Page 37 of Justice

“So then, our plans are what? Find out about the book, the source, and go from there?” I slowly chewed on a cracker as I thought of other avenues we could take.

“It appears so, though I don’t know where to begin to find out.” Then again, we never knew; it seems like the information found us in one way or another. I suspect it is the fates’ way.

“What did Justice think?” I reached for a cube of cheese and popped it in my mouth.

“Justice? You mean the prick who barely spares us a glance?” Sterling jumped in. “He’s said nothing, but I assume the sooner we are gone, the better. Just being here put his people in a shit ton of danger.”

The thought of separating from him stung. I don’t know why I thought he would want to join us, be a part of this, not when he had already missed sixty years of living. But I thought maybe . . . maybe he would learn to like me. I was branded to be his, after all. That part alone should bug me. I should hate to see the shifter’s mark permanently sealed onto my skin, but even though I knew I should despise it when I looked at it, I only got a thrill.

“So he wants us gone?” I tried to hide the disappointment in my voice, but a thread of it still seeped through.

“Yeah, babe,” Ellis sighed. “He may not have voiced it, but his actions say as much.”

I tried to hide how I felt about it. “Then we leave tomorrow night.”

I never wanted to be in a place where I wasn’t wanted, and if Justice didn’t want me, I wouldn’t force the issue. I had three men who did. And we had a house that was ours, one that was warded and perfect to be our operation center while we figured out our next move. Assuming we could figure it out.

Oak nodded once. “Tomorrow it is.”

“The Ipad that Ramsey gave you, did you start the search for the book there?”

Oak scratched the back of his neck while looking away. “I -ah, still haven’t figured out how to work it. I’m not the best with technology.”

“Old people usually aren’t.” I giggled. “Did you try giving it to Sterling? He’s a bit more savvy.”

Oak glared at his friend. “No, but I’ll do that.”

“It might be a perfect place to start in regards to the book, maybe find out the maker and talk to him.”

There was a knock on the door before the knob twisted and the the heavy sound of scrapping metal filled the air as it opened. Justice stepped into the room and looked around, his eyes falling on me and locking. “I felt you wake.”

Well, if that wasn’t creepy. Oak stepped in front of me. “She’s fine.”

“I would like a moment,” Justice spat, his voice more regal than the last time I heard it.

“No.” Oak’s large arms crossed in front of him, his stance stiffing.

I leaned forward, grabbing the back of Oak’s shirt. “It’s fine. He can’t hurt me, remember?”

“Physically, yes. But it’s clear that he isn’t above emotional abuse.”

“Oh, for fate's sake, I’m not going to hurt her,” Justice shot back. “I just wanted to talk to her. Alone.”

“I don’t think –” Oak tried again.

“It will be fine. Promise. You all would know if it wasn’t.” It was true, between Oak’s sensing my danger and Ellis sensing emotion, they had a front-row seat to my life for the next – forever. Maybe. If I lived that long.

Oak turned and leaned down, bracing both his hands on the arm of the chair. “If he does anything,” he kissed my nose, “anything at all that’s offensive,” he kissed my cheek, “call me, and I’ll be here.”

He leaned down and captured my lips, giving me a slow and leisurely kiss that I knew was more than just a kiss. It was a showing of ownership. A declaration that I was under his protection. If at any time Justice fucked up, Oak would have my back to rectify the situation. He pulled back, and both Sterling and Ellis kissed my cheek before they all strolled toward the door, making sure to give Justice a solid glare before the steel swung shut behind them.

Justice cleared his throat. “So, you’re awake.”

I sighed. “It’s clear that I am.”

“I mean, you’re well.”

“Again. It’s clear that I’m okay.” I rubbed my foot repeatedly on the rug, trying to get out nervous energy. “We are leaving tomorrow night. I thought you should know. I know keeping company of three –” I paused, “four vampires is a lot. And I’m sorry that we put your people in danger.”