Page 97 of The Bones of the Cursed

“I placed fresh human blood around the tree it ripped out.” At her questioning stare, I clarify, “I stole it from a healer.”

“What? You told me you didn’t!” Kailu argues.

I smirk, dropping my gaze to my hands. “I also spent hours digging a hole to create a pitfall trap. The ground completely caved in, the beast falling onto the spikes I had laid below. Then I used my powers to surround it in flames. Qilik are sensitive to heat. That thing’s shrill screams still haunt my dreams.”

She chuckles, shaking her head at me. “You’re insane. Whydid you tell Kailu you didn’t?”

I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear, opening my mouth, then pause to look at Kailu. It’s as much his story to tell as my own, and surely, he remembers the night in question. He just gives me a sad smile, permission granted.

“Kailu was in love with my sister,” I say. “He made this dare when he was drunk, the same day Ayda found her true mate. Kailu had always hoped it would be him, but that isn’t what the Fates had planned. He was in a bad way, worse than me. I was just angry and confused as to what the hell I was doing with my life. He was wondering what was left to live for, and I knew he would enjoy making fun of me for not being able to complete the dare. That it would bring him enjoyment to pick at me.” I look to Kailu, who stares at me blankly. “So, I never told you.”

Alanis cups his face in her hands, brushing her thumbs over his cheeks.

Kailu swallows. “Then with you…It was like ripping the bandage off a wound that had barely healed.” His voice breaks, and Alanis kisses him softly.

“Why hadn’t you seen each other for a while?” she asks, resting their foreheads together.

Kailu clears his throat. “When Ayda finally married, I could hardly bear to see any of her family. I felt betrayed because they accepted her mate so easily, even though my heart was shattered. I knew mates were meant to be together, I just didn’t want to accept it. I went home for a while. Mal tried reaching out, but I always ignored him. I admit I was a shit friend, too consumed with my own grief. Mal left to visit Ayda’s new home after the wedding and I just felt abandoned. My…my trauma from my father has shaped me to be the exact opposite of what he ever wanted. I might come across as emotionless, but as you have found out, I am not.”

She takes his hand, bringing it to her lips. “Thank you fortelling me. You are still a pain in the ass.”

Kailu snorts. “Obviously.”

It grows silent, all of us feeling the truth wash over us. “We can’t lose you,” I tell her, my voice breaking on each word.

“I love you both,” she says. “We will continue to try to find another way, no matter what Viros thinks. But if it’s the only option, my life for thousands just makes sense.”

I grasp her face, kissing her fiercely, tasting the salt of my tears mix with the sweetness of her lips. “I will not live in this world without you. I’m going wherever you go.”

She shakes her head vehemently, but before she can argue, Kailu kisses her hard, sliding his tongue into her mouth, his head colliding with mine from how close we sit. She shifts, straddling one of his legs, and I slip my hands into her breeches, feeling her wetness coating her inner thighs. Her moan spurs me on.

“Take me to bed,” she gasps.

Kailu picks her up, throwing her over his shoulder. I slap her ass playfully, laughing when she squeals. Who am I to deny my mate an orgasm or five?

She may not like it, but my mind is set.

When she leaves this world, so will I.

- KAILU -

Malakai and I took turns bringing Alanis extreme amounts of pleasure for hours. After her sixth orgasm she finally tapped out, her body shaking with aftershocks. I may not have claimed her yet, but her taste is imprinted on my tongue.

Malakai finds me later as I pace the library, books thrown everywhere. I refuse to let Alanis fulfill some prophecy meant to kill her. He stops in the doorway to stare at the mess I made,sorrow etched on every line of his face.

“Don’t,” I snap.

His tired eyes find mine. “What—”

I cut him off. “You know exactly what. You have that look, the one that says you’re giving up.”

Malakai releases a breath. “I’m not giving up, but I need you to know that I have no plans on staying here if she is gone.”

Anger courses through me. “So what? You’re just going to leave me, too? You’re both just going to, what…?” My voice cracks. “Leave me here?”

At the burn behind my eyes, I lower them to the floor. I must not show weakness. But Malakai knows me. He has known me since we were children. His rough hands pull me into his chest. The second his arms fold around me, I break.

“We can’t lose her, Mal. I can’t lose you. Not again.”

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