Page 85 of Riot of Autumn

His hands move to grasp the back of my neck, and he pulls me close, his forehead touching mine. “I know, Cube. That doesn’t mean you should have to. You know they’re just jealous of you,” Ezra whispers against my lips.

I run my hands up his forearms and wrap my fingers around his wrists. “Jealous of what?”

“Jealous that I’ve been in love with you for all these years. They could never have me, but they know I would have been yours with one crook of your little finger.”

Ezra closes the small space between us and kisses me so soft and sweet it makes me forget where we’re at. Until the song Monster Mash starts playing.

That’s our cue to leave.

Ezra pulls back and steps to my side so we can both watch. The crowd swarms to the dance floor and uncorks hundreds of glittering confetti bombs. Along with the crown on the Duke’s head, they’re specifically spelled to trigger him. Right about now, he’ll be feeling a powerful urge to dance. And take off his clothes.

I walk backward as we head to our UTVs, watching while the Duke jumps off his throne with the gusto of a group of college girls hearingtheirsong at the club. He pushes through the crowd until he’s in the middle of the dance floor and starts stripping off the rest of his clothing.

“Let’s go, Cube.” Ezra chuckles as he tugs me along.

I give the crowd my back and sprint toward our vehicles. A warm band of magic glows in my chest, and I nearly trip over my own feet. It’s such a new and incredible feeling. I’ve only had a few hours to get used to feeling Ezra magic there, but I wonder if I ever will.

The Duke commanded us to bond at midnight. There’s just one problem. We’ve already bonded.

30

EZRA

SEVEN HOURS EARLIER

“Nice pants.” I grin at Ruby as I step out into Miri’s backyard.

Ruby’s wearing a pair of purple plaid pants with little zippers all over the legs. I want to unzip and dip my fingers into each one to touch her skin. Her shirt is a ribbed white tank top, and her purple polka dot bra is clearly visible underneath. She has one of Miri’s leather jackets thrown over the top.

It turned out that Zara had a much larger stash of Ruby’s clothes at Rhys’s place than she realized. Ruby was so excited I thought she might cry for a few seconds. Between that and what we were able to salvage from her place, she didn’t lose as much stuff as she originally thought.

Ruby’s been at Miri’s for most of the day, but I just left work and headed straight here. I know it’s only been hours since the last time I saw her, but fuck, I missed her. Ruby was already waiting outside in the backyard when I got here. The others are still inside. Honestly, I think they’re giving us a few minutes alone, which is surprisingly thoughtful of the group. It was probably Zara’s idea, and I’ll bet Archer argued against it because he’s a nosy fucker.

“Thanks. I feel like I’m back in my own skin.” Ruby straightens the collar of her jacket.

Miri’s backyard has had an overhaul since she moved into Wild Cottage. It was overgrown and full of weeds, but now it’s tidy with thoughtfully organized plants, wildflowers, and shrubs. The trees have lost most of their leaves, many of which litter the ground, creating a carpet of color at our feet. The sun is just starting to set, making the sky look like it’s on fire.

The smell of crisp fall air and slightly sweet damp earth can’t compete with Ruby’s citrus and berry scent. I cut across the paved patio to where Ruby is standing at the edge of the lawn. She moves without hesitation into my arms, squeezing me in a hug, just as tightly as I’m holding her. There’s a new trust between us, a comfort we’d always fought before. The tension is gone, and in its place is a natural peace. Our teasing hasn’t disappeared, but it’s more playful, less edged with the need to snap at each other because we were fighting what we wanted.

“How are you feeling about tonight?” I brush my hand over her head and down her hair. She’s left it loose and natural tonight, and she almost looks sweet.

“Excited. Terrified. Kind of hungry.”

“Maybe after we bond, you’ll get that sandwich superpower.”

“That’s just mean. You know it won’t happen. Why even bring it up?” Ruby groans, but she’s smiling, her words light.

“I tell you what. After we do this whole big thing, I’ll make you a sandwich.”

Ruby gazes up at me, her arms squeezing me tightly. “You know, that might be almost as good as having the superpower.”

“That sounds a lot like a compliment.”

Ruby lifts up on her toes and tips her head back. My head dips down automatically, and I give her the kiss she’s after. When she finally pulls back, her green eyes are bright. “I’m ready.”

“Me too.”

I turn around to go grab the others, only to find our friends huddled at the patio door, not even attempting to hide their spying.

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