There have been three missions we’ve gone on since Thanksgiving. All have come up empty. Tips that fizzle out, leaving nothing to find when we get there. It happens from time to time, or so I’m told. The beings out there who trade or sell paranormals are slippery. They know what they’re doing and how to cover their tracks.
This being we’re currently after, he’s not small-time. He’s someone who has slipped through the team’s grasp repeatedly. No name. No home base that we’ve found. Just tips that come in every so often, though they’re coming closer together lately. Almost like this being is toying with the team.
I’m downstairs in the game room, which is back to being what it was before Thanksgiving. Titus is trying to beat me in air hockey, but I keep using tiny bursts of magic to get the puck to go the way I want it to.
Titus picks up the puck and launches it at me. I duck while laughing. Titus doesn’t have a temper, so it takes some effort to get him angry. “I’m done playing with you,” he states.
“Come on, Uncle Titus. I won’t use my magic again.” I stand and grin.
“That’s a lie and you know it,” he grumbles as Camden comes into the room. His gaze bounces from Titus to me.
“Is he cheating again?” Cam asks Titus.
“Is that why you won’t play down here with him?
He chuckles. “Yeah, I learned my lesson.”
“I have, too. Though I think we should trick Dante.”
I tip my head back and laugh. It feels good to be this happy. I think it took Cam to unlock that part of me again. The same one that existed when both my parents were alive. The one that’s been dormant for some time now.
Cam walks over and puts his arms around me. I peer up at him. “I love hearing you laugh,” he tells me. “I think it’s my favorite sound.”
With my mind, I send him, “Even better than when I’m calling your name when we fool around?” Even though we haven’t sealed our bond yet, we still like to have fun together.
A shiver works its way through Cam’s body. “Don’t tease me or I’ll lay you out bare on the pool table.”
My body instantly responds to his words, wanting very much for him to do just that. Although, I’m not that bold. Maybe if we locked the door and no one could come in. There’s a little excitement at the thought but also a little fear of someone seeing us. I’m not as carefree as some of the others—most of the others—are when they fool around with their mates.
“You’re the one teasing me,” I say. I’m on fire for this male. Everything about him calls to me on a primal level.
“I’m out,” Titus calls.
Peering around Cam, I find Titus’ retreating back. “You sure you don’t want another match?”
He gives me the finger as he strides from the room. I laugh again. I love that male so much. I’m not sure I would have gotten through losing both of my parents if I hadn’t had him. And now I have Camden in my life. My light in the dark. The one who helped pull me from the deepest pit I’ve ever been in.
“You did that yourself,” he tells me, hearing my thoughts. “I was simply here holding out a hand when you were ready to emerge.”
“You’re not giving yourself enough credit. You came into my life at the perfect time. When I needed someone the most. I’m happy, Camden. So damn excited for what lies ahead for us.”
I expect him to smile but am given a frown. “I’m not sure I can be fully happy until things are settled with Caiden. For better or worse, I can’t rest well knowing he’s out there possibly building an army.”
Reaching up, I cup his cheek and brush my thumb over his skin, which is soft from shaving not long ago. “I’ll be here for you every step of the way. Whatever you need, whatever you want to do, I’ll support you.”
Cam leans forward and puts his forehead on mine. “I’m so lucky to have you in my life. I love you so much, Whit.” His words cause my breathing to falter and my heart to stutter.
“You love me?” I didn’t think I could be happier than I was but I am. So much more because of the words I never thought I’d hear from Camden. Words I didn’t