Even with exhaustion taking me over and sleep so close, I smiled at their banter.
“Cease your blabbing and help me undress him.”
One of them removed my boots while the other peeled off my shirt, then my pants. Once I was stripped to my boxers, they tucked the blanket in around me and held me close. A kiss was placed to my jaw as another set of lips trailed across my temple.
I was in that place between awake and asleep, somewhat aware of my surroundings but sinking deeper into unconsciousness.
“Briar?” Maddox softly asked.
“Yes?”
“We were acquainted for years but never once felt anything for each other until Evan came into our lives. He’s extraordinary.”
“He is,” Briar said. “I can’t imagine a life without him.”
“Neither can I.” Maddox shifted his weight, pressing his big, muscled body against mine. I loved how he made me feel so small. “I love him so deeply it frightens me.”
“Another thing we have in common, Captain,” Briar responded. “But we’re not the only ones who feel this way about him.”
“The wolf.”
Was he talking about Lake? I had last seen him during the Festival of Lights. He’d stood a short distance away, partially concealed beneath a thick canopy of trees as he watched the lanterns float up into the night sky, a touch of sadness in his expression. He’d been there and gone so fast.
“Yes,” Briar answered. “I sensed him earlier. In the trees behind the cottage. He was watching Evan.”
“With your magic, you can detect energies, correct?” Maddox asked. “Sense the good and bad in people?”
“Somewhat.” Briar’s fingertips trailed to my jaw. “I can mostly sense dark energy and magic.”
Maddox’s arm tightened around me, and he released a soft, shuddering breath. “Do you think the wolf intends to hurt him?”
“No,” Briar answered. “Our Evan has captured his interest is all.”
“He’s too endearing for his own good,” Maddox muttered. “My knights are smitten with him too, though they’d never cross that line out of respect for me.”
Whatever they discussed after that, I fell asleep before I could hear.
I dreamed of a male with silver hair and purple eyes. One who peered up at a sky filled with glowing lanterns and who looked so damn lonely my chest ached.
***
I awoke alone the next morning. The sheets still smelled like Briar and Maddox, as did their pillows as I rolled over to my stomach and shoved my face into them.
Something crinkled under my nose, and I puffed out a breath as I jerked back. It was a note, the handwriting elegant with long swooping letters.
Good morning, love.
We woke early to return to the castle. Maddox says a new recruitment of knights are arriving, so he needs to be there to meet them. And I need to be at the clinic, since Thane took the day off to visit his family.
Maddox tried to wake you before we left, but you swatted at him and asked for “five more minutes.” Which was highly amusing and adorable all at once. So we decided to let you sleep in.
I hope you have a wonderful day. Work hard but remember to rest when needed. We’ll return at sundown.
All my love, Briar
Also, make sure you eat breakfast.
“As if I need a reminder to eat.” I scooted toward the edge of the bed, the note still in my hand. I placed it face down on the nightstand and stood up, stretching my arms as I yawned. “Cookies and coffee, here I come.”
