Into the Fading Twilight (Starlight Grove, #2) (104)

But it wasn’t Reese.

It was my avenging angel. And I saw the same pissed-off fury on his face that I felt on mine. Kol scanned the sight in front of him. Wylder and Cora. Me. That fury went even more on alert. “What. Happened?”

“Reese,” I gritted out.

“He told them,” Wylder explained.

Kol swore, his gaze finding mine. “I wanted you to hear it from me.”

I understood that, but the weight shouldn’t have had to fall on his shoulders alone. Always the one to level me with a gut punch. “I’m glad it wasn’t you,” I said softly.

A look of hurt flashed on Kol’s face, but it quickly transformed into one of understanding. “Phoenix.”

I went to him then. His arms opened, and I fell against him. Those strong arms wrapped around me, and I knew the feeling of safety I only got with Kol. I trusted that I’d feel that safety all the time one day. That someday, I wouldn’t just feel free with Kol but everywhere and always.

His lips ghosted over my temple. “We’re going to figure this out.”

“I know.” Because there was no other way. “I’m going to keep fighting.”

“That’s my girl,” Kol whispered. “But we need to take some precautions.”

“Okay. But I’m not letting another monster win.” And that meant I would keep living. I was going to keep working. I was going to keep going to therapy. I was going to play princess warrior battle with Sky. I was going to game with Owen. I was going to have family dinners with the Archers.

Kol shifted, peering down at me. “Never alone, okay? Someone drives you to and from work. You’re not at the house alone. We’re careful.”

My brows pulled together. “You think whoever this is will come after me?” A shiver skated down my spine.

“You already got the necklace, the notes.”

That was a long way from trying to kill me. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Kol’s thumb stroked across my cheekbone. “A couple of possibilities. Copycat or someone inspired by the things Travis did.”

“Or?” I pressed, sensing there was more to the story.

Kol’s gaze flicked to where Cora and Wylder stood. Cora had pulled out of Wylder’s hold. Her arms were curled around herself now, as if she was trying to be her own comfort. I could see the battle in Wylder’s eyes. He wanted to go to her so badly, but he knew it had to be her choice.

Kol turned back to me, searching. “We never found Travis’s body.”

A jolt of lightning speared through me. Pain and panic. “No one’s looking for you. No one cares.” All that darkness.

Dizziness swept over me, but I fought it off. I fought it off, and I found Kol’s eyes. My light and dark. My safe place. “It could be him.” I said the words Kol wouldn’t.

I felt the battle for restraint surging in him, his struggle to keep his hold on me gentle. “I don’t know,” he growled. “But no one is going to hurt you, Phoenix. Never again.”





CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN


Kol




IWATCHED AS THEY PLAYED: SKYLAR, OWEN, BRAE, AND Nova. Their outfits were completely ridiculous, a mix of superhero fare, combat gear, princess costumes, and what I was pretty sure was a milking bucket for one of the goats that was currently being used as a helmet. Nova had even added a full ballgown to her repertoire.

But seeing them like this? It helped. It also made the idea of a monster hunting and killing women seem impossible. How could there be that kind of evil when there was this kind of light?

“I want to ask how you’re doing, but I know that’s a completely ridiculous question,” Dex said from his spot next to me on the deck steps, where he was sipping one of those energy drinks that likely corroded his insides.

Usually, on a day like today, where we could enjoy the last bit of fall warmth, we’d crack a beer. Not today. Neither of us. Because we needed to be on alert from now until this thing was over. Nothing would be consumed that could dull our senses.

“I love her,” I rasped. “I love her, and I don’t know how to keep her safe. That absolutely kills me.”

“We keep her safe together,” Dex vowed. And he’d already lived up to that promise. He’d spent the last two hours beefing up my security system and checking everything that was already in place.

“Thank you. For doing this. For being here.”

Dex clamped a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “You did the same for me. You walked with me in the darkness and helped me find the other side.”

“I’ll do it anytime you need me.”

“I know. And we’re damn lucky that we have that from all our brothers.”

Dex was right. Even though we each had different strengths and capacities, we all showed up. Even Orion.

As if I’d conjured him by thinking his name, our most surly brother rounded the house, carrying something.

“Is that a cake dish?” Dex asked, struggling to keep the laughter from his tone.

“Pretty sure it is,” I muttered.

“And he’s bringing it in person. One might almost think he likes Nova.”

Orion set it on the corner of the deck, beginning to sign. “For Nova. I’m working on a new map. Trying to find where he was keeping Heidi.”