Kacie
The pounding of two sets of footsteps behind me had my heart rate doubling. I was screaming internally as I barreled down the hall. I knew I was trapped but still held onto the last shred of hope that I’d be able to get away. I never really had a chance. By the time I made it down the hall, Viktor’s arms wrapped tightly around me, and I was stopped up in a tight grip. Unable, to move my arms, I kicked out wildly, but of course, he didn’t budge. I was suspended above the ground.
Viktor’s chest expanded behind me as his laughter bounced off the walls. Foolishly, I looked to Jake for help, he didn’t move to help me. If anything, he was enjoying it as much as Viktor. Of course.
“You can run to the ends of the ear,” Viktor growled, his nose pressed against the mark on my neck, “but I’ll always catch you.” Jake was by Viktor’s side and he leaned in, kissing my nose.
“Running only turns us on even more,” Jake said as he wiggled his eyebrows.
“Hmph. You’re lucky I love you, or else I’d burn you,” I teased.
“I love you too,” Viktor growled.
“Gimme a kiss,” Jake puckered.
“If you guys put me down now, I’ll give you something,” I said as I smiled sweetly.
“I can tell by the murder in your eyes, you mean something painful,” Jake said.
When Viktor didn’t put me down, I huffed out a breath and resigned myself to my fate. I was carried downstairs, and as we passed pack members, I wanted to duck my head in shame but instead, held my head high. Even though I was dying inside because I was carried like a sack of potatoes.
“Before we sit down with Clara and her sisters I would like to say a few words.”
“Let’s hear ‘em,” Viktor said.
“I would like the two of you to be civil.”
“I’m always on my best behavior,” Viktor whispered in my ear causing goosebumps to break out. Jake stared ahead and didn’t glance at me. I knew he heard me but I needed him to agree. The last thing I wanted was for a fight to break out over breakfast.
“Jake.” “Yes, Luna?”
“Jake.”
“Yes, Kacie?” “Will you promise to behave today?” I asked.
Jake stops in his tracks and Viktor slows to a stop. Jake exhales deeply and exhales before turning to face me. His eyes search my face and I watch as he swallows slowly. He’s mulling over my request. When he doesn’t respond, I call him again.
“Jake?”
“I promise to try to behave,” Jake answers.
“Well, I guess that’s something,” I grumble.
I’ll leave it there today. All I can ask for is for Jake to try and work with me here. Jake continues walking and when Viktor doesn’t follow, hope rises in my chest. Is he going to put me down now?
Warm wet lips press into my mark and I can’t help but wriggle against Viktor’s stony front. A few more kisses and I’m a puddle of mush in his arms. His lips are gone and a dark chuckle breaks me out of my daze.
“Come on,” Jake said “There are too many people here for all that.”
My hopes of being put down are diminished as Viktor starts walking again and follows Jake. Viktor stepped into the kitchen and the look on the staff’s faces told me they were caught off guard as they greeted us.
I smiled awkwardly as Jake let them know we would be sharing meals with the witches and to hold off on serving food until they arrived. It was only when they assured us that wouldn’t be a problem that Viktor turned from them and walked toward our table.
After searching the room, I was glad to find that the witches hadn’t arrived yet. It saved me a small fraction of embarrassment. These two were having way too much fun with this and I made a note to get that back later.
Viktor came to a stop in front of our usual spots and placed me in my seat like a porcelain doll. I stuck my tongue out at him but it only made him dip down and capture my lips in a playful kiss. To my left, Jake made a sexual sound and I pushed Viktor back as I rolled my eyes.
As soon as Viktor sat in his seat, the door opened, and our heads turned. The witches had arrived. Nyx walked in, her bright red hair was braided down her back, and her smooth brown skin was radiant.
She was dressed in black leather pants and a long-sleeve white shirt. Nyx had an air about her. You could tell she was a kind soul but there was something about her that screamed danger. Her white eyes scanned the room before landing on me. A small smile spread across her lips as she headed in my direction.
Behind her, Jade walked in, and dare I say, she looked relaxed. Not once since their arrival had Jade looked this relaxed. I didn’t let myself wonder too much about how that came to be. Jade had black thigh-length boots and an extra-long turtle neck that fell two inches above her thigh.
Her gold bangles were on her wrist on the outsides of her sleeves and made a satisfying sound as they clinked together. Her violet eyes were drunk with satisfaction and a lazy smile grazed her lips. Jade had a long night. When we locked eyes, she didn’t smile but her eyes weren’t as cold as they usually were.
Nyx dipped her chin to me and glanced at Viktor before having a seat across from us. Jade made her way to the seat next to Nyx. Her hand gripped the seat as she winked at Jake before plopping down in her seat. Jake ignored Jade, his eyes focused on where they came from.