A Crown Of Smoke And Ash - Sloane Murphy Page 0,16

those boys at a different time, you gave yourself up to try and make the world a better place. You showed each of them that not all of your kind is the same, and in doing so, you showed their factions that there could be more than the life they've known. While I can't speak for the Hunter boy, I can see the way he looks at you. To join with those he has thought for countless lives his deadliest enemies, for you, to try and overcome the prejudices bred into him. You're making the world a better place already Remy. Just like your mom knew you would.

She might not be here right now, in body, but she's with you. Every step you take, every choice you make. She's beside you, cheering you on, even when the decisions might break you, she's there to help you get back up.

So, take a minute, take a day if you need to, but then remember they love you, each in his own way, but you love, and have loved, each and every one of them. Even his grumpiness. You might not have dug down into it yet, but I've heard him talk about you Remy. Never doubt his feelings to be anything other than true."

Tears roll down my cheeks at her words, and she pats my hand. I had no idea. I try to speak, but the lump in my throat stops any sounds I try to make.

"I'm here if you need me okay?" I nod, and she stands before bending down to hug me." And if you want me to beat those boys’ asses, I'm on team Remy okay?"

I laugh as she smiles down at me before leaving the room. and let her words settle inside of me.

I lay down and let the tears fall, closing my eyes I start to drift off when I hear my door open and then click shut. A warm body lays behind me, and an arm wraps around me and holds me tight.

"It's okay, Angel. I got you." Levi's voice soothes me, and I fall into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Four

I wake the next morning still tucked in his arms, his leg thrown over mine, and where usually I'd feel trapped, today I just feel safe. I know he'd have fought the others to keep them away, and while I wouldn't have liked to have seen that, I'm glad it was him who came to me.

"Go back to sleep," he mutters, his voice thick with sleep.

"I don't sleep in too well," I tell him with a smile.

"You never have, but still, last night was a lot. I knew I shouldn't have let them come here. You've been so free the last few days. So much happier. Maybe happier than I've ever seen you. Just content to live in the bubble I created for you. While I know it wouldn't have lasted forever, there's no way to tie you down, and I wouldn't ever want to. I enjoyed seeing the weight lifted from you for a while. "

"I needed to see them. I can't avoid the outside world forever, much as I might have liked to for a while at least." I sigh. "Thank you, for creating this bubble for me. For giving me a spark of light back amongst the darkness."

"Always, Angel. Now sleep, it’s too god damn early. Even the sun has not risen." His voice rumbles against my ear and I sigh, closing my eyes, drifting off again, knowing that he'll keep everything else away for a while so I can rest.

Not long after, a knock at the door stirs us, and Everly’s voice filters through. "Your guests are getting restless, Levi. If they break anything, I won't be responsible for what happens."

I feel him laugh against me and shake his head. "That woman would give them a hiding over her knee without a second thought." I laugh at the image.

"We should probably get up," I say, and his arms tighten around me.

"Probably. But first, we should talk," he says before loosening his grip on me and letting me turn to face him.

"This thing between us. I won't push it. I know you have a lot going on, and obviously things are more than a little complicated this time around, but I've never had any issues sharing you, I have always known that I have your heart, and that you've had mine. Since the first time I saw you I knew. So, take your time,