Page 41 of Deadmen's Queen

It was light by the time he finally let me sleep, but I still didn’t regret challenging him.

Chapter Fifteen

PAIGE

The train platform was cold and icy, and I was grateful for the heavy soled boots I’d chosen to wear over the rest of the footwear I’d packed for home. I’d spent a good chunk of Bast’s money on clothes I’d loved, not thinking that I’d have to go home for the holidays. Thankfully, Bast had stocked up on ridiculously expensive clothes before meeting me, with labels that would impress even my mother. They were beautiful, I had to admit. The soft brown Calvin Klein wool coat I wore fell to my ankles, and the cream cashmere scarf and hat were incredibly soft. Bast frowned at the poker straight hair that fell down over my shoulders and reached out to twirl a lock in his fingers.

“I miss the curls already,” he said, a softer look than normal on his face. Then it was gone, and his face was cold and impassive as ever.

“Do you have your ticket? Purse? Phone?”

“All in here,” I said, tapping the leather handbag I carried that probably cost the same as my dorm room rent for the month. “You really didn’t have to bring me, I could have just gotten a taxi to the station.”

"It's on our way," he replied.

Nate leaned against the wall behind us, arms crossed, silent as ever. He’d insisted on coming, even though I knew they were heading back to the house before heading home. Bast and Tristan were looking forward to spending time with their families, but I knew Nate was dreading it, just like me. The station's bustle flowed around us, people heading home for Christmas, just like me.

“Besides,” Bast added, his gaze never leaving mine, “I just feel better knowing you’re safely on the train.”

A shiver ran through me that had nothing to do with the mid December air. My stalker seemed to have gone quiet. There had been no more notes, or gifts since I’d moved in with the guys a couple of weeks ago.

“Train's coming,” Nate said.

“Text me when you get there,” Bast ordered.

“Will do, boss,” I said, smiling up at him.

“Good.”

A chill wind cut through my coat, biting into my skin. I glanced at the approaching train.

“You guys can go,” I said, my voice nearly lost in the din. “I'll be fine.”

Bast folded his arms, a dark silhouette against the greying evening. “We're staying,” he stated flatly. “Until you're on that train.”

“Really, it's not necessary—” I protested, but there was something final in his stance that made me stop.

“Paige,” Bast interrupted, and there was an edge to his voice that wasn't there before. “I need to see you get on that train. Safe.”

There was no arguing with him when he used that tone.

“Fine,” I conceded.

Nate pushed off from the wall and moved closer to me. “My father has a party every Christmas Eve. It’s quite a big event. Would you come?”

I looked up at him, a smile spreading across my face.

“Nate, are you asking me on a date?”

“I’ll be there too,” said Bast. “And Tristan. It’s a Syndicate party. Carver holds it every year at his estate. Nate, are you sure you want her-”

“Yes,” he said, looking down at me. “Will your mother let you come?”

“I have a feeling she might,” I said, trying not to wince at the thought of the delight on her face when I told her I’d be going to a party at Lord Carver’s estate with his son. “I’m not sure I have anything appropriate to wear though.”

“If you’re sure, I’ll send you something,” said Bast. “Nate can help me pick it out.” He grinned at his stoic friend who gave him a glare right back. Bast smiled down at me. “I’ll send a car for you. The estate is only about an hour from you.”

“That would be amazing,” I said, and I meant it. Facing an entire three weeks without seeing any of them had made me feel very down as the holidays had gotten closer. The idea that I would see them again in a week made me feel better already, and I smiled up at both of them as the train pulled to a stop behind us.