Page 83 of Midnight of Ashes
Easton’s pacing slowed, and he finally came to a stop. “Why do I feel like you’re telling me to grow some balls?”
I grinned. “Because I am.”
This time, Easton gave me a shove. “You’re such an ass.”
“No, I’m a good brother who’s going to give you the hard truth. If you want Hayden, you’re going to have to win her.”
42
HAYDEN
I skimmed my hands over the blouse I’d paired with jeans, checking my reflection for the tenth time. The bruises and split lip were completely gone. But I’d still have to be careful to hide my claiming marks until they faded into faint scars. The brands just looked like tattoos, so those would have an easy enough explanation at least.
Staring at myself in the mirror, I huffed out a breath. “Stop being such a chicken.”
I swallowed hard and turned away from my reflection. Making my way through my bedroom, I headed for the hallway. When I reached the top of the stairs, I could hear the faint strains of voices. My stomach flipped.
I hadn’t seen Cillian, Cáel, and Maddox since my attack. I knew they’d been dealing with…him. I was grateful for that, but I didn’t want them to look at me differently.
Squaring my shoulders, I descended the stairs and moved toward the dining room. The moment I stepped inside, all talking halted.
I hovered in the entryway for a moment. “Uh, hi.”
Cáel was on his feet in a flash, striding toward me. His gaze roamed, checking for any sign of injury. When he didn’t see any, he hauled me into his arms. “Little One,” he rasped.
I hugged him hard. “I’m okay. I promise.”
He buried his face in my neck, breathing me in. His body shuddered on the exhale.
I just held him for a minute, hoping that the contact would help. Finally, I pulled back a fraction, needing to see his face.
I lifted a hand, tracing it over his features. My fingers ghosted under his eyes, where there were dark smudges. “You didn’t sleep.”
Cáel gave a small shake of his head. “I needed to let my dragon out. Yesterday was…a lot for him. When he gets into those states, I need to fly until he’s exhausted.”
I frowned at him. “But now you’re exhausted, too.”
Cáel leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “I’ll be okay as long as I know you are.”
“I am.”
A throat cleared, and I found Cillian standing next to us. He, too, had dark circles under his eyes. I moved from Cáel’s hold and wrapped my arms around him.
Cillian engulfed me in his massive frame. “Are you really okay?”
I nodded against him. “But you aren’t.”
“Long few days,” he muttered.
More like weeks. I turned my head to press a kiss over his heart. “I’ve missed you.”
“You have no idea, Little Flame.”
Warmth spread through me at his words, and I burrowed deeper into his hold. “I’m right here whenever you need me.”
“Thank you,” he rasped.
We stood there for another few moments, just holding each other, Cáel’s heat at my back. When Cillian finally released me, I realized Maddox had joined our little group.
