonding, communication, and not making my job harder. Well done, God of the Underworld. You can sit at my table.”

Alex shakes his head. “Never thought I’d see the fucking day.”

“Because of all the sex?” Horus nods.

“Someone, anyone.” I raise my hand. “Take away his ability to be on social media. It’s really corrupting his old, old, soveryold…ancient, might I add? Mind.”

She returns on that note, staring between all of us, then plops down on a barstool. “Yeah, he’s probably dead. By the way, my name’s Lilith if you wanted to report it to the police, but a lot of good it would do since you guys are who you are.”

“Yeah, he’s probably dead.”

“Up top!” Alex raises his hand.

Horus leans into me. “Do we celebrate death now?”

“Shhhhhh.” I bat him away. “They’re bonding over the high five.”

Lilith nods, wipes her face again, and then looks around the table. “I have to say, I didn’t expect you guys to be like…normal.”

Ethan bursts out laughing, which is rare for him. “Oh, sorry. I thought that was a joke.”

“At least I understand sarcasm now.” Cassius laughs. “All right, so now that we’ve saved the world from the bad vampire and have a succubus, should we do a toast?”

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