Page 36 of The Stolen Throne

The sound of his laughter surrounds me, and the darkness closes in around me. I fall asleep with a smile on my face.

20

Trudging around my room, I debate if I should find Dax. He will be able to answer my questions about the book; it was in his library after all. But I don’t want to disturb him. I know the guys are in a war meeting and then they have training. It is why I will be staying in my room; that way no one needs to guard me, and they can train.

Groaning, I pull the book away from my chest and peer down at it. I want to ask why an apple is on the cover of a Spells and Curses book. It is an odd choice for a cover. My curiosity is getting the best of me.

Huffing out a sigh, I let my curiosity win. Marching to the door, I swing it open, only to find Branimir with his hand poised to knock. His wide eyes meet mine, and he lowers his hand. “Oh, um… I just wanted to tell you we are on our way out to train.”

Smiling, I nod. “Have fun.”

He smirks and leans forward, brushing his lips against mine briefly before stepping away with his usual bright pink cheeks. “I don’t believe training is supposed to be fun, Darling.”

Rolling my eyes, I amend, “Then have a horrible time.”

He chuckles and gives me a nod. “Will do.” He makes his way down the hall as Bene takes his place.

Pointing to the book in my hand, he smiles. “Don’t bury your nose into too many books without me, little bookworm.”

I’m a bit surprised to find the rest of the males patiently waiting while Bene and I talk. Are they all waiting to greet me before training? Nodding distractedly, I say, “I won’t.”

He presses a kiss to my forehead before pulling away and following Mir. Shaking my head with a smile on my face, I find Alair moving closer to take his place. “Do I get greeted by each of you before you leave?”

He shrugs and boops me on the nose. “Stay out of trouble. Unless you plan to invite me, Little Fox.”

Laughing, I say, “I’ll make sure to keep my ideas a secret till you return.”

His grin is wide as he starts to walk backward after the others. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Look where you’re going!” I call, but he just gives me a wink and turns around.

Asher gives me a big smooch on the cheek before following Alair. “Have fun today, Snow Bunny!”

“Be safe,” I yell back.

With a mock salute, he turns, running after Alair. I turn to find Rev standing in front of me in all his dark glory. Arching a brow, I ask, “Decided not to pop out of the shadows in greeting today?”

The corners of his lips twitch as he lifts a hand to caress my cheek. “Not today, Sunshine.”

I turn to press a kiss to his palm. “Then, I look forward to the rest of the day.”

He hums, pulling away. “Cheeky, Sunshine.”

I hold my free hand up and wiggle my fingers. “Spooky, Shadow.”

He grunts, and I swear it’s a laugh. I’ve never heard him laugh, so I’m counting it as a win. With one last shake of his head, I see the tilt of his lips as he heads in the direction of the others.

I point to Rev as I turn to Kas. “I made him laugh!”

Kas is wearing his typical scowl as he arches a brow. “Is that what you call a laugh?”

With narrowed eyes, I say, “Yes! When it comes to you and Rev, it’s hard to even get a smile. I’m counting it as a laugh.”

He takes a step forward, crossing his arms. “Where are you headed?”

“If you must know?—”

He interrupts, “I must.”

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