Page 124 of The Hive Queen

Darius is silent on the drive back to the cabin, his expression thoughtful, and when we arrive, he helps haul Flint to his room and tuck him into bed.

As I shuffle around in the kitchen, getting water for Anny, he speaks up again, “What if I am happiest being here?”

I carefully set the bowl on the floor. “Then you should stay.”

When I straighten, Darius stands in front of me, the shadows of the kitchen hiding his expression. “You would like that?”

The darkness makes it easier to admit, “I missed you when you were gone. So did Pen.”

“I dared not hope anyone would come for me. I did not think I had the right to such dreams.” His hand touches my chest. “Where is your amulet?”

My heartbeat quickens beneath his palm. “I loaned it to Pen. She needed it more than I did.”

“It’s dangerous to be without it.” His hand moves to curl around the back of my neck. “Fire witches are so volatile.”

A melting sensation fills my body. “I don’t like the way it makes me feel constrained.”

“You need constraint. Your fire is growing inside.” He leans closer, his next words a temptation against my ear. “I could be that for you tonight.”

My pulse races. “You want back in my mind?”

“I don’t want to be alone.” His chest presses against mine. “Let me come home, just for the night. The world is too much right now.”

“Yes,” I breathe, closing my eyes as Darius’s body drifts away and his energy pushes into me, filling all the holes left by his absence.

He stretches through my limbs, finding the fire inside and curling around it like a cat in a sunspot, and contentment flows through us.I missed you, too, Marceau.

My legs tremble at the sensation of him inside me, and I lean against the counter for support.Don’t think this will be an everyday thing.

Amusement comes from him.I would never presume.

The warning is meant more for me than for him, and he knows it. After all those centuries of resenting his presence, it feels far too good to be sharing a body with him again.

I have a question, he purrs.

Sensing the trap, I ask,What?

If I am to stay here as an official member of the family, where will I sleep?

I push away from the counter and head for the hall.Don’t make me regret this.

It’s a valid question. There are four rooms and five bodies.He plays in my fire, sending it curling through my gut and into my hips.What bed will I sleep in?

My steps falter, and I brace a hand against the wall.If you keep doing that, I’ll kick you out and put you in the storage room in the garage.

No, you won’t,he says with far too much confidence.Let’s shower and then go to bed. It’s been too long since we shared a pillow.

It has, but that’s a confession I keep to myself.

meaningful sacrifice

- Pen -

“Don’t go!”Trent calls out. “The party is just getting started! It’s not even midnight!”

Laughing, I help support Sharpe on my way toward the door. “I’m just too old to keep up with you guys.”

Boos fill the room, but what did they expect would happen with the amount of alcohol they were pouring down Sharpe’s throat? They’ll be regretting their actions come tomorrow when he takes his hangover out on them.

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