Page 24 of Magic and Muffins

Hours later, I finally got Vena into bed. I thought I’d have to papoose her just to get her to stay still, but as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out.

Anchor poked his head in to check on us.

“Look,” I said, pointing to Vena. “She’s cute when she’s not crazy.”

He softly chuckled. “She’s cute even when she’s crazy.”

I shook my head at him, and he grinned before heading back out.

After sending a quick goodnight group message to Shepard and Cross, I settled into bed and hoped the protests would end soon.

* * *

Something touched my cheek,waking me. “Vena, I will break bones if that’s the lime juicer on my face.”

“Lime juicer?” Cross asked.

I opened my eyes to see his confused expression.

“When did you get home?”

“A couple of hours ago. Anchor took Vena to one of the guest rooms so you could sleep peacefully. She seemed extra clingy with you. So, about this lime juicer.”

I shook my head and wrapped my arms around his waist. “We do not speak of the juicer. Did the protesters finally leave?”

“No. They’re still there, and their numbers are growing, especially after Orphia released that second video.”

“Any leads on where she could be?”

He shook his head. “Not yet. But not for a lack of trying. Hugh has been a great help coordinating with the human authorities about the protests and working with Shepard to protect his people as they continue to search for nests. Vena already scried this morning and sent the new locations to Shepard.”

“How many new locations were there?”

“A few.”

“Did Shepard warn his people to watch for cameras?”

“He did. The girl's parents have joined the protesters and are demanding the wolf who killed their daughter be charged with murder.”

My heart ached for Shepard, and Cross saw it. He hugged me close and kissed my forehead.

“He’s not dealing with this alone,” Cross said. “He knows we’re both with him.”

I tipped my head back to meet Cross’ gaze. “I love you, Cross, and I want the world to know vampires aren’t all evil murderers. That they can be caring and generous and protective, too.”

His eyes grew darker with each word I said until the veins around his eyes spread to his cheeks. I brushed my fingers over them.

“Does it hurt when they do this?”

“No.”

“Are you going to wait until after I brush my teeth to kiss me?”

“I don’t want to, but I know how you feel about it.” He lifted his arm. “You have thirty seconds, Everly. You better run.”

With a laugh, I bolted from the bed. I had a mouthful of toothpaste foam when he suddenly appeared behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. His eyes were just as dark.

“Wait,” I said, hurrying to turn on the faucet. He gave me another few seconds to rinse and swish. Then he spun me around and set his forehead against mine.

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