Page 8 of Twisted Gift

“That’s what I’m here for.” He shifts on his feet. “I should let you get back to bed.”

I exhale a heavy sigh, the thought of falling asleep again making me uneasy. “What time is it?”

“Just after three,” he answers.

I look at him skeptically. “And you were coming to see me?”

He laughs. “Yeah, I was working at the pub after close and found some things I thought you might want, but it can wait. It’s late, and you’re upset.”

I wrap my arms around my waist, hugging myself as I stand there. “I don’t know what kind of stuff you did for Jules, but don’t think that you have to stick around. No offense, but I don’t really care what you do.”

His lips twitch. “Good to know. Jules owned the pub, but I managed it. He wasn’t around that often, but I spent most of my time there. Between working with him in a human capacity and at least attempting to work with him in his position as leader, I was kept quite busy.”

“Okay,” I say. “I’m not going to fire you or anything. I don’t know how the place works, anyway, so I could use you.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he assures me. “Hell, if you want me to hang out here, I’m down.” He winks. “I’m very good at warming beds.”

I choke on a laugh, and he frowns. “Now you’re offering yourself to me?”

He tilts his head to the side, those green eyes practically devouring me where I stand. “Confidantcan mean many things.”

“While your offer to warm my bed is appreciated, I’ll pass.” The only person I want in my bed is the man I walked away from. I fight to push the thought away.

“Huh,” he muses. “That’s a first.”

“Sorry to wound your ego,” I remark dryly.

He smirks. “It’s all good. Honestly, I could use a challenge. It’s getting too easy.” His playful arrogance makes me laugh, which is a welcome distraction after the night I’ve had. “Seriously, though,” his expression evens out, the playfulness gone from his eyes. “If you need anything, I’m around.” He must see something in my expression because he adds, “You might want to think about my offer before you dismiss it, gorgeous. While I don’t, there are many light fae who are questioning your leadership. Powerful families among the light are suspicious and watching you closely. You need to think about that, and you need to think about what you’re going to do about it.”

I frown, unable to slow the race of my pulse. “Thanks for not sugar coating it.”

“I don’t mean to be harsh. I do want to help you. Like I said, I’m here if you need me.”

Nodding, I say, “Thank you.”

“Goodnight, Aurora,” he says before leaving.

As I stare at the closed door, I wonder whether Nikolai is someone I can put my trust in, or whether he’ll betray me as Jules did.

3

It’s been two weeks since Nikolai pledged himself to me and offered to help with everything from feeding to bed warming. I’m still hesitant to let him—not warm my bed, I mean—help me with this transition of being fae. Each passing day is proof he’s right, though. I’m fading fast. Hell, getting through the day without collapsing is an effort.

That aside, today is good. It’s graduation day. Countless hours, unbearable stress, and gallons of coffee have led to this: ten seconds walking across a stage for a piece of paper validating the work I’ve put into my business degree.

Once I curl my hair, I apply heavier makeup than I’m used to, trying to make myself look as if I’m not fighting an internal supernatural battle. I don’t want to worry my parents. They just lost my brother; I can’t burden them with problems such as no longer being human.

I’m having lunch with them before the ceremony. They drove into Rockdale this morning, but I told them I wouldn’t be ready to see them until lunch, knowing it would be an effort to put myself together.

I walk out of the small three-piece bathroom and across the hall to my bedroom where I pull the dark red, semiformal dress off its hanger and slip it over my head. It falls just above my knees, and I pair it with plain black heels and a gold clutch. I’m going to be wearing a graduation gown over it during the ceremony anyway, but Allison told me I had to wear a dress for the after party we’re going to. Had it not been for her instruction, I wouldn’t have cared what I wore. As hard as I’ve worked for this day, I’ll be glad when it’s over.

My dad offered to pick me up, but I opted for meeting them at the Italian restaurant I suggested when Mom asked last week. I grab my clutch off the dresser bedside my bed and head for the door. Halfway across the room—the bigger of the two in our apartment—I start wobbling in my heels and frown at them against the worn hardwood floor. Taking a deep breath, I steady myself. Today isnotgoing to be ruined by my epically failing fae-ness. I won’t let it. I walk out the door, keeping my head high and my shoulders straight even as my muscles protest, weak with exhaustion. All I want to do is turn around and fall back into bed.

My parents are seated at a table on the patio of the restaurant. They wave and stand when I walk over, each of them giving me a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. We sit and glance over the menus while I try to mask my face into something pleasant. Unfortunately, the photos of pasta that would normally make my mouth water are making my stomach churn instead. It’s a sad moment; carbs are my favorite.

With a slow exhale, I take a moment to look around the cute space. I’ve never been here before. I’ll keep it in mind once I get my appetite back. The patio is enclosed with lattice, twinkling lights strung overhead. Letting the soft music soothe me, I peruse the chalkboard wine list mounted on the white brick exterior wall. I’m tempted to order one of each, but I doubt that would fly.

“We’re so proud of you, Aurora,” Mom says all of a sudden. I look over to see her eyes are glassy. Oh no, I hope she doesn’t start to cry. Not yet. I’m not prepared for this. “Adam would be, too.”

---