A Crown Of Shadows And Secrets - Sloane Murphy Page 0,71

few souls here so I sneak behind and grab a bottle before ducking out back to where I left the guys.

They're sitting, quiet when I return. It's so strange for them to act this way, and I just hope it’s lingering effects from whatever Luna did to them rather than anything permanent. I sit down between Creek and Roman at the shaded table in the alcove, and open the bottle, taking a swig, hissing when I realize that my lip is cut as it stings against the glass bottle.

“What the fuck happened, princess?” Roman says, meeting my eyes and I place the bottle down in the middle of the table before launching into the story of what they missed, what Luna did to them, and how I got them back. They let me speak without interruption or question, but their faces are stony as I finish.

“So, now you're all caught up, and now we're here, yet another level, still no clue where Fallon is, but at least a little closer to reaching the queen.” I shrug and lean back in the chair, wincing as the aches and pains from that last fight make themselves aware.

“Are you okay?” Creek asks softly, noticing my wince and I smile at him.

“I'm fine. I'm just worried about you guys.”

I look up as a crack sounds and see that Levi has snapped the table top off in his bare hands. Apparently reduced strength still isn't that reduced. His power reaches me, as if he can't contain it. I stand and move to him, sitting in his lap. “I'm okay. We're all okay,” I whisper softly to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. I can see Roman’s eyes glowing, and I know he's trying to keep his wolf under wraps, but I focus back on Levi for the minute as Roman seems to be doing okay. Kain is deathly still, only Creek seems to be handling what I told him with any sort of reason.

“I'm going to rip her head from her body,” Levi growls.

“How the fuck did she have a Lycan?” Roman asks through gritted teeth and I shake my head. I place a hand on Levi's cheek and move his gaze to my own.

“That would just get you trapped. But we're all safe, we're okay, and we got out. That’s what matters,” I tell him, kissing him softly and he grips me tightly, devouring me with his kiss.

I'm breathless when he pulls back, but his power has pulled back, and he looks a little more himself, so I turn to Roman, not leaving Levi's lap with his iron grip around my waist.

“As for how she had a Lycan, I have no idea. He seemed... so lonely, but he seemed thankful to have the opportunity to finally escape her clutches,” I tell him softly, and he growls lowly.

“I cannot believe you fought for our freedom. That we let our guard down enough that she had the opportunity. We are meant to protect you, mon amour,” Kain says quietly, his eyes full of shame.

“No,” I tell him firmly. “We protect each other, I am not some precious thing that needs to be protected at all times.”

He looks up at me, and I can see him wrestling internally with it all, I can feel it through our bond. I reach for that path between us, and send my love and calm down it. Letting him feel just how okay I am. Letting him see I'm not broken.

“It could have been much worse,” I tell them all softly. “Hell, I've been through worse. We all have at some point I'm sure.” I don't want to downplay the violation they each suffered, but I also can't deal with them getting any more protective alpha asshole on me. Keeping the four of them from crossing the line of smotheringly protective is already somewhat of a challenge.

“We should focus on how we're going to get from here to the next level,” I say to them, though I'm really not looking forward to the next level. Lust.

At least here it seems pretty relaxed, despite the slavery of souls.

“We'll need to speak to the cat man,” Creek says cracking a smile, and the mood lightens again as they all laugh and I let out a relieved breath. I never thought I'd be thankful for a cat man.

I laugh with them and feel Levi relax some more beneath me.

“I guess that's our plan then? Just stroll up and ask him for passage?” Roman