Page 100 of Bite Marks & Broken Hearts

“And let me tell you,” Rory continued, crossing his arms, slumping further into the cushions. “They didnotbelieve my story about my pet ferret being sick.”

Kit’s exasperated sigh cut through the room. “I’ve told you before about this. A sick ferret is not a reasonable excuse for cancelling plans!”

“But poor Freddyissick! He’s literally dead!”

“Next time, just say you’ve got food poisoning like a normal person, and they might let you reschedule.”

Before the brothers could continue bickering, Felix appeared with a tray of steaming hot chocolate, its rich aroma filling the air as he set it on the table.

Then Priya bounded down the stairs, beelining straight for Flynn to launch herself at him. Her arms wrapped around him in a fierce embrace that made him stiffen momentarily. “We were so worried,” she mumbled into his hoodie.

Flynn’s hand came up to pat her back awkwardly. “I’m okay. Really.”

My jaw clenched at the lie. He was far from okay—the dark magic consuming him, my loss of control with his blood, being attacked and kidnapped. But watching Priya fuss over him stirred something warm in my chest. Flynn needed this—needed to know people cared about his well-being.

Felix hovered nearby, fingers twisting his hoodie hem. His gaze darted between Priya and Flynn, longing flashing across his face before he looked away.

Priya settled between Flynn and Rory, distributing mugs. Silence fell as five pairs of eyes turned to me, waiting. They expected analysis, tasks, security protocols…

But exhaustion lined every face. Dark circles under Felix’s eyes, Rory’s energy dimmed, Flynn nearly collapsing into his mug—an inevitable effect of serving as an impromptu blood bank.

I cleared my throat. “You’re all tired. We’ll pick this up first thing tomorrow morning.”

A collective sigh of relief rippled through the room. Bodies sank deeper into cushions, tension bleeding from shoulders.

My gaze drifted to Flynn, who’d buried his nose in his hot chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream clung to his upper lip, and my throat tightened. Our kiss had been everything I’d denied myself—passionate yet tender, igniting a fire that had smouldered for decades. In that moment, I’d felt truly alive, buzzing with want and need.

The urge to lean across and lick the whipped cream from his lip crashed through me with startling intensity. Before I could stop myself, I reached out, wiping it away with my thumb.

Flynn’s breath hitched. Our eyes locked, and the basement air grew thick. My thumb remained glued to his cheek. So easy to bring it to his mouth, for him to—

Rory’s loud, deliberate cough shattered the moment.

I jerked away, dropping my hand as if burned, then tried not to catch anyone’s eye as they drained their drinks. Thankfully, Priya, Felix and Rory soon said their goodbyes and headed for the bookcase.

Kit lingered in his seat, knowing I’d want to talk to him. When I took a step towards him, Flynn blocked me.

“Come sleep in my room.” Flynn’s eyes sparkled with a light I was about to dim.

I shifted my weight, guilt coiling in my gut. “I really don’t eversleepmuch, especially at this hour. Perhaps a few hours before dawn, but…” The words caught. How to explain that while nothing would please me more than to lie beside him all night, duty called? “I have work that requires my attention.”

No, Sebastián. Those were certainly not the right words.

His facefell, the sparkle extinguishing. The sight struck deeper than a wooden stake.

“However…” I stepped closer, dropping my volume. “I could come to your chambers later. You’ll wake to find me there.”

Flynn eyed me, a mix of hope and wariness crossing his features. “Promise?”

Promises were not something I made lightly—not after centuries of watching them shatter. “I promise I’ll try, Flynn.”

“Sorry.” He ducked his head, cheeks flushing. “I’m being—”

“No.” I caught his chin with my fingers, tilting his face up. “Don’t apologise. The fact you desire my presence in your bed at all…” I paused, searching for the right words. “It honours me more than you know.”

My gaze followed Flynn as he left the basement, watching until his silhouette disappeared up the stairs. Even then, my eyes lingered on the empty doorway, tracking the echo of his footsteps.

“So…” Kit settled into the armchair opposite me. “Do we… need to talk about this?”

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