The Fae King's Dream (Between Dawn and Dusk #2) - Jamie Schlosser Page 0,90

It’s a damn miracle.”

I frown. “I realize fae fertility is a touchy subject. I’m just trying to survive to see next week and—”

With a sympathetic smile, Quinn stops me by placing her hand on mine. “I’m sorry. You’re completely right to feel the way you do. I’ve been here too long, I guess.” She lets out a light laugh. “I’m forgetting what it’s like to be human.”

“It’s okay.”

Why does she have to be so nice? I just stole from her and she’s making me feel guilty just by being a good person. In my defense, she took the syringes and needles from my hospital room in the first place. Plus, I’m sure she would’ve given them to me if I’d been able to ask.

“Ah, here’s your tonic.” She passes the new bottle to me. “If I had some form of birth control, I’d give it to you. Unfortunately, there isn’t a high demand for it here.”

I nod. “I understand.”

“And don’t worry about the survival issue. We’ve got your back, and if Zander stays with us, we’ll be even stronger.” Glancing at our men, she sighs wistfully. “The three kings working together. Finally. It’s a monumental event for Valora. All it took was a curse, a couple thousand years, and some human girls.”

After closing the lid and securing the latch, she sends me a grin as she hefts the loot up into her arms. I release a breath while she carries it to Zander. Discreetly patting my pocket, I feel the syringe.

Now all I need is Glow, but I have a feeling that’s going to be a lot more difficult to obtain.

Damon

“I want to like him, but he’s just so… cold,” I tell Whitley, hoping Zander doesn’t hear me talking about him.

He’s several horses ahead, and there are two wagons and a carriage between us to block noise.

“Hmm.” Whitley makes a sound of agreement.

“He never laughs at any of my jokes,” I go on, realizing I’m complaining about something unimportant. But damn it, I’m a funny guy, and Zander won’t even crack a smile.

“I get the feeling he doesn’t laugh at much. I wouldn’t take it personally if I were you.”

“You’re right. I’m amazing. Absolutely brilliant, some might say.”

I wait for Whitley to scoff at my arrogance, but she doesn’t.

I frown. Zander’s not the only forlorn one in our bunch. I’ve been getting sad waves from my mate for the past hour.

That just won’t do.

As I brush her hair to the side, I admire the way the light here shines off her strands. I observe the Dawn and Dusk sky, picking out a perfect match to her copper in the clash of hues where Day and Night meet in the middle.

It’s no mystery why everyone wants to come to this realm. It’s never too bright or completely dark. There’s a warm glow over the land, like a constant twilight. How could anyone be sad in such a setting?

I tuck some of Whitley’s locks behind her ear so I can whisper, “Why so melancholy?”

“We didn’t get to see Sterling,” she replies glumly. “I really wanted to get a look at the city.”

“You’re not the only one disappointed about that.”

When we docked, I spied gold-plated buildings, windows lined with jewels, and a tall clock tower in the town square. I wanted to explore and touch every shiny surface. I wanted to see my reflection in the grandeur.

But lingering wasn’t in the plan. Torius and Atlas arrived before we did, and they had a caravan ready and waiting.

Now we’re a good distance from the town, and we’ll be at Zander’s camp within the hour.

Whitley squeezes my thigh. “Sorry I’m being a Debbie downer. I know this trip hasn’t been great for you.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, my little carrot.” I nip at her neck. “Despite the dangers and tragedy, I’ve never been happier. And hey, at least you’ll get to see a warrior camp. Females are usually forbidden from entering.”

“About that. One of the first acts as queen when we get back to the Dream Realm will be to set up a training program for women.”

I’m impressed but not surprised. “Is that so?”

“Yes. What age do boys learn how to fight?”

“Young. As soon as we can hold a stick.”

“Then it’ll be the same for girls.”

“I like the way you take action.”

She shrugs. “Just doing what should be done.”

I couldn’t be prouder. One of Whitley’s best qualities is her get-shit-done attitude. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, to do something that would make most