29. CATALINA

TWENTY-NINE

catalina

I set the brown bag of medication on the passenger side as I settled in for the drive home. The pharmacy was fortunately quick when I placed my orders for albuterol. There couldn’t be too many inhalers around.

My engine groaned as I sped out of the parking lot, struggling more than usual to get up to speed. But after the slight grumble of the van, it settled. I eyed the freeway exit leading out of the city. I could make my escape now . . . or yesterday, or the day before that . . . but I’d put my plans on pause, running away could wait, right? I worried my lip.

As wrong as it was, I was addicted to how Jax and Asher dominated my body and I couldn’t stop thinking of the last two nights with them. They were always gone in the morning, leaving me to my guilty conscience and sated body.

Even if they did have someone tailing me while they were in deep slumber, I hadn’t even tried.

I pulled into my driveway and turned the key. The engine hissed as it shut off. I rubbed my palm along the dash. I muttered some appreciation at the inanimate object, then got out of the van and strode to the manor. Based off the purplish hue of the twilight sky darkening by the moment, they should be up.

Maybe we could have something longer between us. Obviously not forever, but the sensuous sex didn’t have to end. I wanted to bring it up to Asher, but I feared his response. Riding it out until he told me it was over sounded better. A coward’s way, but I was fine with that, especially since there had been no mention of what they would do with me now that they had confirmation that Calliope had Ren.

I eyed the upside-down bat knocker staring down at me as I walked inside. They never locked it. The door hardly snicked as I shut it and padded toward the living room.

“Do you know how many enemies you’ve made?” I jerked to a halt at the half-hissed words. Asher sounded so angry. I shuffled from foot to foot. Maybe I should sneak back out. It was obvious I’d walked in on some argument, and I didn’t want to get in the middle of it, but the other side of me was too curious.

“Me?” Jax scoffed. “Don’t leave yourself out of the count, brother. How many women have you fucked that belonged to someone else? That has caused us a good chunk of enemies. Then there’s all the fucking people Bastien and Ren have murdered. Tobias is screwed by association.” A brief pause. “We’re a Coven because we need each other. If we’re on our own, sure we could take out some fucks, but together we’re unstoppable. We all need to get ourselves straightened out before someone comes looking for us.”

Comes looking for them?

“If you two are done. We need to figure out what we’ll do if Calliope is holding an event at Saphire Estate?—”

“We’re not using Catalina.”

“Leave the human out of it.”

The twins snapped at the same time and butterflies went crazy in my stomach.

“I agree. The original plan was for her to go in as a blood-whore, but I don’t want her in danger.” They wanted Ren back, but instead, they protect me?

“Calliope knows the human is special.”

“Let’s just off her.”

“And have vampires worldwide turn against our Coven, Asher?” Tobias said, exasperated.

“Calliope won’t get near her.” Jax’s threat reached into my veins and spread warmth. Suddenly, they went silent. I cocked my head, scooting closer to the wall . . .

“I will go alone and attempt to talk sense into her. See if she’s willing to bargain.”

“Why are you sneaking around, human?” Jax snapped, interrupting Tobias. I worried my lip and steeled my spine as I straightened and rounded into the living room. I leaned against the entrance beam nonchalantly, three pairs of vampire eyes staring at me.

“I’ll do it,” I offered hesitantly.

Asher sprawled on the couch with his legs spread. He patted his lap and I couldn’t help but go to him. His hands slipped around my waist and he pressed a kiss to my cheek, and I sank close to him, savoring the feeling of his arms around me. The tension riding my shoulders since stepping out of my house to shop melted away.

“Let us continue our conversation at a later time,” Tobias said, as if I hadn’t spoken.

Jax nodded tightly, their attention fully on each other.

“I said I’d do it.”

“No,” Jax shouted, and I swear a vein popped in his forehead. “You will be protected.”

I gawked. Not expecting this reaction. My lips tightened and I huffed, crossing my arms. Asher ran his palm down the side of my waist but kept his lips sealed.

“Overreaction much?” I said under my breath. Asher’s chest moved on a silent laugh.

“Pet, you’re too precious to place in danger.”

“You guys already had me go once,” I retorted.

“Yes, and it was a mistake.” Asher brushed my hair back from my face and my stomach clenched. I licked my lips and wiggled closer to him. His dick was making its presence very known. “How was your day, Pet? Where did you go earlier?” They knew I’d left. Whoever kept an eye on me had them briefed as soon as they woke.

“I went to go get an inhaler refill.” And to call my brother without ears around. I didn’t want them knowing about Peter. Fortunately, he hadn’t gotten into any more trouble, so I wouldn’t need to sell my liver after already selling my soul to these vamps.

The money Jax had deposited to my account had all gone toward tuition and the car situation. I hadn’t heard a peep from them since, and I wouldn’t until the next bill was due.

Asher caressed my hair as I lulled against him. His lap was comfortable, and he made me feel especially safe. A yawn stretched my mouth. His touches made me a combination of sleepy and horny. And I shouldn’t be sleepy since I’d slept for most of the day, but I couldn’t help my eyes fluttering shut.

Asher massaged my neck and I groaned, rubbing my head against his chest. He chuckled.

I started this, so I might as well finish it, but I didn’t want to be an idiot by going by myself. If I went with one of them, at least I would have protection.