Page 110 of Tainted Gifts
"You should know, you're the reason it's over."
"Me? Why?" I ask, feeling confused.
He bends over in his chair to scoop up a pile of ashes. "These same hounds shredded through their armies near the border. They were picked apart - gifted, ungifted, full blood... everyone. You destroyed the majority of these beasts by yourself. Do you really think the Unaligned wish to continue a war against a side that has this sort of power?"
For the first time ever, I feel like a real threat. I really hope I can live up to the hype.
"And their hybrids? What happens to them?"
"They go free," Jase says while walking out, apparently overhearing our hushed conversation. "Their blood farms will close, which will free their humans who will more than likely defect to live here. The hybrids will be released from servitude, and they'll live just as we do. I spoke with a man who isn't the tyrant who was running the show. They killed their leader when he said he wasn't scared of a hybrid - meaning you. I suppose word travels fast.
"The rest of the Unaligned decided they weren't ready to become a pile of ash, so they rose against him. They're free. The war is over. Now we have one problem to deal with."
Two, Jase. The Scorpions and the big bad bitch blowing shit up.
He nods, realizing he misspoke, but he doesn't correct himself aloud. Captain Fricks stands and salutes Jase before dismissing himself in his usual classy fashion. Jase sits beside me, soaking in the win as champagne spews free from bottles all over.
"We'll deal with it, babe. Let's enjoy the night."
I smile, blanketing my mind once more, and his eyebrow cocks up, reading nothing but silence.
"What are you up to?"
"Let's go back to the room. It looks like everyone's taking the night off. We should get to as well, birthday boy."
His smile spreads, and he pulls me up from the chair before lacing our fingers together. We pass through the wild crowd as they roar out their cheers, their excitement, and their relief.
He doesn't know what else I mapped out for today. I'm just glad we get to enjoy it.
The door opens to the room, and the candles glow around a table that has been set up. Jase smirks when he sees the small chocolate cake in the center of the table.
"You really did get me a cake for my birthday."
I smile, and then I follow him to the cake and the several candles lining it. "I couldn't fit all the candles you needed on there, so I just covered it the best I could," I tease.
"Let's not play the age game. Keep in mind you were the first hybrid child born from actual hybrids. That makes you older."
Well that backfired.
He chuckles when he overhears my little retort, and then he blows out the candles, playfully closing his eyes as if he's making a wish. I smile when he hands me a piece he's cut, and then we just sit there, enjoying the peace of the soundproof room as the chaotic celebration is blocked out.
"When do I get to meet your parents?" I ask curiously while tasting the velvety soft texture of the most delicious cake I've ever eaten.
Definitely digging the bakery here.
"As soon as possible. They both want to meet you. It's just a matter of timing our meeting. They can be together now... no more lies or secrets for fear of someone finding out the truth. They're eager to meet you and your mother, since she sort of made it happen, and then you saved my life. You'll definitely be a very welcomed daughter-in-law."
Mmm. Daughter-in-law. I'm getting married.
"Yes you are," he murmurs with his sweet grin while pulling me up from the chair.
"Should we join the celebration?" I ask while kissing his chest through his shirt.
His fingers slide through my hair as he strums the strands, and then his soft, luscious lips find my forehead. Without a second of hesitation, he pulls my shirt over my head, revealing my body to him in full.
His eyes rake over me as he breathes a little heavier, and I stand there fearlessly, letting him take me in because I belong to him. He smirks as he pulls me to him, making my legs wrap around his waist when he picks me up. The seduction he uses when he speaks gives me chills and tingles all throughout.
"Let's have our own celebration."
