Page 86 of Lethal Souls
“No.” Korah steps between us, blocking my view of him. I push out of my chair. “Willow stays here. She needs to train.”
I step to the side to look at him. By the way his nostrils flare, I know he wants to go off on her.
We’re supposed to trust them, I remind him, even though I don’t fully believe those words myself. When he hears me, his face softens and he breathes in deep. Exhales.
“Fine,” he mutters.
“I’m coming with you, Caz.” Juniper meets at his side.
“And I’ll stay here with Willow.” Maeve stands next to me and takes my hand. I smile as she gives it a loving squeeze.
“Okay. Just give me a moment with her.” Caz strides past Korah, and when Maeve releases my hand, he takes it and guides me out of the grand room.
“Will you be okay?” he asks when we’ve stepped onto one of the balconies.
“I’ll be fine, Caz,” I assure him. “Please don’t worry.”
“Right. Yeah.” He sighs, raking his fingers through his hair. “I’ll try not to.”
“Are you sure we should do this?” I ask. “A war, Caz? So many people will get hurt. There has to be another way to take her down.”
“If there were a quicker way, Hassha and Korah would’ve told us,” he says. “All the pressure is on my shoulders. So many lives in my hands. Why did he have to choose me?”
“Because you were most worthy.”
“That’s bullshit, Willow, and you know it. I’m sure there were people reborn before me who were worthier.”
“Sure, there could’ve been, but he chose you. He saw something in you from the moment you were born and decided to activate that seed. If anyone can do it, it’s you, Caz. You’re strong. You fight so hard for everything you love. You’re loyal. Passionate. Sexy.”
At that, he huffs a laugh but still shakes his head, not wanting to fall into it. “Now I know you’re making things up.”
“I’m not. I’m telling you what I see, so just let all those good qualities guide you. Let your strength take over.” I take both his hands in mine. “Go with Hassha and do what you have to do. And when you’re done, come back to me.”
He nods, pressing his forehead to mine. “And if I fail?”
“You won’t,” I whisper.
“You have too much faith in me, Willow Woman.”
I laugh. “If my faith in you is what keeps you encouraged, so be it.” I stroke his chin, and the stubble grazes the pads of my fingers. “I’ll hold on to all the faith for you.”
He smiles as he pulls his head away. “Spending time with Korah doesn’t seem like it’ll be an enjoyable occasion for you, by the way.”
“Ugh. Yeah.” I roll my eyes. “She’s going to hate dealing with me.”
“Well, whatever you do, don’t go chopping your hands off with swords or shooting yourself with guns. I need you to stay safe.” He presses a warm hand to my tummy. “You and our baby.”
I smile up at him and can’t help rising on my toes to kiss his lips. They’re warm and soft. I moan as he does. When his arms circle my waist, I throw mine over his shoulders so our bodies fuse.
He cups my ass as his mouth parts and our tongues collide. I want so badly for this moment to last, for all the worries to fade, and for The Regals to go back into hiding so we can cling to the happiness we’ve created.
But, of course, our happiness never lasts.
Not right now.
Not until Selah is defeated.
I break the kiss first because I know Caz won’t walk away until I do. With one last peck on his cheek, I step back with a lengthy exhale.