Page 27 of The Last Aether

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Phoenix wrapped a towel around my shoulders. I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his pec. “I thought I was supposed to be the one comforting you.”

Arms closed around me as Phoenix pulled me to him. “You did.” His lips ghosted over my wet hair. “But you shouldn’t have risked being alone with me when I was in that state.”

“I trust you.”

Phoenix pulled back a fraction, sparks dancing in those dark eyes. “You shouldn’t. I lose control, Aura.”

I traced a design over his heart. “Not with me you don’t.”

“What do you think that just was?”

My lips pulled into a grin. “Fun?”

Phoenix let out a sound of exasperation and lifted me bridal style, towel and all. “You’re trouble, Pip.”

I kissed the bottom of his stubbled jaw. “But you like me that way.”

“That I do.”

Phoenix kept me cradled with one arm and opened the bathroom door with the other. He strode into his bedroom but came up short. Three pairs of eyes stared back at us. Each face wore a dumbstruck expression.

Phoenix arched a brow. “Coming for a sleepover?”

Kai’s jaw dropped, eyes jumping from me to Phoenix and back again. “You’re okay?”

I struggled to get free of Phoenix’s hold. “Everyone’s fine, right?”

He looked down at me, such warmth in his gaze. “A hell of a lot better than fine.”

“I brought you clothes,” Riven bit out, shoving a bundle into my arms.

“Uh, thanks.” I appreciated the gesture, but his words had sounded more like a command than a kindness. I stole a sidelong look at him as I moved towards the bathroom. A deep ache settled in my chest at the thought that Riven was so desperate to get me to cover up.

Walking into the bathroom, I shut the door softly behind me and leaned against the wood. I breathed deep, trying to clear the hurt, but it was a mistake. Riven’s scent clung to my clothes. That purest mountain air I’d come to know meant him. The ache in my chest turned to a burn as tears stung my eyes.

I couldn’t see a way through this complicated tangle of relationship ties and emotions. Muted voices drifted through the door and jerked me into motion. I set the clothes on the counter and got the worst of the wet out of my hair.

My fingers deftly wove through the strands, braiding it together and tying it off with the rubber band around my wrist. I’d pay for not drying it properly later, but I couldn’t be bothered. I reached for the bra and underwear and froze. They were brand new.

I ran my hand over the silky fabric. It was the softest thing I’d ever felt. And the soft lilac color was the perfect shade against my skin. That traitorous flicker of hope flared to life in my chest at the thought that Riven might’ve picked them out for me.

I bit the inside of my cheek until the tangy taste of blood filled my mouth. Hope was such a dangerous emotion when it came to Riven. I did my best to ignore the thoughts swirling in my mind about glacier eyes and pulled on the underwear and clothes. Riven’s scent swirled stronger around me, but I tried to ignore that too.

Glancing in the mirror, I studied my reflection. I barely recognized myself. Not because I looked physically different, but there was a change in whatever it was that lurked beneath the surface. As I stared at myself, my eyes flashed silver. I blinked, trying to clear my vision, and they were the normal gray again.

I shook my head and started for the door. Pulling it open, I stepped into Phoenix’s bedroom. All conversation halted. I sent a scowl in the guys’ direction. “Seriously? I haven’t earned knowing what you’re talking about yet?”

Kai’s lips twitched. “We’re in awe of you, Pip.”

Atlas strode towards me, hauling me up into his arms and cradling me to his chest. “You’re amazing. No one has ever been able to pull Phoenix back from one of those states. Usually, he just has to burn himself out.”

“I’m just glad we didn’t burn the house down,” I mumbled.

Kai chuckled. “Naw. We’ve got protections in place for that kind of thing.”

“Protections?”