Page 86 of The Bones of the Cursed

I strike a match and light the candle on the entryway table—and gasp at the figure looming in the dining room.

Clutching my chest, I glare at him. “Fuck. A little warning next time.”

Levi laughs. “Shit, I’m sorry, man. I just came in the back door. I heard you were back and wanted to see if you were all right. When no one answered, I panicked and picked the lock. Consider it a welfare check.”

Chuckling, I move to the kitchen sink to pour a glass of water for myself and my friend. “I’m back. I was so happy when Alanis told me you managed to get to safety.”

His smile is soft. “I ran to the castle. Figured it was the best bet for getting help. I was shocked when Alanis was one of the first people to greet me.”

His voice is gentle as he speaks of my sister.

He glances around, worry pinching his brow. “How’s Alanis? Is she all right?”

“She isn’t here,” I say.

His eyes flash back to mine. “Oh. Where is she?” His words are emotionless.

“Back at the castle with the others. I just came home to grab something.”

I’m not sure why, but Levi seems surprised at my words. Where exactly did he think Alanis was?

He slowly moves towards the door. “Right. Well, I’ll get out of your way. Just wanted to check in.”

I walk to him and he stares at me with unsure eyes.

Pulling him in for a hug, I slap him on the back. “I’m glad you’re alive, my friend.”

- MALAKAI -

By the time I wake up, it’s dark outside. I can smell a roast cooking somewhere downstairs, can hear the clatter of silverware. Dinner.

I get up and quickly rinse my face, then head to Alanis’s room, having every intention of moving her to my room permanently. I crack open the door, peeking in so I don’t wake her.

My heart lurches up my throat to see the bed empty.

I run to the dining hall so fast the world is a blur around me, and the sight before me makes my heart thunder in my chest but not in fear. Alanis sits next to my father, chatting and giggling. My mother and Kailu add in their two cents every once in a while. Everyone around the table laughs at a joke my father cracked. Hannah is framed on either side by Hendrix and Siveral.

Joy floods my veins. All the people I love and care for in one room.

“Come on, son, don’t just stand there.”

I give a smirk, settling into the chair next to my little firecracker. Her hand instantly seeks out mine. The minute my skin touches hers, an inferno starts in my veins. I lick my lips, wishing I could put them elsewhere on her body. Her eyes darken with lust.

Kailu coughs into his cup, no doubt scenting the arousal in the air, shooting a heated glance at Alanis.

Hendrix smirks. “Ooh, should we leave you three alone?”

“You know, everyone else ignored it like grown adults,” Kailu snaps.

Alanis looks confused, but Hendrix laughs. “Well, being an adult sounds like no fun.”

This dinner can’t end soon enough.

I lean over to Alanis. “You better eat. You’re going to need your energy for what I have planned.”

A low rumble sounds in Kailu’s chest, and I can see Alanis’s thighs clench beneath the table.

Her cheeks turn pink as she bites her lower lip.

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