A Crown Of Smoke And Ash - Sloane Murphy Page 0,11
it all made a difference regarding everything going on outside of this house right now? What if there’s something important that I’m missing? What if it made all the difference?
I gulp down the rest of my wine and decide to mull it over. I don’t have to make a decision yet.
Chapter Three
Monday rocks around faster than I could have imagined, and I’ve felt antsy all day. Even going for a run around the property this morning didn’t take the edge off. Though it did reinforce that even with my Hunter genes, I really need to keep myself in shape.
Knowing that Kain, Creek, and Roman will arrive here tonight, and with them comes the reality of life, my little bubble of relaxation and escapism gets popped.
Don’t get me wrong, I want them here, I miss all of them and I’m desperate to see each of them—the last few weeks have felt like forever. It feels as though pieces of me are missing, but at the same time, being here has been like living someone else’s life. Maybe the path not traveled. I imagine life with Jack wouldn’t have been quite like this, I’d have been stressed about school instead of monsters, factions, unknown weapons, and god knows what else, but maybe it would be less worry overall.
I shake my head and the thought away with it. While it would have been easier, I wouldn’t give up the knowledge I have now. I wouldn’t give up my guys, even Leviathan, pain in the ass that he is. My biggest regret is how things are with my family, but that is on them and their bigoted beliefs. At least it’s what I’m trying to convince myself. That I didn’t just blow up my whole life again.
Levi said they’d be here within the hour, so I’ve been pacing in my room, trying to calm my shit down, and obviously it’s going really well. I hear the sound of tires on gravel, my Hunter hearing tunes in with my anxiety levels, and I get a spike of excitement.
They’re here.
I leave my room and head to the sitting room, trying to keep from running, but it’s hard. Much as them being here bursts my bubble, I can’t wait to see them.
“Where is she?” Roman’s voice booms through the halls and I hear Everly scold him for his tone. I smirk as she appears in the hall that heads to the front of the house with Roman behind her.
“Princess,” he says on a loud sigh and strides across the room, picks me up, and kisses me like he couldn’t possibly stand another second without his lips on mine. He steals my breath, his arms practically crushing me, but I can’t find it in me to care as his kiss makes my toes curl. His kiss slows and he pulls away, but he doesn’t let go of me. I guess the others are coming separately, because I can’t see or hear anyone else.
“Glad to see you’re welcoming our guests, Angel.” Leviathan’s smooth voice makes me groan and I bury my face in Roman’s chest.
“Shut it, Angel boy,” Roman growls. “Oh, I’m a big bad Archangel, little Levi with his wings.”
I bite my lip so as not to laugh but I’m pretty sure my shoulders shake anyway.
“Now then boys, let’s play nice today, shall we? I do not want any broken furniture this time,” Everly scolds them, and I look up at her and blush. She smiles at me, absolutely no judgement in her eyes, and it warms my heart. I might not have known her long, but I love that woman fiercely as if she were family. She’s proven to me that it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known someone, you can love them even after a few days.
“Have you been okay, Princess?” Roman slips a finger beneath my chin and lifts my face to meet his eyes.
“I’m fine, Roman. Since Leviathan burst into the chambers, quite literally, and got me out of there, things have been good.” I shudder, trying not to think of the two weeks before my rescue.
“You might as well call me, Levi. You always have, and god knows these fuckers all will.” Levi raises his glass, filled with amber liquid, to his lips and swallows it in one sip.
“Yes, Levi and his Angel dramatics. Couldn’t let anyone else help get you out of there. Sneaky bastard kept everything to himself, and then barred us access from here until tonight. The others are on