Page 40 of Winter Unleashed
“Succinct and to the point. Nicely done, Stella,” Liam said.
After we ate, Liam asked Isaac and Ciara to excuse the rest of us then turned to Philip and Stella. Philip’s reaction led me to believe he knew what was coming but let Liam speak.
“Ember and I are going to meet with Astrid. Celeste is trying to find her, and she should know. While we are there, we want to question Cybil to find out where Celeste is hiding. We need to use you as leverage. She’s going to think we won’t kill her for fear of killing you two as well.”
“Do what you must. Stella and I have discussed this already. We are prepared for whatever happens.”
My eyes were glued to Stella. She was sad but determined. Still, I couldn’t let this go without hearing what she had to say. “Stella, are you sure?” I asked.
She gave me a watery smile. “I am. These evil creatures won’t stop until they get what they want.”
What they wanted was Liam and me. We were sacrificing our friends to save ourselves.
“And I know what you’re thinking,” she continued. “This isn’t you throwing me and Philip under the bus to save yourself, that’s not what’s happening here. You can’t possibly join forces with Cybil or Celeste. By killing her, and possibly us, you’ll be saving countless lives.”
Tears blurred my vision as I moved to sit on her lap. “I don’t care if I’m crushing you, I need this,” I said, wrapping my arms around her neck. I buried my face in her long, light brown hair, taking in her sunshine and lavender scent. It was a rare display of affection from me. But I was getting over my discomfort with letting people get close to me. Stella and Liam had big roles in that transformation.
“I will pester Astrid into finding a way to keep you safe. I’ll annoy her so badly she’ll have to save you or kill me.”
We’d just gotten back to our friendship. I’d just gotten over her kidnapping me and the other shifters. I finally believed that she hadn’t been in control of her actions at the time, and now I could lose her forever. Astrid had to know of a way to save her and Philip. There had to be something in her quiver full of magic that could protect them. I mean, she hadcreatedme for crying out loud.
Stella’s arms moved to circle my waist. “And if she can’t, you will do what needs to be done.”
I pulled back to look her in the eyes. Her normally bright blue orbs were even brighter as she fought back her tears. “I love you, Stell.”
She brushed her lips against mine for a light kiss. “I love you too.” She kissed me once more, then smacked my ass. “Now, go. Do what you have to do. I mean it.”
Liam came up behind me. His hands rested on my shoulders. “Why don’t you two spend some time together? I’ll call Astrid and set up a meeting.”
I looked up at him. “Do it inside.” I was worried Celeste might hear if he called Astrid on the balcony as he usually did.
He leaned down to kiss me. “I will.”
We watched our men walk out of the dining room as they talked about whatever it was men talk about when they’re avoiding feelings. They were the same height but where Liam was brawny and athletic, Philip was slender but solid. Despite their differences they were both handsome and irresistible in their own ways.
“Em? I love you and all, but please stand up.”
I laughed. Much like Liam and Philip, Stella and I have different body types. She’s lithe and petite, and I’m athletic and curvy. I had about five inches and at least fifteen pounds on her.
“Sorry. Are your legs okay?” I asked grinning down at her.
“I’ll let you know once I can feel them again.” She laughed then sobered and took my hand. “I know the wheels are spinning like crazy in that brain of yours to find a way to save Philly and me. When it comes down to it, if there isn’t a way, don’t pussy out. Kill the bitch.”
“Wow. Tell me how you really feel.” I squeezed her hand. “When have you ever known me to pussy out?”
She grinned at me. “Have you told Liam you love him yet?”
I pulled my hand out of hers and crossed my arms over my chest. “Bite me,” I said then shook my head when she let her fangs slip out. “Oh, oops. I forgot who I’m talking to.”
She retracted her teeth and stuck her tongue out at me. “Seriously though. You need to tell him already. I mean it’s so obvious it’s stupid for you not to at this point.”
“Stell, I appreciate your bluntness, but I need to do it when I’m ready. I’ve grown some. I’m more affectionate. And I accept affection more freely than I ever have. So, back off and let me do things my way.”
“You’re right. You have grown.” She smiled. “It’s just… If you had seen him when you were gone… Oh Em, it broke my heart.”
I could only imagine what he’d felt after the bond broke and then I disappeared for three weeks. It must have been hell for him. If it had happened the other way around, I’d have been a mess.
“He loves you so much,” she added, and I locked up.