Page 35 of Shackled to the World
Annora bit her lip, not certain how to react. Most of the time Edgar was a possessive asshole who thought of her as his property to protect. But getting Loulou…this was more than just returning the ferret to her. He was trying to be considerate of her feelings.
As they entered the shower area, Annora cocked her head at her friend. “What did your Lionel say about you coming out today?”
She couldn’t imagine that he was pleased about it.
“Pshhh.” Loulou shrugged it away with a flap of her arm. “We’re not mated yet, and if he thinks he can tell me what to do after, he has another think coming.”
She was all attitude and sass, but Annora saw the way her face softened when she mentioned Lionel. Annora lifted a brow and thrust her thumb over her shoulder to indicate the door. “Is that why he followed us down the hall?”
Instead of refuting it, a broad smile crossed her face, pure joy lighting her up from the inside as she practically bounced on her feet. She clasped her hands together, bringing them up to her chest, and fluttered her lashes. “Isn’t he just the best?!?”
Annora snorted as the girl whirled away, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Loulou was so happy it filled her whole soul. Annora wanted that for her and the guys. She just wished it was as easy.
Then she kicked herself for the thought. Loulou and Lionel had fought hard for their love, and they deserved all the happiness they could get. Their life wouldn’t be an easy one, but their love for each other was strong enough to withstand anything.
As she stripped and stepped into the shower, Annora wasn’t sure if she was ready to call what she felt for the guys love. She was devoted to them, would do anything for them, but her emotions were too fragile and new to examine more closely.
Not yet, not until they were all safe.
As she walked out of the shower, she wasn’t surprised to find a subdued Loulou dressed and pacing restlessly, the bubbly personality that made up so much of her was gone.
“Loulou?”
“I know Logan is gone for now.” She stopped pacing then whirled and advanced on her, the rabbit’s expression fierce as she waved her finger in Annora’s face. “You call me if you need a good cry.” Then a wry smile came to her face. “Or if we need to go get coffee and plot a war party to retrieve your boy.”
Annora blinked away the tears before they could fall and rubbed at the heaviness in her chest. Taking a step forward, she engulfed the petite woman in a hug, nearly sobbing when Loulou hugged her back just as fiercely. “I will.”
Loulou sniffled, ducking her head and pulling away. “Well, you do that.”
Then she was gone, out the door faster than lightning.
No matter how determined Annora was to keep her distance from everyone when she first arrived at the university, she was glad she’d failed in such an epic fashion. Even with all the trouble that followed her, she couldn’t—didn’t want to—imagine her life without Loulou and the guys.
As she opened the door to leave, she nearly slammed into Xander. Freshly washed, his black hair hung into his face, the white tips stark against his tanned skin. Big and rugged, he made her want to snuggle up against him and forget her cares for a while. His teal eyes were sharp as he studied her, and she gave him a small smile. “I’m okay.”
“Liar.” His low voice was gruff, not letting her get away with anything. He looped his arm around her neck and pulled her close.
Annora sighed against his shoulder, allowing herself to relax against him, the fresh sea breeze scent he carried loosening her tongue. “Yeah, but I’m dealing with it.”
* * *
Xander stifled the rage that threatened to consume him, the piercing caw of his gryphon echoing his sentiments exactly. They both wanted to fight, maim, and kill anyone who would dare harm her. It was a physical ache to hold himself back.
But him losing his shit wouldn’t help her. If he thought he could sneak in and retrieve Logan for her, he would do it in a heartbeat.
Every one of the guys would.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t that simple.
No matter how well-trained, how deadly they were in battle, they couldn’t win against an army.
Annora frowned up at him, standing on her toes to try and see past him into the hallway. “Where are the others?”
Her question snapped him out of his funk, and he stepped back. As much as he might wish to keep her all to himself for the rest of the day, he had to content himself with a few stolen moments. “They’re waiting for us topside.”
“No doubt plotting our next step without me.” Annora winced and cast him a commiserating look. “Leaving you stuck babysitting.”
Xander didn’t even try to cover his snort. “More like I won the bet.”
