Page 45 of Just One Night
“That’s nice,” I say. “I’m going to hang with the girls. Unless you’re going to stop me from doing that?”
He’s off the bed in seconds, towering before me. “I want you to be happy,” he says, his features almost pouty. It’s really unfair when he looks like that. It makes me want to agree to anything. “Happy andsafe.”
“I know,” I say. “I’m not giving up,” I admit. “I just want to have some girl time.”
He grins, kissing me quickly before letting me go.
A few hours later, I’m on my second witchy cocktail Jocelyn has brewed up, lamenting about the trials of matehood.
“Ahh, vampiric sexual distraction,” Jocelyn says from where she lounges on the green chaise across the sitting room. Lyric isnext to her, Avianna, Annika, and Cassandra spread throughout the room too. “Such a nuisance, but apleasurableone.”
“Right?” It feels so good to vent, to be understood. “I’m not exactly complaining…”
“But you’re frustrated,” Lyric finishes for me.
“Yes, exactly. My plan will work.”
“I agree,” Cassandra says. “Doing things your way would certainly put us at an advantage.”
“But,” Annika says after taking a sip of her drink. “I can understand where Saint is coming from. You wouldn’t be happy if he was planning the same thing.”
I sigh. “But he is planning the same thing,” I argue. “Of course, I would never want him to be in harm’s way. But wearein harm’s way. All. The. Time. That’s the life of a hunter or a vampire or a supernatural in general. I don’t think it’s fair that the hunters and assassins get to go off on all the missions and risk their lives but we, as their mates, get no say in it.”
“We have a say,” Jocelyn counters. “Each of us has participated in one mission or another. Mate-sanctioned or not. Saint is being overprotective of you because of how early you are in your matehood.”
“And because of the specific situation,” Annika adds. “The way he found you. The fact that his twin turned you, tortured you. It’s complicated.”
“Hawke is always overprotective,” Avianna adds with a smile. “It doesn’t stop me from doing what I know in my heart is right. It didn’t stop me when Samuel had me fooled either.” Her smile fades.
I take a deep breath. “I know that. I really do. I just want to help. I want us all to catch a fuckingbreak.”
“I’m right there with you,” Lyric says, setting down her sparkling water and rubbing her hand over her belly. She’s not showing yet, but the fact that she’s with child likely propels hersupport too. “I don’t want our child to be born in the midst of this war.”
“This needs to end,” Avianna agrees.
“Samuel wants me not only because my vote could sway the court in his favor for the throne, but also because he really believes I’m his mate. I could make him believe that I think the same.” I shrug. “There’s no easier way to get him to a specific location than me luring him out.”
Avianna nods. “It really does make all the sense in the world. The males are being ridiculous not allowing you the proper resources to carry out this plan.”
My heart warms at her support.
“I agree,” Annika says. “It would be almost too easy, because you’re right. You offer Samuel what he wants most, the throne.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to explain to Saint and the others.”
“The others are deferring to Saint’s wishes because he’s your mate,” Lyric explains. “They have to remain loyal to each other.”
“I could probably sway Talon,” Cassandra offers with a sly grin. “Or at least delay him from stopping you.” She shrugs. “Sometimes my shifter likes to play with chains.”
“I don’t want to ask you to trick your mates.” I chuckle, smiling at her support. “I wish there was a better way.” I shake my head. “I might have to do this on my own.”
“Thereisa better way,” Jocelyn says.
Lyric sits up straighter, concern lining her features. “Oh, no,” she says. “I’ve seen that look before.”
Jocelyn grins, then winks at the queen.
“What’s a better way?” I ask, eyes darting between each of them.
