Page 81 of Killer of the Bells
“I have a lot to learn, don’t I?”
Vale took my hand and kissed it. “There’s no rush. You have all the time in the world.”
“That’s still really weird for me,” I said. “How long does it take to get used to being immortal?”
Vale laughed darkly. “I’ll let you know when I find out.”
I stroked the space between Vale’s forehead to smooth out the frown lines. “We’ll find out together.” Then I glanced over to Wraith, who was examining us closely. “I’m part of together now, so you need to get used to me, got it?”
“I definitely like our husband, Vale.” Wraith flashed a smile that showed off more fangs than any humanoid had a right to.
“I never planned on having one husband, let alone two,” I teased back. “Maybe I should buy a book to find out how to take care of two husbands.”
“NO.” Vale dragged me away from Wraith. “It’s enough that I have to hear him say it, and that I have to deal with you being able to talk to him like it’s nothing, but if you start calling him your husband, I swear I’ll go on an indiscriminate killing spree.”
I was stunned. “I’ve been talking to Wraith?”
Holy shit. I hadn’t just been echoing back to him.
Vale sighed, and I heard him mutter something about stupid geniuses. “Yes, and I hate it.”
“Aw, you really love me a lot, don’t you?” I crooned. “I’m sorry, I’ll do my best not to tease you about it.”
Wraith said, “I promise to do my best to tease you about it every chance I get.”
Vale’s eyes burned with fury. “Don’t you dare?—”
It was too late. Wraith had vanished, and Vale’s threats died before they had a chance to land.
“So… ” I said. “That’s who we're tied to for life?”
Vale rubbed his forehead. “Unfortunately, yes.”
“I kind of like him.”
“He has that effect on people. Either that or they despise him.” Vale seemed uneasy with his statement, and I picked up on why immediately.
“I’ll help you take care of him, Vale. I see why you care about him. He’s special.”
“He’s annoying,” Vale said without heat.
“You’re going to tell me more about that wholeliterally gave his heart awaything. You can’t just drop that on someone and not follow up.”
“Later, my love. We still have at least one more surprise for you.”
That was when I was overcome with the need to kiss the stuffing out of Vale. He’s pretty tough, so it took a lot of kisses before I was satisfied I’d reached his stuffing.
Ok, ew, that metaphor didn’t work at all, but you know what I mean.
When we finally got to Vale’s big surprise, I saw that everyone in the collective was there, plus a few random crows, squirrels, deer, and a raccoon.
Paris has the best friends.
There was a huge bonfire, and everyone seemed to be roasting something on the fire. Baz ran up to me and said, “Damn, you’re glowing brighter than ever, Echo. Vale must have given it to you really good.” Then he handed me a wooden skewer with little marshmallow angels on it.
I took it tentatively, once again, a little worried things were about to get festive.
“We’re roasting angels, come join us!” Baz grabbed my arm and dragged me closer to the fire. “I like watching their little eyes melt.”
