Page 33 of The Call of Crimson
The inn sits on the eastern edge of town, its stone exterior modest but well-maintained.
“Wait here,” Ayden instructs, dismounting and heading inside.
We all dismount, seeing to the horses and unloading what supplies we need. I’m feeding Luna an apple when he reemerges several minutes later. He distributes keys to several people in our party, but stops when he gets to Aurelius and me.
“There was a bit of a mix-up with the inn.” He grins, not looking the least bit upset as he says, “All they had was one single and one double bed left.”
“Aurelius, you’ll take the single.” He holds the key out to Aurelius, who shoots him a menacing look.
I let out a low, unamused laugh, snatching the key from Ayden’s outstretched hand. “Not a chance, pretty boy.”
“You’re not sleeping alone, Princess.” Aurelius snatches it right back, holding it just above his head.
I step into his space, annoyed, reaching for the key he’s now holding high above my head. “Give me one good reason why not.”
He shares a look with his brother, a silent conversation seeming to take place between them.
“You scream at night,” Aurelius finally says.
“We need everyone well-rested,” Ayden adds. “And no one will get that if you’re keeping them up.”
I narrow my eyes. “So? What does not sleeping alone have to do with that?”
Ayden takes a deep breath. “I can keep your nightmares at bay. I have been for several nights now.”
“You—what?” I stutter.
“Before you get mad at him,” Aurelius cuts in, “I asked him to.”
“That’s not your job,” I snap.
“It took three sleepless nights for me to break down and ask him for help. It was that or sleep with you, myself. I figured that was what you would prefer.”
“As much as I hate to admit this,” Ayden says, “he’s telling the truth. The only times you stop screaming are when you’re with him… or if I pull you out of the dreams.”
I turn their words over, trying to figure out which was the better option. I both missed and enjoyed the nights spent sleeping next to Aurelius, but my emotions were a mess, and I couldn’t handle being that close to him again. His rough fucking earlier was primal, passionate, and a physical release I needed. But something felt infinitely more intimate about letting him sleep next to me again.
I cross my arms, looking between them. “I still don’t understand why I need to sleep with either of you. Ayden, you can just tuck me in, work your magic, and I’ll be fine through the night.”
They both look like they want to argue, but I don’t give them the chance. Using my shadows, I tug the key out of Aurelius’ hand, dropping it in my own. I grab my pack and leave to find my room.
I deposit my pack in my room, snickering at the thought of Aurelius and Ayden having to share one bed. While I didn’t want to sleep with either of them, part of me also just wanted to punish them for my own entertainment.
When I make it downstairs, the rest of our party has gathered around the tables, steaming food in front of them. My mouthwaters at the savory aroma. I haven’t eaten a substantial meal since breakfast, and I just now realize how hungry I really am. My stomach growls, alerting the others to that fact.
Ayden pulls out the chair beside him, and I sit. I reach for the bowl of shepherd’s pie in front of me, only to have my wrist slapped by Aurelius. He swaps our bowls. The one he had is completely deconstructed, with all the carrots picked out and pushed to the side.
Emotions war in my chest. I haven’t been able to look at carrots since his attempted murder, given their resemblance to the water hemlock that was used as poison. He can’t stand them either, but he took the time to remove them for me before starting on his own. I want to be angry with him, but he makes it so damn hard when he does things like this.
I meet his gaze, smiling softly. “Thank you.”
“Eat,” he grunts, already picking through his new bowl.
I resist the urge to groan as I take the first bite. Mutton, rich gravy, and potatoes delight my taste buds. I shovel several spoonfuls into my mouth, then wash them down with a swig of ale.
“I had no idea I was this hungry,” I mumble around another bite.
“Well,” Ayden says, smirking, “I’m sure you worked up an appetite after your little run in the woods.”
